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How do I get better at English?
I don't get it when teachers ask what is the meaning behind this text/ or something on the line.
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4 answers
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Pat’s Answer
As a passionate bookworm, I absolutely adore the library and enjoy exploring various types of literature. Unraveling the hidden meanings in a text can be challenging, but it adds a whole new depth to the reading experience. Just like any skill, it gets smoother with practice.
A great way to hone this skill is by reading and then discussing what you've read with friends, family, a trusted adult, or even a book club. And remember, it doesn't have to be a classic piece of literature - it could be your go-to manga, your favorite spine-chilling horror novel, a guilty pleasure romance novel, or the latest tell-all autobiography. Many books come with book club questions for you to ponder over.
Start by picking a section, read it, and then question yourself or the group about the character's motivation behind their actions. Why did they believe that was their only option? You can also put yourself in their shoes and ask, what would I have done in that situation? Would I have tackled it differently and why?
The more you engage in this practice with the books you love, the easier it will become when it comes to analyzing the texts assigned by your teacher.
A great way to hone this skill is by reading and then discussing what you've read with friends, family, a trusted adult, or even a book club. And remember, it doesn't have to be a classic piece of literature - it could be your go-to manga, your favorite spine-chilling horror novel, a guilty pleasure romance novel, or the latest tell-all autobiography. Many books come with book club questions for you to ponder over.
Start by picking a section, read it, and then question yourself or the group about the character's motivation behind their actions. Why did they believe that was their only option? You can also put yourself in their shoes and ask, what would I have done in that situation? Would I have tackled it differently and why?
The more you engage in this practice with the books you love, the easier it will become when it comes to analyzing the texts assigned by your teacher.
Updated
Alen’s Answer
Hey Weizhang! Most definitely reading! The more you read, the more things you pick up. Also do not be afraid to search on google things you think you don't understand. Curiosity is a major player in learning! As English is not my native language, I find myself googling words/sayings quite often!
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hello Weizhang,
If you are learning English as a second language, reading is helpful. But you really need to expose yourself to a wide variety of media as well. For listening in context, which I think is what you are referring to, audiobooks, podcasts, and things like that might help. Find materials that would let you listen and read at the same time. Depending on what your first language is, with streaming services you could watch audio in English and have subtitles in another language. For school, there are many guides you can get to read along with texts. Even as a native English speaker, I used these for many of my classes. Spark Notes is just one I can think of. Good luck!
Audiobooks and podcasts
Watch TV shows on streaming services with audio in English and subtitles in native language
Spark Notes and other study guides
If you are learning English as a second language, reading is helpful. But you really need to expose yourself to a wide variety of media as well. For listening in context, which I think is what you are referring to, audiobooks, podcasts, and things like that might help. Find materials that would let you listen and read at the same time. Depending on what your first language is, with streaming services you could watch audio in English and have subtitles in another language. For school, there are many guides you can get to read along with texts. Even as a native English speaker, I used these for many of my classes. Spark Notes is just one I can think of. Good luck!
Anna recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Try to practice as much as you can. Learning a new language or comprehending it in a different way is always difficult for everybody. Sometimes having a small group of people talk about their own interpretations can help you with a better understanding of how to do so.