7 Ways to Learn English Effectively for Beginners

English is an international language that can be used in most countries around the world. This means that learning English is one of the best ways to get to know the diversity of the world more quickly and effectively. Apart from that, English also makes it easier for you to understand and know various things. 

Unfortunately, when starting to learn English, quite a few people give up halfway. It's true, learning a foreign language is never an easy thing, especially since you have to memorize many new words that are still foreign to your ears.

Interestingly, you don't actually need to know all the English vocabulary listed in the dictionary. The reason is, in relation to English, only around 300 vocabulary words are used which include daily writing and reading. So, actually English is not difficult to learn, really this is 7 Ways to Learn English Effectively for Beginners.

Easy Ways to Learn English for Beginners

Of course, apart from mastering vocabulary, you also need to learn grammar in English. Sounds complicated and difficult, right? Actually, that's not the case, really. There are many effective ways to learn English for beginners that you can do yourself at home. Here are some of them:

1. Determine the Goal

The first thing you have to do before starting to learn English is determine the goals you want to achieve. Definite and clear goals make you more enthusiastic and motivated in learning. Not only that, you will also become more consistent and focused when studying.

For example, you intend to study English because you want to continue your education abroad on a scholarship. It could also be that you want to be able to pass the selection to enter your favorite well-known university, or the company that is your dream of continuing your career. So, make sure you have a clear goal, OK!

2. Reading English Books

After successfully determining the goals you want to achieve, you can start the learning process. The easiest way to learn English for beginners is through books. Start by reading English books made for children.

Not without reason, children's books are usually dominated by attractive pictures and use basic words and grammar which are often used in conversations and daily activities. If you have started to master basic grammar, start reading books that are a little more difficult in level, it could be short stories or novels.

3. Listening to songs

Apart from reading books, you can also learn English by listening to English songs. Maybe, you don't realize that when you listen to a song over and over again, you will start to memorize the lyrics. 

In fact, listening to songs is the easiest way to teach language to children, you know! Try choosing a song from your favorite singer or music group. Listen to it repeatedly and try to write the lyrics. Don't forget, read and learn the meaning of the song lyrics you wrote earlier to increase your vocabulary.

4. Watching Movies

Next, learn English through films. This method has also been used by many beginners. Did you know that often watching English language films, especially without translation or subtitles, can make you communicate or speak more naturally?

You can use many media, for example Netflix or YouTube channels. If you're having trouble, start by selecting the English translation. Write down words that sound unfamiliar, then look for the meaning of the word. Then, you can start practicing watching without the help of subtitles.

5. Listen to Podcasts

Entering the digital era that is as sophisticated and rapidly developing as it is now, podcasts have become a channel that is increasingly popular among teenagers and productive young adults. Starting from sports, personal psychology, horror stories, parenting, comedy, you can also listen to other people's stories while doing many other activities. 

Maybe, listening to a podcast is similar to listening to the radio. The difference is, you won't find interlude songs when listening to podcasts. Well, apart from podcasts in Indonesian, there's no harm in listening to podcasts in English. Just start from your favorite channel, then as usual, write down words that sound new in your notebook.

6. Write in English

Not many people know that the brain will record better when someone writes. This is why, many people gain more knowledge when writing it down and writing is the best way to remember things. Including when you want to learn English. 

It's true, you can now use the Translate app on your phone to help you find the meaning of new and unfamiliar English words. However, so you don't forget, you can also write it down in a small note on your cellphone or write it in a book.

So, the next time you come across these words and still don't remember the meaning, you just need to open the notes, no longer having to keep opening the dictionary or translation application. 

7. Practice Communication Every Day

Have you picked up a lot of new vocabulary and grammar in your notes from podcasts, books, songs and movies? Don't stop there, continuing to practice is the most important key that you must consistently do. So, practice speaking English every day. 

You can practice speaking in many ways, really. For example, you stand in front of the mirror and speak English to yourself as if you have someone to talk to. Indeed, talking to yourself in the mirror will definitely feel and look strange, right?

However, who would have thought that this method was actually recommended by psychiatric experts as one of the best methods to help increase self-confidence, you know! Apart from that, you can also invite people from home or friends, by calling or sending messages in English.