12 ways to improve your English outside the classroom

1.     Agree with friends to speak only English at specific times, such as after the lesson, on the way home, or on a specific day of the week.

2.     When you listen to songs in English, pay attention to the lyrics. To be sure, find the lyrics on some music site on the Internet.

3.     Read books in English. Choose books you have already read in your native language or those that have been made into films which you have seen. This will make it easier for you to understand the plot and the content.

4.     Choose an English language magazine, a blog, or a newspaper that interests you and read it frequently and regularly.

5.     Watch English language news programs on TV or on the Internet. Watch recorded programs to be able stop or come back if you don't understand something.

6.     Watch English language movies either with subtitles in English or without any subtitles.

7.     Chat online with native speakers but keep in mind that internet users do not always use “correct” English.

8.     If the operating language of your mobile is your native language, switch to English. As you associate a function of your mobile with a certain word, you will be able to learn basic English vocabulary (do the same to your computer).

9.     Practice specific communication situations on your own - at home in front of the mirror, for example. Imagine that you are introducing yourself, disagreeing, giving an interview, or asking for information. Find a partner and role-play.

10. Practice your pronunciation by reading out loud. You may record yourself and notice the way you speak. 

11. Write down new words you learn in a special notebook. Remember to review them on a regular basis.

12. Don't stop trying even if something is going wrong or doesn't work! Keep working!