Enhance Your English Language Skills with Engvid: A Valuable Resource for Non-Native Speakers

    Many non-native English speakers are enthusiastic about learning English from instructors who use their native language for teaching methods such as translation and chanting. For example, if you are Indian, you may initially learn English from Indian teachers who incorporate your native language into their English instruction. While it may seem acceptable initially to approach a new language in this manner, it can have a detrimental impact on your long-term English fluency. This occurs because your exposure to the English language is significantly reduced when your instructor predominantly employs your native language instead of immersing you in English.

    I'd like to introduce you to an invaluable resource that can help you immerse yourself in the English language in an enjoyable and effortless manner – Engvid. Engvid hosts a diverse group of educators who are eager to assist you on your language-learning journey. The platform offers a vast library of over 2000 video lessons, all available for free. Engvid is a personal favorite of mine, and it played a pivotal role in advancing my English skills.

    Upon visiting the Engvid channel, you'll encounter the homepage, where you can find the latest video uploads and get an overview of what the channel offers and who its instructors are. Under the "all lessons" tab, you can customize your learning experience. For example, if you consider yourself an intermediate English learner, simply select the "intermediate" level and then pick specific topics that you wish to focus on. These topics encompass a broad range, including business English, comprehension, cultural insights, test preparation, expressions, grammar, IELTS, pronunciation, slang, speaking, TOEFL, TOEIC, vocabulary, and writing. It's a veritable treasure trove, isn't it?

 Individuals tend to engage more effectively with subjects or lessons that genuinely interest them, making this option a valuable tool for enhancing their English skills. Those preparing for exams like IELTS or TOEFL to study abroad or improve their performance in the workplace will find it effortless to navigate to their desired destinations.

      But there's more to Engvid. Over time, as you become a dedicated student of the platform, you'll grow familiar with its instructors. You can select a preferred teacher by ticking the respective box. In my personal experience, Ronnie stands out as an exceptionally motivated and entertaining teacher. Her unique teaching style incorporates fun movements and engaging conversations that are sure to keep you smiling and even laughing aloud throughout your lessons. The choice of a teacher is entirely a matter of personal preference, allowing you to learn from the instructor you resonate with the most. Should you prefer learning from a British teacher, you have the option to study with the experienced educator, Gill.

    As you engage with Engvid's content, you'll feel like you're taking online courses, thanks to the structured and organized approach to learning. Additionally, each lesson includes a quiz, enabling you to assess your comprehension after watching the specific videos.

    So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the Engvid channel today and embark on an exciting journey to enhance your English language skills. Don't miss out on these fantastic lessons!

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Unlocking the Benefits of Making Friends with English Native Speakers for Language Learning

When it comes to learning a language, many learners initially emphasize the importance of living in an English-speaking country. However, they often overlook the potential benefits of making friends with native English speakers. Building friendships with English speakers can be a valuable aspect of language acquisition. You might wonder how to maintain these connections effectively. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Avoid One-Sided Approaches:

   It's essential not to approach foreigners with a singular purpose, such as seeking specific skills or asking them to proofread your essays for grammar. Remember, we are all human beings with busy lives, and no one has the time to provide free lessons. Instead, focus on building genuine friendships.

2. Mutual Exchange of Knowledge:

   Recognize that the foundation of a fruitful language exchange is a mutual sharing of knowledge. Engage in conversations, actively listen, and respond politely or positively. Engaging in meaningful discussions on specific topics is more valuable than repeatedly requesting English lessons.

3. Be Grateful for Opportunities:

   If you encounter an English native speaker who is willing to teach or has prior teaching experience, consider yourself fortunate. Such individuals can provide invaluable guidance on your language learning journey.

In my personal experience, I had the opportunity to meet Tony Lloyd, a world traveler, a former English teacher at the British Council, and a truly inspirational individual. Initially, he put me through a series of questionnaires to assess my commitment to learning English, my English usage, understanding, creativity, and determination. After passing his scrutiny, I earned his friendship and received a commendation for my English writing and mindset. His extensive experience with diverse cultures, having visited over 100 countries, makes him one of my role models.

Meeting diverse English native speakers offers numerous advantages:

1. Cultural Insights:

   By getting to know your English-speaking friends, you gain insights into their culture. This knowledge can lead to engaging discussions about your own experiences in your home country, your thoughts, and various topics of interest.

2. Mentorship Opportunities:

   Your English-speaking friends, especially those with rich international and social experiences, can provide valuable guidance on important life decisions.

If you're interested in following my journey of maintaining contact with an English native speaker from Wales, I encourage you to watch the video where I spoke exclusively in English.

    

In summary, forging friendships with English native speakers can significantly enhance your language-learning experience. Don't hesitate to seek out friends who can help you exchange knowledge, and ideas, and provide mutual support. Through these connections, you'll not only become more open-minded but also find inspiration to work harder on your personal development.

