by Alfred Nylund

Created on: November 17, 2006   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

There are many fun and effective ways to improve your command of the English language.

The first step is to master basic vocabulary. If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!

The next helpful exercise in mastering English is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. Improving your vocabulary and reading skills is like money in the bank. The more the read in one sitting, the better your English will become, until you're a master of the English language!

And now for the easiest way to improve your English: watch television! The more you hear and comprehend the English language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in English, the Discovery channel, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to mastering English, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.

Learning a language is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.

So good luck, keep at it, and in time you will attain native speaker proficiency and beyond!

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