Tips on Learning English

Let me first provide a brief summary of my views on the contentious issue of learning grammar of a new language.

I think grammar learning ought to be combined with conversational practice and vocabulary learning (first fixed thematic conversational phrases, and then free conversational practice on each topic with sentences based on known grammar (to reduce grammar mistakes) alongside learning grammar).

In my opinion, learners can learn grammar and practice it in communicative grammar exercises with real-life content (with sentences that most likely can be used in real-life situations).

It's very helpful for learners to have key to exercises for self-check. Grammar exercises that contain dialogues, interrogative and statement (or narrative) sentences on everyday topics, thematic texts and narrative stories are especially effective for mastering grammatical structures. Grammar practice should include exercises in listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. I think it ought to be effective to combine input (listening, reading) with output (speaking and writing). Therefore I prefer communicative English courses that practise those four skills in each lesson and include (integrate) grammar material in thematic conversation and vocabulary practice activities (exercises) in each lesson. I agree that vocabulary matters much more than grammar to use a language. The more vocabulary a learner knows how to use correctly the easier it is to convey a thought in a language in speaking, in writing and to understand the reading and listening content.

HOW TO PRACTISE ENGLISH LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND SPEAKING SKILLS

In order to have good skills in listening comprehension in English and to speak it fluently, a learner should practise listening to audio and video aids in English (dialogues, thematic texts and narrative stories) with subsequent speaking. It is preferable to have English transcripts of audio and video material. I suggest that learners practise listening comprehension with subsequent speaking on a variety of topics and with materials for all levels on a regular long-term basis in the following sequence:

1. Listen to each sentence several times. Alongside listening see and read each sentence in the transcript.

2. Make sure you understand everything clearly in each sentence in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar.

>>>>Daily Use English Sentences <<<<

3. Without looking into the transcript, try to repeat each sentence (say it aloud) exactly as you have heard it. Being able to repeat a sentence means that a learner has remembered its content.

4. Listen to that particular conversation or text (story) in short paragraphs or chunks, say each paragraph aloud, and compare to the transcript.

5. Listen to the whole conversation or story without interruption several times, and try to tell the content of the whole conversation or text (story) you’ve heard. You can write key words and phrases, or main ideas as a plan, or questions on that particular dialogue or text to make easier for you to convey the content in English. It is important to compare what you’ve said to the transcript.

It is a good idea to record one’s speech on audio aid to compare it with the original audio/video recording.

I believe that for practising listening comprehension and speaking in English it is a good idea to include various practical topics for potential needs of learners with comprehensive vocabulary on each topic. As you know the content of materials matters a great deal.

Ready-made thematic dialogues, questions and answers on conversation topics, thematic texts (informative texts and narrative stories), grammatical usage sentences (in the form of dialogues and texts), and sentences with difficult vocabulary on various topics, especially with fixed phrases and idioms can be used in practising listening comprehension in English.

It’s possible and effective to practise listening comprehension and speaking in English on one’s own this way through self-check using transcripts, books, audio and video aids to provide additional solid practice and to accelerate mastering of English.

METHODS FOR MASTERING ENGLISH CONVERSATION AND VOCABULARY

I have developed my own unique suggestions on mastering English conversation and vocabulary. They are based on my experience and knowledge, and my tips and advice may be valuable for all students of English. I hope that they will become a short but indispensable guide for many learners of English. I have thoroughly read on the issue of effective methods and aids for learning English. Those aids include audios, videos, websites, study books, etc. I want to share with you that information for English language learners. Of course, everyday talking in English to native English speakers on a variety of topics helps best in order to be able to speak English fluently. But relatively few learners of English have such long-term opportunity. To eventually be able to speak English fluently, first of all learners of English must have materials with important content on all everyday topics (audios, videos, printed texts/study books, etc.) for beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of study. The materials must include dialogues, monologues (thematic texts), questions - answers with important content, thematic lists of difficult word meanings and phrases (expressions) with usage sentences, and comprehensive vocabulary on all everyday topics. I believe that learners can master English conversation and vocabulary with the following methods:

1. It is important for learners of English to listen to each sentence in conversations (thematic dialogues) in audio materials several times and to see their transcript at the same time, and to understand everything in those sentences clearly.

