What is the best way to learn English?
By dazzledlady
@dazzledlady (1618)
Philippines
March 11, 2012 1:00am CST
I am planning to take IELTS. It stands for International English Language Testing System , an English standardized English language proficiency test. For non native English speakers like me who plans to go to an English speaking country for work or immigration it is necessary that we pass the exam depending on the required score of a particular country. I plan to go to a country where they required an all 7 score in listening, writing, speaking and reading. I am a bit apprehensive with my capability with the English language. I do not want to repeat the exam if I fail in one area , so I want to be ready. Because aside from doubling the cost for testing fee, it would ruin the time frame I set for my self. So I want to ask for your advise on this matter and also share your experiences if you have taken the exam already and some tips. Thanks!
1 person likes this
15 responses
@MissPiggy (1748)
• Indonesia
11 Mar 12
Hi there, Dazzledlady! :)
I have never taken any IELTS test yet, but I have taken some TOEFL tests so I think it would be the same. You can buy any IELTS book and practice by yourself first. Buying different books from different publishers would be better, because I think Longman has easier exercises compared to Barron's. And there are still other publishers, like Kaplan and the other one (I forgot the name). At least there are some tricks how to do the tests, how to test yourself and then how to score your test. So you would know your competence. I hope it helps. :) Oh, and try not to be nervous, it can ruin your focus and screw your score. :)
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@MissPiggy (1748)
• Indonesia
12 Mar 12
I hope so too. :) Training yourself with the self-test can also be a way to measure your anxiety level. So it will be a good training too. :) Good luck! ;)
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Thanks! I will try to follow your advise. I have not even started reviewing and I am already anxious .I hope I will be able to get over it and be more confident as the days goes.
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@befrindwithme26 (5805)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Hi there.I am also want to learn English because i want to be good writer online.
It is also good for me in the future and specially when i am around with those English people ,and i want to speak it clear.I did not go to school for that,but i am trying to improve through online like my lot.
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@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Mylot has help me too when it comes to sentence construction I think faster now using English, but with speaking it I think I'm a bit lacking of resources. I do not live in a place where people generally speak English.
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@befrindwithme26 (5805)
• Philippines
4 Apr 12
Same to you my friend, i don't live in the place that where people speak in English.
I live in the place where we speak in kinds of language,and we always use this to understand better..
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
I do read and check the dictionary if I do not understand the term. Reading is a good way to deepens one's knowledge with English vocabulary.
1 person likes this
@dandan07 (1906)
• China
11 Mar 12
I am also planning to take IELTS this May.
Last year, my classmate took it. It seems not so hard.
I think for me the hardest part is oral test. So I make out a plan to practice my English, especially my oral English. After a month practice, there are some improvement. I think to pass a test is not very hard, for a test there are some skills to treat with that. Knowing how to show your best side to it is ok enough. But if you really want to improve English, you have to spend more than 2 hours a day on it for a long time.
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@meticulo (1286)
• United States
2 Apr 12
I am becoming more apprehensive because my exam is fast approaching. It will be in the 12th of this month. Yes, like the both of you(dandan07 and dazzledlady)I am so anxious about the speaking test. I have read online about some advises given by some IELTS takers that we should think always in English. Like for example everything you saw make a story out of it in English. Speak through your mind. Make a story out of a running kid you met on the street or a dog barking at you when you passed by him. Things like that. There are a lot of free speaking topics online. Try to copy them and answer them one by one whenever you are alone or wherever you are. Try to listen to BBC news worldwide and songs in English. I guess that way our mind will save some of the words and will be beneficial to our speaking test. We don't know what topics will the examiner will ask us so we should be ready with everything. Try to think of your favorite sports, place, job, events, etc in advance.And try to read some English books and magazines and pronounce the words well it has a great impact in the IELTS speaking score.
I got the score I needed in 2006 somehow I have hopes that I will get the IELTS score I need this time.
GOD bless us!
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
So how do you practice speaking in English? We do not usually talk English in my work place unless necessary.
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@meticulo (1286)
• United States
2 Apr 12
I will be taking the IELTS also this coming April 12 to renew my visa screen.Honestly, I really felt scared. I don't know why, maybe because I have tried it in 2006. Though I got the score I needed that time but it had expired already. I don't want to take it again but I don't have any choice.I registered in a review center before but this time I just have a self review. I went online to look for free ielts materials that can be downloaded and I found the Cambridge Ielts 1-8. It's very helpful exercises. I also registered with ielts-blog website and they send me through email the latest exams shared by their students.ESL Randall exercises also is very great for listening exercises. You can have a lot of free ielts review online.Just practice everyday. Though we are not a native English speakers but with constant practice we can do it.YES, we can!
I only need a 6.5 bandscore and a 7 for my speaking. I hope God will bless me. I hope He will give me knowledge and wisdom so that I will have ideas to be able to speak fluently and spontaneously in my speaking test and I will make good in writing, listening and reading as well. I am praying that this time God will allow me to get the score that I need.
I pray also that you will get the score that you need. It's so hard to get the 7 bandscore in all subjects but I really wish you will get it. Good luck to us. God bless us!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
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@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
2 Apr 12
Indeed God bless us!I formally started my review class last week. It was my first time trying to answer the listening, reading, writing and speaking exams. It was hard, it felt like going back to school once more. It has been a while since I interacted in straight English like when you are in school and it is the medium of instruction. I have to do good in this, and thanks for the suggestions. I also search the net but I have not been doing self test for now. I am still adjusting as I also work. Hope you pass the exam!
