You need English every day.
Find the English study resources that work for you.
Reading is key.
Go to English Cafe
- Find a way to bring English study into your life on a daily basis. Oral Communication class time is not enough. Find an online ESL resource, read a book or magazine, watch English YouTube videos, or listen to English music. Even if you don't spend a lot of time each day on the activity, you should make it part of your daily routine. Keeping a daily blog of your study activities is a great way to consolidate what you've learned. If you miss a day, no worries, but try to get back on track as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for English study in Japan; it's just a matter of finding the one that works best for you.
Find the English study resources that work for you.
- Some study methods and resources are more effective than others and some are more enjoyable than others. If you do not enjoy a particular method or resource, or if you think it's ineffective, you should change it and find something better. It is difficult to keep English study in your life every day if you are not having fun doing it or if you don't see some progress over time. Always keep looking for new resources that will keep you motivated and that work for you. That being said, you still need to give each resource an honest chance and not abandon it too quickly. Why not start now by checking out the English Study Online page?
Reading is key.
- Students sometimes worry that they don't get enough speaking practice in Japan. This is understandable and is one of the challenges of learning a second language in a country where English speakers are not always available as practice partners. While reading cannot replace speaking practice, it is the next best thing and has so many benefits. Reading, especially extensive reading, builds vocabulary and increases understanding of how the English language works. More importantly, it promotes thinking in English. The importance of this cannot be overstated. One of the stumbling blocks to speaking in English is the inability to react on the fly due to mental translation and a search for the correct memorized phrase. If you can think in English, you can usually participate in a conversation without hesitating. Using Graded Readers and participating in the Reading Marathon will help you achieve this. Do as much reading as you can, then come talk to me at English Cafe!
Go to English Cafe
- Having conversations with native speakers in English is important for real English fluency. It's sometimes hard to find a native speaker to talk with, but at Tsurumi University, you have some options. Kevin's English Cafe meets on Mondays (3rd period) and Tuesdays from 11:10-12:40. Martin Connolly also has English Cafe hours (Tuesdays 3rd period,Tuesdays 4th period, room 413, Bld. 6).. Let's relax and speak English together!