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Mastering English through Authentic Conversations: ELLLO, Your Listening Skill Companion

    While many people have spent a considerable amount of time learning English with the aid of grammar books, progress often tends to be slow. Grammar books are primarily designed to help individuals prepare for standardized English tests, such as IELTS and TOEFL. However, even for those aiming to excel in these tests, fundamental English fluency skills are essential. In English, there are four, or perhaps five, skills when combined with thinking skills. Each skill is interconnected with the others: listening and reading fall under the category of "input" or "receptive skills," while speaking and writing skills are categorized as "output" or "productive skills."

    Let's emphasize the critical role of the "listening skill," which stands out as the most important skill to master a language. How do you typically approach language acquisition? Do you focus solely on listening, or do you engage in both listening and reading? Take a moment to contemplate this. If your approach predominantly involves listening to audio materials like podcasts, talk shows, or movies, you may be on the right track. Renowned English educator A.J. Hoge asserts that listening is the key to language mastery and even encourages learners to set aside their grammar books, which often hinder progress. Therefore, remember that listening is the fundamental skill to tackle first. Mastering a language is unlikely unless you actively engage with it.

    Now, I'd like to highlight one of my all-time favorite resources for honing listening skills – the website "ELLLO." It offers a free English Listening Lesson Library Online, providing students with authentic English conversations that mirror everyday interactions. It caters to learners worldwide, whether they are beginners or seeking to enhance their English proficiency.

    ELLLO firmly believes that the most effective way to learn English is by immersing oneself in real-life conversations, as opposed to dull and uninspiring lessons found in traditional textbooks. To this end, they provide different types of engaging lessons that showcase authentic dialogues.

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1. One noteworthy feature is "Views," boasting over 1,500 lessons where learners can listen to genuine conversations on various topics. These lessons are complemented by quizzes, transcripts, and specialized audio vocabulary resources.

2. Another popular section, "Mixer," presents lessons where six individuals respond to a question. This unique format allows learners to hear diverse conversational styles and acquire new vocabulary. Additionally, these lessons feature International English, with speakers from various parts of the world, and include tailored audio vocabulary resources.

3. For those interested in grammar, ELLLO offers "Sound Grammar" lessons comprising 100 concise discussions that address specific grammar points. These lessons feature brief animations of the conversations, free worksheets, and a downloadable book.

4. The "TALKS" section features listening lessons where individuals share their thoughts and life experiences in just 60 seconds. It provides an authentic insight into how English is spoken in everyday life.

    

5. "SIX PIX" offers short news stories, enabling students to listen to people discussing interesting current events and expanding their vocabulary. These lessons tend to encompass more challenging academic and business terminology and include quizzes.

6. The "News Center" section offers short news stories with a focus on academic and business vocabulary. Each lesson comprises six news stories and accompanying quizzes.

7. Lastly, ELLLO presents "STEP - Academic English" lessons, which allow students to listen to discussions on engaging news topics while focusing on academic and business vocabulary.

    Recognizing that language learning goes beyond mere listening, ELLLO incorporates activities for understanding and engagement. Their lessons are thoughtfully structured, featuring quizzes and exercises that offer ample opportunities for practice.

     In summary, ELLLO stands as a valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their English language skills through genuine, everyday conversations. With a wide range of lessons and activities, it offers a comprehensive platform for language learners. Whether you're just beginning your English journey or seeking to refine your fluency, ELLLO provides an engaging and effective learning experience.

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The Key to Learning English: Consistency

 Introduction

    Many of my friends often ask me, "How can I learn English?" While English teachers may offer a range of learning methods and strategies, there's one crucial factor they often overlook – consistency. This principle extends beyond language learning; it's relevant to every aspect of our daily lives.

The Importance of Consistency

    Even if you have a high IQ, you won't achieve your goals if you're lazy or remain in your comfort zone. It's natural to become frustrated with slow progress on your learning journey. Remember, nobody succeeds without encountering obstacles and failures. Albert Einstein once wisely said, "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." Mistakes are stepping stones, and you should embrace them. Believe in yourself and never underestimate your potential.

Understanding Consistency

    So, what is consistency? Think of the story of the race between the rabbit and the tortoise from your state school education. Who won? The answer is simple: the tortoise. It won because of its consistent effort and dedication, despite its genetic predisposition to move slowly. This is where the famous proverb "Slow and Steady Wins the Race" originates. If you naturally work at a slower pace, don't be disheartened; you can still achieve your goals through steady efforts.

Consistency in Learning English

    In learning the English language, consistency is equally crucial. Some may believe that intensive learning in a single sitting or during a specific period can guarantee success in learning English. However, this is not the case. Think about how you learned your mother tongue. It was through consistent exposure to the language from yourself, your relatives, or your parents that you became a native speaker. Even after achieving fluency, you should continue to expose yourself to the language. Learning is an ongoing process, and there's always more to discover about the culture and living standards of the people who speak it.

Conclusion

    In summary, start learning English right now without making excuses. You don't have to commit to learning English for 5 or 10 hours a day. Instead, make an effort to stay in touch with the language as much as possible, especially if you're in an English-speaking environment. If you live in a non-English-speaking country, set achievable goals to maintain consistency in your learning journey. By doing so, you're bound to succeed.

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