Tips to Help You Learn, Improve and Practise your English

Learning English can open doors to new opportunities, from finding a job to making friends and feeling more confident in daily life.

If English is not your first language, there are many ways to improve your skills, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your fluency and accent. BRASS has regular lessons and speaking groups to help but here are some tips and effective ways to learn, improve and practise your English skills.

1. Take English Classes

Attending structured English lessons can be one of the best ways to improve.

Look for:

✅ Local community classes – Many charities and organisations offer free or low-cost lessons including BRASS. If you haven't already attending a drop-in session then come and see us to find out more.

✅ Online courses – Platforms like BBC Learning English, Duolingo, and ESOL courses provide interactive lessons.

✅ College ESOL programs – Many colleges offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.

2. Practise Speaking Every Day

Speaking regularly is key to improving fluency. Try:

🗣️ Speaking with native speakers – Join conversation groups, make friends, or chat with colleagues. You can make friends at BRASS who are also learning English and chat to each other.

🗣️ Talking to yourself – Practice describing your day, thoughts, or plans aloud.

🗣️ Language exchange programmes – Websites like Tandem and HelloTalk connect learners with native speakers.

3. Improve Your Listening Skills

Listening helps you understand how English is spoken naturally. Ways to practice include:

🎧 Watching TV shows and movies – Use subtitles at first, then try without them.

🎧 Listening to English radio or podcasts – BBC Radio, TED Talks, and The English We Speak are great options.

🎧 Engaging with YouTube tutorials – Many channels focus on English learning and pronunciation.

4. Expand Your Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary will help you express yourself better. Try:

📖 Keeping a word journal – Write down new words and their meanings.

📖 Using flashcards – Apps like Anki and Quizlet make it easy to memorise words.

📖 Learning phrases, not just words – Understanding how words are used in sentences improves comprehension.

5. Read in English

Reading is a great way to improve grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. Start with:

📚 Children’s books or simple novels – Books like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or graded readers are helpful.

📚 News websites – Read articles from BBC News, The Guardian, or local newspapers.

📚 English subtitles on videos – Reading while listening helps reinforce understanding.

6. Write in English

Writing helps solidify what you’ve learned. Practise by:

✍️ Keeping a diary – Write about your day, thoughts, or experiences.

✍️ Sending texts or emails in English – Communicate with friends or colleagues.

✍️ Joining online forums – Websites like Reddit or English language learning communities encourage practice.

7. Join English-Speaking Communities

Practising in real-life situations makes learning easier. Ways to engage:

🌍 Attend language meetups – Meetup.com and local libraries often host conversation groups.

🌍 Join a club or community group – Find groups based on your interests (e.g., cooking, sports, or reading).

🌍 Volunteer – Helping in your community can give you more chances to interact in English.

8. Be Patient and Stay Consistent

Language learning takes time, so:

✅ Set realistic goals – Focus on small, daily improvements.

✅ Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – Mistakes help you learn!

✅ Celebrate progress – Recognise your achievements and keep going.

Need Help Learning English? BRASS Bedford Can Support You!

At BRASS , we offer free and friendly English classes and conversation groups to help you improve your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build confidence in speaking, we’re here to support you.

📍 Address: 27b Tavistock St, Bedford, MK40 2RB

📞 Phone: 01234 211381

📧 Email: andrea@brass27b.org

🌍 Website: www.brassbedford.org

Come and visit us, and start improving your English today!