2. It is helpful for learners of English to read (pronounce) each sentence aloud and to compare their pronunciation to the narrator's pronunciation.

3. Speaking activity with self-check. It is a good idea for learners to check if they can orally convey the content of those dialogues closely to the original dialogues as much as possible.

It is expedient for them to try to be an actor for both speakers in the dialogues. The most important thing for them is to speak English, and to check in the transcript of conversations (dialogues) whether they have made any mistakes in speaking.

Learners can also make up their own written questions on the dialogues that require long answers contained in the dialogues to facilitate (make easier) imitation of the dialogues. Alternatively, learners can write key words and phrases, or main ideas as a plan to make easier for them to imitate those dialogues.

There are English conversation books and websites with thematic dialogues and narrative/informative texts on various topics to practise speaking in English.

4. It is useful for learners to prepare potential questions and answers with helpful content on all everyday topics, and to practise speaking. To show different ways of expressing a particular thought they can make up several potential questions and answers on one point in this speaking activity.

There are a few websites that contain a lot of ready-made questions in English on a wide variety of topics:

http://iteslj.org
http://www.esldiscussions.com
http://englishtrainer.blogspot.com/2007/02/questions-on-various-conversa...
http://www.eslconversationquestions.com/english-conversation-questions/e...
http://www.teacherjoe.us/englishconversation.html
http://www.eslconversationquestions.com/english-conversation-questions/t...
http://www.eslpartyland.com/teachers/conversation/cqlang.htm (Conversation Questions)
http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/discuss.html
http://www.eslgold.net/speaking.html
http://www.eslsheets.com/Free_Resources.html (Free English conversation and dialogue sheets)
http://www.learnamericanenglishonline.com/Conversation_Questions/Convers...
http://www.ctu.edu.vn/centers/cfl/learning/speaking/Conversation%20Quest...

5. Students of English can learn a lot of vocabulary on every topic from general thematic English dictionaries in addition to English phrase books. Good thematic English dictionaries provide clear word usage explanations and also a few usage sentences for each word meaning, which is especially useful. It is also helpful for students of English to make up their own sentences with difficult vocabulary. It is reasonable for them to think about the real life situations where and when that vocabulary can be used.

6. It would be very useful for learners of English to make lists of difficult word meanings and of phrases (expressions) on every topic with usage sentences from English phrase books and general thematic English dictionaries. Reading those ready-made vocabulary usage sentences many times would help learners remember difficult word meanings. Longman Language Activator Dictionary (unique English Idea Production Dictionary) covers this issue thoroughly. It would also be very practical for learners to make up their own sentences with that vocabulary for personal potential use, taking into consideration real life situations.

7. Learners can also master new English vocabulary by reading thematic texts (materials), first of all on everyday topics with important content, for example: Practical Tips and Advice to Make Everyday Life Easier and Better (practical solutions for everyday problems). Such self-help books on settling everyday matters are available at book stores and on the Internet. It is better for learners to write down unknown vocabulary in whole sentences to easier remember it. It would be effective for developing English speaking skills by learners to practise telling the content of the texts that they have read. As people say, practice makes perfect.

8. Constant review of material ensures solid knowledge and success in learning.

9. It is essential that learners also make use of other important aids on a variety of topics to improve their English conversation and vocabulary skills: audios, videos (English learning videos, travel videos, etc.), Internet resources, English learning magazines, newspapers, newsletters, radio programmes (especially the BBC English learning programmes/materials), TV programmes (educational programmes, documentary films, movies, news), books and e-books on a variety of subjects, online communication with native English speakers (chat, email, Skype). Good libraries, book stores and the Internet have a wide selection of English learning aids.

LOGICAL MASTERING OF A CONVERSATION TOPIC IN ENGLISH

The actual conversation process consists of two integral parts: listening and speaking.

In my view it is expedient to master a conversation topic in English in the following sequence:

1. Learners listen to and pronounce each sentence of English conversations (thematic dialogues and narrative texts with transcripts).

2. Speaking on each conversation topic (imitation of dialogues (role play), ready-made thematic questions and answers with helpful content for using in daily life, narrations/telling stories, talking points and discussions of issues).

