“Do you want to start learning English but don’t know how to study on your own?”
“Are you looking for an efficient way to master English but are unsure where to begin?”
If these questions resonate with you, this article will guide you through practical solutions.
■What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- Specific methods and steps for beginners to learn English conversation independently.
- The benefits and challenges of self-study.
- Tips for learning efficiently.
■Reliability of This Article
The author of this article studied English independently for three years during university and achieved a proficiency level equivalent to a TOEIC score of 900. They also successfully passed a university-approved study-abroad program through self-study.
Drawing from this experience, the article outlines effective methods to help English beginners learn independently.
Mastering English conversation skills will give you the confidence to communicate with people from around the world, make travel abroad more enjoyable, and potentially open up new opportunities in your career.
By the end of this article, you’ll be one step closer to an exciting and promising future!
Basics of Learning English Conversation Independently
What Is “Daily Conversation Level” in English?
For beginners, the first goal in learning English conversation should be to achieve a “daily conversation level.” This refers to the ability to handle basic interactions commonly used in everyday life by non-native speakers.
Here are some examples of situations to aim for:
• Basic greetings and responses: For example, “Hello,” “How are you?” “I’m fine, thank you. And you?”
• Self-introduction: Being able to talk about your name, age, hobbies, and hometown.
• Shopping or ordering food: “I’d like a coffee, please,” or “How much is this?”
• Asking for directions or help: “Where is the nearest train station?” or “Can you help me?”
Achieving a daily conversation level enables you to communicate during travel abroad and engage in simple conversations with native speakers. It also builds a strong foundation for understanding parts of movies, dramas, and news, which can further enhance your learning.
The Cost and Time Required for Learning English Independently
When learning English conversation on your own, it’s essential to estimate the costs and time involved.
1. Estimated Costs
Here are some typical costs to consider:
• Learning materials: Books, workbooks, and online resources can range from free options to mid-priced purchases.
• Apps: Many English learning apps offer free versions, but upgrading to premium plans for additional features can cost a few dollars to $15 per month.
• Online conversation lessons: These typically cost $5–10 per session, depending on the frequency of lessons, and can total anywhere from $50 to $100 monthly.
2. Estimated Time
The time required depends on your current English level and goals. Here are some general guidelines:
• Beginner to daily conversation level: Studying 3–5 hours a week can lead to progress within 6 months to 1 year.
• Intermediate and beyond: To achieve fluency after reaching a daily conversation level, 1–2 years of consistent study is often necessary.
While self-study allows you to progress at your own pace, consistent effort and discipline are essential. Plan your study schedule to avoid burnout and maintain steady progress.
Pros and Cons of Learning English Independently
Benefits of Self-Study
1. Learn at Your Own Pace
One of the biggest advantages of self-study is the ability to set your schedule. You don’t need to attend classes at specific times, so you can adapt your study routine to fit your lifestyle.
For instance, you can practice listening on a language app during your commute or memorize vocabulary before bed.
2. Cost-Effective
Self-study is often more affordable than language schools or private lessons. You can minimize costs by using free resources and choosing only the materials you need.
Additionally, you can tailor your learning to focus on areas of interest or improvement, making your study both efficient and economical.
Challenges of Self-Study
1. Maintaining Motivation
The biggest challenge of self-study is staying motivated. Without a teacher or classmates, it’s easy to lose focus, especially when results aren’t immediate.
Here are some tips to stay motivated:
• Immerse Yourself in English Daily: Dedicate at least 10 minutes a day to interacting with English, whether by calling a friend, watching an English video, or listening to a podcast.
• Set Clear Goals: Instead of vague goals, set measurable targets like “achieve TOEIC 700 in six months” or “make 10 foreign friends in one month.”
• Track Your Progress: Record videos of yourself speaking English regularly to notice improvements over time.
2. Finding the Right Methods and Materials
Choosing effective learning tools can be overwhelming for beginners. Invest time in researching highly-rated resources and learning from the experiences of others.
Step-by-Step Guide for Independent English Learning
■Step 1: Set Clear Goals
Define specific and achievable objectives. For example:
• Short-term: “Learn basic greetings and self-introduction phrases in one month.”
• Medium-term: “Master useful travel phrases within six months.”
• Long-term: “Converse fluently with native speakers in one year.”
■Step 2: Build a Foundation
Focus on vocabulary, phrases, and grammar to create a solid base.
■Step 3: Strengthen Listening and Pronunciation
Use techniques like shadowing to improve both listening comprehension and speaking accuracy.
■Step 4: Practice Speaking
Try speaking out loud during daily tasks or use language exchange platforms.
■Step 5: Apply and Review
Write English diaries or watch movies with subtitles to enhance practical usage.
Tips for Consistent Learning
1. Use hobbies or interests to stay engaged.
2. Develop habits, such as studying at a specific time daily.
3. Celebrate small milestones with rewards to maintain motivation.
Conclusion
Learning English independently is challenging but achievable. By setting clear goals, using efficient methods, and staying consistent, you can make steady progress.