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@craziestqueenever (1819)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
There are many ways to learn English.
1st. Read a lot of books, articles and make sure that it is written by an English Nazi
2nd. Watch Foreign Movie. Watching a Foreign Movie will help you to neutralize your accent.
3rd. Try to speak in English. Perfect Practice makes Perfect.
I just wanted to let you know that learning English and Preparing for IELTS is different.
Some knows the English language but they're not aware of the proper use of grammar and punctuation. You can try to search on the internet on how to prepare for IELTS.
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@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Thanks for t he advise. I do think its different when you prepare for IELTS and just plain learning English that is why I am king of anxious.
@Simon1223 (903)
• China
11 Mar 12
An all 7 score in listening, writing, speaking and reading in IELTS test? It is not an easy task for you. In my views, it's a little hard for people who don't live in a English-speaking country to get 7.0 in speaking and writing. Lacking a language environment is a big problem. If you still have much time for your preparation, you'd better visit English websites such as Economists and Times and listen to radio such as BBC and ABC every day. Without enough input of English you will not to know how to speak and write proper sentences. If you have only a little time such as one or two months, the only way is to take "Cambridge IELTS" several times. Wish you good luck!
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
:) I dont want to take it several times. Yes, indeed it is difficult to for us especially the speaking part. I think I can deal with the writing part because I read a lot. But for the speaking like you suggest I better listen every day to an English radio and try to micmic them for a while just to be familiar .
@angelgee14 (462)
• Philippines
13 Mar 12
I suggest that you try to listen to online tutor when it comes to speaking/speech for the right pronunciation the accent follows. I know that taking IELTS is quite expensive so you should not waste your money just to fail from any test.The first and foremost when it comes to speaking is, the right/correct pronunciation and you can try listening it from Youtube or from watching English movies and try to point out the difference of how American's pronounce English words correctly.
@xiaoqian19880825 (180)
•
12 Mar 12
I didn't take the exams but my boyfriend did, now he is studying abroad. I can understand your apprehension.
As I know, English words is the first hurdle. And then you can listen "New Concept English" and slow VOA, then normal VOA to elevate your listening level.
I believe as long as you make efforts and persist, you will get paid.
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
12 Mar 12
Ok I will . Where can I listen to the new concept english?
@olliekobra1 (1825)
•
12 Mar 12
Writing on Mylot will help you to pick up English also it may help to watch English television programms also start reading English newspapers this help with your writing.
@smilemoon (766)
• United Arab Emirates
5 Apr 12
For sure listening will be the first thing to do everyday. Then I really advice to read one page at least everyday too.Find a sites where you can test yourself in grammer rules.
Practicing is very important.
@xiaojie786 (38)
• China
11 Mar 12
yes, Im also keeping leaning english these days, and I think 1st its good if you have the interest , but our purpose is to communicate fluently with the foreigners especially who use english also, so to attend a IELTS course maybe not a best way to learn speaking english, they are different that you pass a exam not equal to you can speck it well, we should have more focus on its application rather than the exam,I think its hard to tell the best way to learn english, but it will be helpful you have more time on reading, the vocabulary, trying using it in an english environment, just keep on this way
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
12 Mar 12
I am still looking for ways where to apply my English in speaking to improve it.
@dazzledlady (1618)
• Philippines
11 Mar 12
Yes I saw books for IELTS too, but I am planning to enroll in a review center for IELTS to help me prepare for the exam but I also want to do some homework for myself to be sure. Hehehe I think I am just in a hurry to pass the exam.Thanks!
@nivorn (33)
• Philippines
9 Apr 12
Hi dazzledlady! I'm in the same boat as you are. This month I'm also planning to take the IELTS. I plan to take it because just like, I'm also planning to move to another country and work there. The country that I'm planning to immigrate also requires an average of 7.0.
I'm not sure if it's already been mentioned but you'll find sample IELTS exams at the British Council website for free. I've tried taking some of their tests there and let me tell you, it's not easy but I'm sure you can do it.
It will help a lot if you are used to talking to native English speakers. It will help too if you had call center agent experience. It will be easier for you to understand their accent.
As far as I know, IELTS use British or Australian English. Here in the Philippines we are used to writing, speaking, and listening to American English. However, with IELTS you have to accommodate yourself into learning British English. There are some differences in American or British English when it comes to how they spell some words. Also, there are some English words that we are accustomed to that has a different meaning in British English. Don't worry though, the review center will teach you and help you with all those. Especially if you choose a good review center.
If you haven't chosen a review center, I would suggest that before you enroll you should ask who their instructors are. If you could find a review center in which their instructors are actual IELTS examiners, then you're in luck. IELTS examiners are the real deal. They actually know more about IELTS than other instructors who just took the IELTS once.
By the way, let me emphasize that there is no shortcut in learning English and in taking the IELTS. Basically, your foundation in English through years of formal education will come in handy.
Well, best of luck on your exam! Hope the both of us will pass! God bless!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
11 Mar 12
dazzledlady hi I think mylotting a lot is a great way to learn
English also reading English books, and magazine, get yourself a dictionar
y translating your language into English study and English grammar and talk to English speaking people.
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