msaad

Fitting English into a busy schedule

Can’t find the time to study English? If life’s so hectic it seems you have no time to spare, the good news is you don’t need to be a full time student to learn a language. Put these top ten tips to use, and fit English into your schedule no matter how busy you are.

1. Study in short doses
It’s more effective to study a little each day rather than for several hours just once a week. This also means learning doesn’t have to take up a big chunk of time, as just twenty minutes a day can reap rewards over time. Check out Englishtown’s Daily Lesson – it can fit into any schedule.

2. Choose a flexible course
Even without lots of time, a course is still important for structuring your study plan and measuring your progress. But not all are rigid. For example, at Englishtown.com you can study any time you’re free and classes start every hour.

3. Find a study partner
While it might be best to find a native English speaker, you can even practice with a friend during a meal or break. Simply agree to only use English.

4. Do your daily tasks in English
Write shopping lists, read the news, or set your Internet browser homepage to an English language site. A large vocabulary is best built slowly with everyday practice.

5. Make flashcards
Write English words on small note cards and place them around your room. You may want to label things in English, or just set them out as a reminder.

6. Use your downtime to practice
This can be as easy as listening to cassettes in your car, reading an English book during your break, or reviewing flashcards on the bus. A work commute is a particularly good time to study.

7. Focus on your interests
Read about your hobbies in English, or if acting is your thing, join an English drama group. You’ll feel more energized to study something you enjoy!

8. Use the shower
Why not use this alone time to practice speaking and going over the events of your day in English? Speaking is very important in learning a language. Reading aloud is also helpful, but a shower might not be the best time for this!

9. Review before bedtime
Spend just a short time quickly reviewing important information just before you go to sleep. Studies have shown that your brain processes information that is fresh in your mind while you sleep.

10. Don’t get discouraged
Sometimes it will seem as though you’re not making progress when, in fact, you are. Don’t give up, and you will surely see the benefits in the end.