3. Learning of additional conversation sentences and vocabulary from English phrase books, conversation books and general thematic English dictionaries that provide useful usage sentences. Making up one's own sentences with difficult vocabulary for potential use in daily life.

4. Extensive reading of thematic texts and materials from various sources.
Telling the content of thematic texts.

5. Writing on real life topics.

PERSONAL ENGLISH LEARNING MATERIALS

My idea below may be important to you to improve your English materials.

As you know word combinations (collocations) in speaking are unpredictable. There are different word collocations/phrases and synonyms to convey a thought in English.

It's possible to encompass in ready-made materials a wide variety of English phrases for each conversation topic. It is a good idea to prepare a potential list of phrases with sentences on each conversation topic, for example fixed conversational phrases that do not require English grammar knowledge (greetings, forms of addressing a person, thanks, well-wishing, apology, agreeing, disagreeing, emotions, etc.).

Practising English with such materials can help a learner easier choose the most appropriate word combinations to convey a thought. Multiple frequent reading of such sentences in English will gradually ensure firm memorisation of English vocabulary and contribute to developing good speaking skills.

By combining the most inclusive English phrase books, conversation books, general English thematic dictionaries, software, audio and video aids and websites you can create the most practical and thorough content for mastering each conversation topic in English for all levels including a wide selection of ready-to-use phrases, vocabulary and sentences for daily use.

Your own ready-made materials could be superior to (more helpful than) any conversation book or a phrase book in terms of useful comprehensive content and vocabulary.

WAYS TO MASTER ENGLISH VOCABULARY

Learners can improve their English vocabulary in the following ways:

a) when doing English grammar exercises;
b) when practising speaking on various topics;
c) when reading various materials in English on a multitude of topics;
d) when listening to audio and video recordings with diverse content.

I believe the best way to learn English vocabulary is by topics with explanations of meaning, examples of usage in sentences and with subsequent exercises.

It is possible to practise English vocabulary through exercises in listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing.

1. Do ready-made lexical exercises from textbooks in vocabulary practice. Exercises in vocabulary practice can include dialogues, narrations (telling stories), thematic texts, questions and answers in various situations, discussions, talking points and expressing opinions and views on real life topics and issues, etc.

2. Learners can also master new English vocabulary by reading thematic texts (materials), first of all on everyday topics with important content, for example: Practical Tips and Advice to Make Everyday Life Easier and Better (practical solutions for everyday problems). Such self-help books on settling everyday matters are available at libraries, book stores and on the Internet. It is better for easier memorisation to write down unknown vocabulary in whole sentences. It is expedient for learners to practise telling the content of the texts that they have read.

3. Students of English can learn a lot of vocabulary on every topic from thematic English dictionaries. Good thematic English dictionaries provide clear word usage explanations and also a few usage sentences for each word meaning, which is especially important. It is a good practice for students to make up their own sentences with difficult vocabulary for potential use in daily life. Think about real life situations where and when that vocabulary can be used.

4. It is helpful for learners to have lists of difficult word meanings and of phrases (expressions) on every topic with usage sentences. By reading those ready-made vocabulary usage sentences many times if needed learners will gradually master the vocabulary. Longman Language Activator Dictionary (unique English Idea Production Dictionary) covers this issue thoroughly. It is useful for learners to make up their own sentences with that vocabulary, taking into consideration real life situations.

5. Thematic general English dictionaries combined with English synonym dictionaries are a valuable tool for mastering English vocabulary logically, comprehensively and intensively for real life needs of learners. English synonym dictionaries provide usage explanations and usage examples for words with similar meaning.

Summary: Thematic English reading materials can be combined with English phrase books, conversation books, thematic English dictionaries, English synonym dictionaries and vocabulary practice books (with lexical exercises) for comprehensive, logical and intensive learning of English vocabulary.

http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/lists/c/
http://lc.ust.hk/~sac/advice/english/vocabulary/V1.htm
http://www.eslgold.com/vocabulary/learn.html
http://www.eslgold.com/vocabulary.html
http://www.learnenglish.de/vocabpage.htm
http://eslpoint.com/ (Vocabulary)
http://iteslj.org/links/ESL/Vocabulary/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/studyguides/pdfs...
http://www.improvingvocabulary.org
http://www.english-for-students.com/Words-by-Theme.html
http://todays-talking-topics.com/content_vocabulary.html
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/vocabulary.php
http://www.eslprintables.com/printable.asp?id=125420
http://www.english-at-home.com/vocabulary/
http://www.languageguide.org/english/
http://www.eslflow.com/vocabularylessonplans.html
http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/#practical

