- 1). Memorize basic phrases. Learn and practice simple, but common phrases and questions such as "How are you?" or "What is the time?" Practice asking these basic questions with a partner. Learn different ways you can answer such questions. Be sure not to respond to these questions using only one-word answers. Practice using complete sentences, which will allow you to expand on your vocabulary and conversation skills.
- 2). Practice English conversations. With a partner, you can groom your conversation skills with consistent practice. Once you have learned the basic questions and answers, expand on your vocabulary asking more specific questions and responding with more detailed answers. For example, instead of "What is the time?", you can ask, "At what time will you meet me at the store." Keep adding to your list of vocabulary words. Alternate "store" with other places, such as "school" or "theater."
- 3). Watch English films. Rent an English movie (avoid cartoons) and watch it the first time through without using subtitles. Pay close attention to lip movement and body language. One challenging, but effective exercise you can try is to study a specific scene from the film. By watching body movements and listening closely to the spoken English words, try to guess what message or situation is being conveyed in that particular scene. This will force you to not only observe the English language in action, but to participate in the learning process by closely analyzing the words and body language in different situations.
- 4). Read English text. Reading English texts, such as newspapers, magazines and journals will also enhance your English skills, as well as add to your vocabulary. Try to veer away from reading creative works at first, such as novels and poetry, since these are sometimes written using informal language and slang.
- 5). Visit an English-speaking community. One of the best ways of learning the English language is by immersing yourself in English-speaking cultures. Studying abroad in places with English as the native language will force you to put your conversation skills to use. If you are unable to travel abroad, however, look for English clubs at a local university, or meet with a conversation partner. With conversation partners, many colleges will offer to arrange meetings once a week with someone who speaks English fluently. Check with the college's English as a Second Language (ESL) program to learn more about conversation partners.
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