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The answer really depends on you current level of English, and where your problems lie.

General tips:-
1. Learn the grammar! You will never speak or write good English unless you have the grammar sorted out, and that means understanding why grammar is needed.

2. Work on pronunciation. This is very important, as English - like any language - is primarily a spoken language. English words are pronounced in the way that they are so that they are easy to say, and flow naturally into the following word. The word 'go' for instance, end with a 'w' sound - the lips move closer together. This makes a following worh starting with a vowel easier to pronounce and the two words can be joined, as in 'go out'. Pronounce 'go' a 'gor' with rounded lips all the way through, and 'go out' can only be said with a stop between the words.

Learn the phonetic alphabet, use a dictionary, and listen to GOOD English being spoken - avoid mangled Englishes such as the Singaporean 'Singlish'. The BBC broadcasts all over the world; listen to that.

3.Build vocabulary. You can't say much with a 100 word vocabulary, but you can say plenty with a 1000 words. You must use your vocabulary too, not just try to memorise it. Use a word three times and you will never forget it.

4. Practice, practice, and practice some more. Immerse yourself in the language. Read English newspapers and books. Speak it at every opportunity.

5. Use internet resources. If you go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserv ice/learningenglish/newsenglis h/index.shtml you can read news stiries and listen to them being read, and if you go to http://www.churchillhouse.com/ index.html you can practice your grammar online.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Whitehead.
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