Learning English As a *Powerful* Tool

# Learning English As a *Powerful* Tool ## Stages of learning Observation $\to$ Imitation $\to$ Error Correction $\to$ Repetition $\to$ Expertise ### Observation: Read/Listen $\to$ pay attention $\to$ look for patterns 1. What to observe: - Frequently used phrases and sentences [for Communication Purpose] - watch english101class videos on YouTube, watch IELTS speaking - Academic English phrases and sentences [Knowledge Purpose] - Read Wikipedia, Newspapers, GRE sentence equivalence and text completion sentences with answers and explanations, Reading Comprehension Sample Questions-Answers with explanations, Analytical Writing Sample Essays 2. How to observe: - Paying attention to syntax (sentence structures) and semantics (meaning). Use Dictionaries a lot. Dictionary resources are shared below - Break down long sentences into short sentences [Analysis] - How sentences connect to each other and how the story develops [Cohesion] - When listening, observe the speakers' intonation. stresses, pronunciation, body language etc. ### Imitation Trying to imitate the speaking style or the writing style. 1. How to imitate: - Record yourself - Communicate with someone you are comfortable with - Write down notes, thoughts, plans, ideas etc. ### Error correction Editing process to make better 1. Find mistakes in your Recordings 2. Edit your notes over and over so that you can make your point across. ### Repetition Using same patterns of sentences over and over. 1. Saying out loud 2. Doing exercises ### Expertise Be the expert user of the language. ## Resources (Books and Material Suggestions) 1. English101class videos [YouTube Link](https://www.youtube.com/user/ENGLISHCLASS101) 2. IELTS Speaking [Like this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDv9njERj0s) 3. Cambridge: English Grammar in use 4. Collins COBUILD: Grammar Patterns (Nouns, Adjectives and Verbs) 5. Manhattan GRE Preparations Books are in the drive link below. [Drive Link](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BzL-hEzJBWDMebC7YEPGRagatB0ozf6f?usp=sharing) 6. Dictionary Resources: - Lingoes Dictionaries: You can install various dictionaries with this app. - Recommended Dictionaries: Collins COBUILD Dictionary (for usages of a word), Cambridge, Longman [for PC](https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1-_NtFqLOdyi0hqJ_F2jHZjPQZ8W_R_Ej) [for Mobile](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.luc.dict.lingoes)