To be immersed is said to be the best way to learn a new language, but is it possible to immerse yourself in English if you’re stuck at home? Fortunately, yes!
Just because you’re spending more time at home these days doesn’t mean you have to stop learning a language. We’ve compiled a list of 10 ways to practice English from the comfort of your own home, whether you’re learning English for fun or preparing for an upcoming English language proficiency test!
1. Participate in an online language exchange.
It is all about culture and colloquialisms to achieve a high level of proficiency in any language! While grammar and vocabulary are important, fluency is achieved when you understand the cultural context of the language – extra points if you can throw in some slang!
Fortunately, thanks to the numerous language exchange apps available, finding a native speaker to chat with is simple. If you’re unfamiliar with a language exchange, it’s as simple as this: you’ll be paired with a native-English speaker who wants to learn your native language, and you’ll teach each other! Many of these apps are free, and they match you with an English speaker based on your interests.
2. Set the language of your smartphone to English.
Because learning a language is all about immersing yourself in it, why not begin with your smartphone? Change the language of your phone and social media to English – you’ll be surprised at how many new words you learn that you can use in everyday situations!
Because many of us use our phones frequently throughout the day, translating the language to English will increase your exposure without your knowledge. It may feel strange at first, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly you adapt and how many new words you learn.
3. Participate in a free practise test
Conquer your fear of the unknown by becoming as familiar with the exam as possible ahead of time! Taking a practice test will help you become more familiar with the format and types of questions on the exam, as well as identify areas where you struggle. Because practice tests are scored, you’ll get an idea of how you’ll fare on the real thing.
There are many practice English tests available online, but try to find one that is as close to the exam as possible. The TOEFL and IELTS are two of the most popular English proficiency tests. They’ve made it simple by offering a that you can take as many times as you like. This will assist you in becoming acquainted with the types of questions and content on the actual test, as well as understanding how the test sections are structured.
Once you believe you understand the format and structure of the actual exam, look for other English practice exams to take at home.
4. Get some entertaining language-learning apps.
Language-learning apps have exploded in popularity due to their ease of use, low cost, and interactive platform. They make it simple to practice a language in short bursts throughout the day, receive immediate feedback, track your progress, and have fun while doing so!
Language learning apps motivate you in a way that no textbook can! These apps are frequently scored like games and guide you through various levels and activities.
5. Label items in your home
If you’ve completed all of your home improvement projects and rearranged your furniture for the millionth time, pull out your label maker or a stack of Post-its to study for your English exam! Labeling items in your home may appear silly, but it is a great way to improve your vocabulary.
Label your windows, doors, coffeemaker, refrigerator, blowdryer, and bedside lamp, and just walking around your house will reinforce these words!
6. Keep a journal or write short stories in English.
An English proficiency test will also assess your ability to write in English. As a result, practicing your writing skills is just as important as practicing your reading, listening, and speaking skills. Writing short stories in English is a fun way to do this. Don’t be concerned; you don’t have to be the next J. K. Rowling. You don’t have to show these stories to anyone, so they don’t have to be award winners! However, creative writing like this can be a fun way to practice using a large vocabulary, particularly adjectives and nouns in various tenses.
If writing stories does not inspire you, keep an English journal instead. Writing about your day, studies, family, work, or what you did over the weekend is another excellent way to improve your English writing skills. It can also be very therapeutic to write down all of your thoughts – all the more reason to try journaling before your English Proficiency Test.
7. Read English books, magazines, and articles
Pick up a book or magazine, or read online articles in English, to test your reading comprehension. Reading a translated copy of a book you already know in your native language is a great way to practice reading in English. There are also versions of classic novels with simplified vocabulary and grammatical structure to make them more understandable. Alternatively, choose a book from Goodreads’ list of easy English books.
Online apps help you learn English by displaying the same text in English and your native language side by side. They also have an audiobook feature to help you improve your listening comprehension!
8. Watch your favorite TV show or movie.
Most English exams will also assess listening comprehension, and TV shows and films provide additional cultural context that is essential for learning a new language. Put yourself to the test by watching without subtitles in your native language. If you’re really struggling, enable English subtitles to assist and improve your reading comprehension.
Seek out classic films or television shows that depict life in English-speaking countries. Also, choose something that reflects your tastes so that you want to keep watching.
Learning English is about more than just memorizing words; it’s also about improving your intonation, pronunciation, and overall comprehension and this can be done with the help of Mercer | Mettl. When you become fluent in English, you will be able to communicate more naturally with others (without sounding like a robot!). And this is a significant component of what English proficiency tests look for. The benefit of studying for an English proficiency test online is that you can make mistakes and try again, and all of the resources you need are readily available online. Good luck with your studies!
