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10 Habits of an effective English learner

Have you started learning English but now have trouble figuring out your next steps? To become an effective English learner, you have to find the right approach that fits your learning style and commit to it. Learning English can help you open the door to countless opportunities for travel, education, and career advancement. At English Path, we're here to guide you. Explore the 10 proven habits of successful English learners to help you become fluent in this global language! 

1. Set clear and achievable goals

Whether it’s improving their vocabulary, grammar, or conversational skills, a successful English learner knows what they want to achieve. So, set clear, measurable and time-bound goals that you can achieve with practise. It’ll also help you provide a direction where you should focus your energy.  

2. Create a timetable to study regularly

The second habit you will need to become an effective English learner is to create a plan to achieve your goals. You can start by developing a day-to-day timetable where you set time aside to learn different parts of the English language. To make the process more manageable, you can also break your lessons into smaller, achievable tasks. 

3. Make practise your best friend

To improve your English language skills, make it a habit to practise your reading, writing, listening, or speaking exercises daily whenever you get a chance, apart from your scheduled study time. If you have some free time on your hands between school and work, make use of it by reading a passage from an English book or writing a paragraph in English about your day. 

4. Track your learning progress

There is no use in practicing every day if you can't track your progress. You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or a note and recording app on your phone to monitor how far you've come. Learn English pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar are three major focus areas. Regularly reviewing your progress will help you identify strengths and areas that need more attention. 

5. Don’t hide from your mistakes

A good English learner not only accepts their mistakes but also learns from them. Instead of feeling discouraged, use these moments as guiding tools to practise and improve your English skills. Your mistakes can help you see where you went wrong and how you can correct them. Remember that by finding and fixing your mistakes, you can keep getting better every day. 

6. Talk to native English speakers

The goal of learning English is to build your skills and confidence in real-life situations for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By having regular conversations with native English speakers, you can enhance your pronunciation, grammar, and how to use it confidently. Find creative ways to connect with other English speakers so that you can have a better understanding of how to use the language in real-life situations. 

7. Use English with the things you enjoy

One of the best ways to become an effective English learner is to combine practising your language skills with activities you enjoy. If you love cooking, learn the English names of different ingredients and try learning new recipes in English. If you're a cricket fan, familiarise yourself with the English terms for various plays and strategies used on the field. Try to mix learning English with your hobbies or interests to make learning more enjoyable, natural and memorable. 

8. Be ready to adapt your learning needs

To become an effective English learner, you must be ready to adapt and open to change. When you are faced with a challenge like speaking in front of a large group, start by practising with a small audience or your loved ones to build confidence. Try new and creative methods to improve your skills. Be flexible and make changes to improve your English ability. 

9. Review and take notes regularly

To make steady progress as an English learner, start taking notes regularly on what you're learning, such as new vocabulary and grammar. Your notes will be very useful when you need to revisit earlier lessons. They will help you review lessons, memorise new grammar points, and understand how to use words in sentences correctly. You can use a physical notebook or a digital app to keep your notes organised and accessible at all times. 

10. Celebrate your achievements

Recognising and celebrating your efforts, no matter how small, is an important part of becoming an effective English learner. Acknowledge your achievements, whether it’s writing a grammatically correct paragraph, reading a full passage from an article, or having a conversation with an English speaker. Reward yourself with a treat, like a movie or a coffee, to motivate yourself and make your learning journey enjoyable. 

By incorporating these 10 highly effective habits into your daily routine, you can transform yourself from an average English learner into a successful one. Learning English can help you discover a world of opportunities, whether you want to go into higher studies, take your career to another level, or have the chance to connect with people from all corners of the globe. You can make this journey more enjoyable with our classic general english course at English Path! With us, you can learn, practise and use English confidently in real-life situations and explore some of the best locations in the world including Paris, Toronto, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Malta, Dublin and Dubai! 

Frequently asked questions about habits of an effective English learner

Q1. What is a good habit to learn English?

A1. There are many good habits to improve your English, but the best one is to practice daily. Set some time aside every day to practise your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 

Q2. What are the habits of an effective English learner?

A2. Successful English learners follow a set of practises that help them achieve their language goals. These habits are: 

  • Set clear and achievable English language goals.  
  • Practise every day to improve your English skills.  
  • Immerse yourself in the English language.  
  • Talk to native English speakers.  
  • Track your learning progress.  
  • Reward yourself to stay motivated. 

Q3. How can I improve my English speaking skills?

A3. The best way to improve your English speaking skills is to have conversations in English. You can practise with your friends and family, have engaging conversations with native English speakers, record yourself to find the areas for improvement and find more creative opportunities to practise speaking in English regularly. 

Q4. How to build a language learning habit?

A4. Building a habit takes time, but you can become an effective English learner by:  

  • Creating time every day to practise your English skills.  
  • Incorporating learning English with activities you already love.  
  • Tracking your learning progress to see how far you’ve come.  
  • Finding a learning buddy who can learn and practise English with you. 

Q5. I feel overwhelmed with learning English. What should I do?

A5. Learning English can seem challenging, but remember, it is a rewarding skill that can help you discover many new academic, career and travel opportunities. When you have trouble learning, break down your lessons into more manageable tasks. It’s important to focus on specific skills such as vocabulary or grammar. If you want some professional guidance and enjoy learning English, join English Path.