Study skills tips

Many studies about language learning ask the question: What makes a good language learner? There are some things that good language learners do and some things they don't do. Here are some of the most useful suggestions from studies.

• Don't be afraid of making mistakes. People often get things wrong. Good language learners notice their mistakes and learn from them.
• Do group activities. People use language to communicate with other people. A good language learner always looks for opportunities to talk with other students.
• Make notes during every class. Notes help you to remember new language. Look at your notes when you do your homework.
• Use a dictionary. Good language learners often use dictionaries to check the meaning of words they don't know. They also make their own vocabulary lists.
• Think in the language you're learning outside the classroom. When you're shopping or walking down the street, remember useful words and phrases. Sometimes, when you're at home, say new words to practise your pronunciation.
• Do extra practice. Test and improve your language, reading and listening skills with self-study material. You can find a lot of this online.
• Imagine yourself speaking in the language. Many good language learners can see and hear themselves speaking in the language. This helps their motivation.
• Enjoy the process. Good language learners have fun with the language. Watch a TV series or film, listen to songs, play video games or read a book. It's never too late to become a good language learner.

10. Which statement best describes a “good language learner” according to the text?

After a long shift at work, he usually heads straight ___ home to relax with a book.

As a rule, my roommate ___ the dishwasher before going to sleep.

She works as a researcher at ___ local university located in the town center.

How often do you manage to meet up with friends ___ weekends?

He rarely ___ breakfast because he prefers to sleep in until the very last minute.

My doctor recommended that I spend more time in ___ open air to improve my energy levels.

From time to time, we order takeout instead of cooking dinner at ___ home.

Every afternoon, she takes a short break to ___ her email inbox and organize her task list.

They hardly ever go to ___ gym during peak hours because it gets far too crowded.