Studying English doesn’t have to be a grueling process. By working just one English activity per day into your schedule, you can prepare yourself for English proficiency exams and international travel — and have fun doing it! Below are EdAgree’s examples of 5 activities to practice English daily.
Stream TV/movies with the subtitles on: You likely already spend a portion of your day enjoying a TV show or movie, so why not make it an educational activity? On your preferred streaming platform, search for shows or movies in your first language with English subtitles. As you watch the program, try to read through the English translations to see how phrases in your first language are altered in English. For a more challenging viewing experience, search for an English-language TV show or movie to watch with or without subtitles. To extend your learning, pretend you’re a screenwriter and try to translate scenes in your first language into English. If you’re not a TV or movie fan, reading English books or listening to English podcasts can also be a helpful way to fit practice into your daily life.
Set your phone/computer language to English: Chances are that when messages and instructions pop up on your phone or computer, you understand them instantly. But what if those instructions were in English? Setting your phone or computer language to English can help you become proficient at solving problems in a new language. For example, if a message pops up on your phone in English asking you to install an update, you’ll be forced to translate the message and click the correct prompt in order to keep using your device. Changing the language on your electronics is a great way to challenge yourself to practice a little bit of English every time you have to make a call or search the web.
Make an English-speaking friend: During your time in the United States, speaking English with people your age will be a huge part of both your academic and non-academic experiences. Because of this, it’s a good idea to find a native English speaker to practice chatting with before you arrive in the U.S. If you already know an English-speaker, set a goal to call or message them once a day. If you’re in need of an English pen pal, check out the admitted students webpage for the college you plan to attend.
Curate an English music playlist: Another activity you likely enjoy every day is listening to music, and maybe even singing along. Creating a music playlist with only English-language songs is a great way to familiarize yourself with U.S. culture, and practice your listening skills. Once you’ve found a few English songs you enjoy, search the web for their lyrics, and work to understand their meanings.
Follow English social media bloggers: Watching a YouTube video or scrolling through your social media feed are great ways to relax and catch up on current trends. A fun way to work English practice into your daily routine is by following a handful of English-speaking bloggers. This way, when you see an English post in your feed, you’ll pause to read and comprehend what the blogger has written. Following U.S.-based bloggers can also help you learn about what’s popular in the U.S. before you come to study. For English social media content that can also help you on your path to a U.S. university, follow @edagreeinc on Instagram.
At EdAgree, we are here to help you identify your path to academic success at a U.S. university. We want to help you present your best self during the admissions process, and additional support throughout study abroad and beyond! This includes helping you prepare for English proficiency exams with our English Language Diagnostic Test and English Speaking Practice Tool.
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