English preparation for the IELTS test can be intimidating for anyone, whether they’re native or non-native English speakers. The most significant hurdle for learners trying to build English proficiency is often the ability to present ideas clearly within the given time—for those unaware, IELTS exams are timed.
However, increasing your English proficiency can become easier when you keep practicing and build key habits to improve your fluency. Whether enrolling in English classes for adults or learning by yourself, build these key habits to increase your fluency faster.
1. Practice “Shadowing”
Fluency in any language isn’t about perfection. It’s about regular practice to gain fluency, and listening plays a vital role here. Besides comprehending what’s being said, it also helps you determine where you struggle and lose your train of thought and if you’re speaking like a native or unnaturally.
The “shadowing” method involves listening to native English speakers from sources like podcasts, news programs, movies, or social media platforms and repeating after them. You try to match their tone, speed, and rhythm, and making this a daily habit helps you improve your fluency much faster than usual.
2. Immerse in English News
Not just for shadowing, but engaging daily with English news will quickly help you expand your vocabulary and familiarize yourself with written English. Read magazines, online news, and tabloids, and watch news channels daily. This will not only update you on current affairs but also make you more comfortable with how English words are spelled and used.
3. Speak Regularly in English
Listening and reading tasks may be helpful, but you must also master using English interactively. This means having daily conversations in English, either with your native-speaking friends or by seeking fellow candidates studying English.
You can also try talking to yourself in the mirror and recording it. This might be awkward at first, but it’ll help you identify mistakes as you hear yourself, which you may have been unaware of.
4. Journal About Your Life
Journaling is a great habit, whether you’re practicing for an IELTS test or not. However, especially for this purpose, writing daily—even just a few sentences—can help you in many ways: organize your thoughts in English, practice using various verbs and tenses, and essentially revise everything you’re learning. Writing by hand is a great way to memorize and learn the language; the more you do it, the faster you’ll become fluent.
5. Listen to Podcasts
If you enjoy exercising, indulge in daily walks, or simply commute to work, start listening to podcasts, as they can be a great way to enhance your English fluency. It may seem boring at first, especially if you’re listening to podcasts for the first time, since there’s no additional music or background noise.
So, choose topics that are interesting to you, and start listening every day. Over time, you’ll see how your listening comprehension has improved and your vocabulary has increased.
6. Maintain a Vocabulary Book
Another great habit to improve your fluency is maintaining a list of useful words, either on your computer or in a notebook. These can be unfamiliar words or phrases, and as you note them down, search for phrases and synonyms where they’re used.
This will increase your vocabulary and strengthen your command of the language, as you understand how to use words in the right context. After all, you may know words like “tantalizing” and “precedence,” but knowing how and when to use them makes the difference.
7. Join Online Communities
Lastly, remember that the IELTS test isn’t just about writing or reading English. It also involves speaking and communicating, and even beyond the test, polishing your communication skills can help you have a broader grasp of the language. A great way to do this is by joining English language communities or online forums and participating in discussions daily. This will expose you to various perspectives and push you to express yourself in different ways, learning from others and bolstering your own proficiency.
In Conclusion
Learning English doesn’t have to be as daunting as it looks. While many focus on the vast preparatory exercises and material, simply incorporating the language into your daily habits is also paramount. Rather, it will help you master English faster and pave the way for excelling in your IELTS exam!