Top 11 Tips On How To Improve Your English Skills

Do you plan to study in Australia, and English is not your first language? If so, you must take an English language proficiency test such as the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and CAE.

These English language tests may seem simple, but learning to speak and write fluently in a new language as an international student takes work. To succeed in these tests, you need to put in continuous efforts and work relentlessly hard.

With the help of some methods, you can boost your test performance within no time.

Follow the points below to improve your English language skills quickly.

1. Watch English Movies

By watching movies, you are listening to English and picking up on how to use words in a sentence and which words you need to place stress on while speaking.

Watching movies with subtitles is suggested so you can learn new words and become familiar with how native speakers pronounce their words.

All in all, watching movies helps you to understand the language better and get used to conversational and colloquial forms of English.

2. Read The News In English

Try reading a wide variety of English language newspapers, including magazines, tabloids or broadsheets. This range of news sources will not only keep you updated with current affairs but will also help you to expand your vocabulary.

Not only that, you'll become more familiar with the framework of words and how to spell them. 

3. Keep A Book of Useful Words To Improve Your Vocabulary

You can start recording a list of phrases and useful words on your computer or notebook.

Every time you see or hear a new word, write it down. Focus on more than just the word entirely. Try looking for its synonyms and phrases. This will help you improve your vocabulary and form sentences independently. 

4. Have Conversations in English

Reading and listening tasks may be helpful when preparing for English Language tests. Still, interaction is also very crucial as it will significantly help you to improve your English speaking skills. 

If you are friends with Australians, you can take help from them to learn English, or you can take guidance from someone studying English.

You can even record yourself or try speaking in front of the mirror. Listening to your voice might be a little awkward at first, but as time goes by, you'll become used to it and become more confident. 

5. Go Online

If you are still looking for someone to practise and improve your English skills, the best option is to go online.

The internet is the perfect place to find like-minded people who can help you learn English. Also, you can choose an exciting topic to study and search for it online. 

You can read any post or blog on any subject to practise reading. And to improve communication and learn English writing skills, you can write a blog or post on internet forums. 

6. Listen To The Australian Accent

If you want to live in Australia, getting familiar with the Australian accent will be very beneficial. 

You can visit YouTube and listen to various Australian accent clips. You do not have to speak in an Australian accent while studying in Australia.

However, understanding and listening to different vowel sounds will help you feel more comfortable when you arrive and speak with locals. 

7. Widen Your Range of Reading Materials

To improve your English language comprehension and vocabulary, expand your reading materials. It will help you enhance your writing and reading skills, as you'll learn grammar, new phrases, and words along the way.

Your reading materials may include an English edition of your favourite book, Australian online newspapers or Australian magazines. You should also search for an opinion piece written in informal and conversational Australian English. 

8. Find A Tutor

Considering the cost of tuition in Australia, finding an English tutor is only sometimes possible. But you can find an affordable English tutor in your home country.

Your school can provide you with a contact list of English speakers if you are currently studying. They can also refer you to some students on campus who can help you prepare for English language skills tests. 

9. Be Curious

To improve your English language skills rapidly, you should be curious and ask many questions to clear your doubts. If you only read phrases won't help. You should know how to use them and whether other formations are possible. 

Remember, everything you read online is not true. It might be tempting to look for content online. Still, you'll receive more benefits if you are curious. 

10. Practise More and More

You must be consistent in your attempts to progress. Hence, to ace your English language skills, you need to practise daily. 

You can practise speaking to your close friends and family in English, ordering food at your favourite restaurant, or writing down your daily experiences or thoughts in English. 

11. Don't Be Afraid To Make Mistakes 

Don't feel embarrassed about making mistakes when trying to improve your English. Making errors is an essential part of the process. You can ask your friends and family members to correct you whenever you make mistakes. Many people will be happy to help you; this way, you'll even build your confidence. 

Learning a new language is a long-term process. You'll achieve great results only if you devote yourself to significant efforts. While appearing for exams like TOEFL and IELTS, you should know the format, what questions they ask, and how to deal with relevant tasks. 

Try to improve and focus on specific parts rather than trying to catch up with everything hurriedly. Remember, there are various tools and sample tests available online through which you can prepare and practise for English language proficiency tests. 

Useful Links to Explore: 

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia 
• What to Study in Australia?