THEMATIC GENERAL ENGLISH DICTIONARIES (extremely important for logical and quicker vocabulary learning):

1. Longman Language Activator (Unique idea production English dictionary, very valuable for solid vocabulary learning). There is also Longman Pocket Activator Dictionary. Longman English dictionaries are the most authoritative.
2. Longman Lexicon of Contemporary English.
3. The Oxford-Duden Pictorial English Dictionary (by J. Pheby, 1995, 816 pages).
4. Oxford Learner's Wordfinder Dictionary.
5. Word Menu (dictionary by Stephen Glazier, Random House, USA, over 75,000 words arranged by subject matter).
6. Cambridge Word Selector/Routes.
7. NTC's Dictionary of Everyday American English Expressions (over 7,000 phrases arranged by topics).

ENGLISH SYNONYM DICTIONARIES:

1. Webster's New Dictionary of Synonyms.
2. Choose the Right Word (by S.I.Hayakawa, E. Ehrlich, 1994, New York, USA, 514 pages, over 6,000 synonyms and long index of words).
3. Langenscheidt Pocket Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms (explains differences in synonym meanings, paperback, 1998, 448 pages).
4. Merriam Webster's Pocket Guide to Synonyms, 1995, 362 pages including 48 page synonym list, approximately 3,300 words explained).
5. Longman Synonym Dictionary (hardcover, 1994, 1366 pages).
6. Harrap's Dictionary of English Synonyms (by John Clark, 1990, 688 pages).
7. English Synonyms and Antonyms (book by James Champlin Fernald, paperback, 2010, over 7,500 synonyms explained on 375 pages; 584 pages in total).

ENGLISH VOCABULARY BUILDING:

1. Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Builder (book by Mary Wood Cornog, 2010, new edition, 712 pages).
2. Webster's New Explorer Vocabulary Skill Builder (2008, 576 pages).
3. Word Power Made Easy (book by Norman Lewis, 1991, 528 pages).
4. How to Build a Better Vocabulary (book, 384 pages).
5. English Vocabulary Organiser (book by Chris Gough, 100 topics, 2000, 224 pages).
6. Phrasal Verb Organiser (book by John Flower).

LEARNING ENGLISH IDIOMS

In my view the best way to learn English idioms is by topics with explanations of meaning, examples of usage and subsequent exercises. Practising idioms can be done through exercises in listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. I suggest the following sequence of learning English idioms (5-10 idioms per lesson):

1. Read clear precise meanings of idioms with usage examples in several realistic sentences in a good thematic dictionary of English idioms.

2. Do ready-made exercises from textbooks in idioms practice. Exercises in idioms practice can include dialogues, narrations (telling stories), thematic texts, questions and answers with idioms in various situations, discussions, talking points and expressing opinions and views on real life topics and issues.

A good textbook for English idiom practice is: English Idioms in Use (by McCarthy, Michael and O’Dell, Felicity). Cambridge University Press, 2002. ISBN: 0-521-78957-5.

3. Make up your own sentences for using idioms in real life situations.

4. Learners can further practice English idioms in the following ways:

a) when listening to audio and video recordings containing thematic texts with idioms and with subsequent speaking on the texts they heard;
b) when speaking English using idiomatic expressions on various topics;
c) when reading and retelling texts in English with idioms on a multitude of topics.

The English language is rich in idioms, and although it is possible to converse correctly in non-idiomatic English, a student with only a superficial knowledge of English idioms will find himself (or herself) at a serious disadvantage in his (her) reading, and even more so when he (she) takes part in discussions and debates. Ready-made copious usage sentences of English idioms taken from real life offer guidance on the most effective way to use them. The English Idiom Dictionaries listed by me below provide clear idiom usage explanations and several realistic idiom usage sentences. Many native English speakers, especially when they converse among themselves use idioms, informal colloquial expressions and slang.

The most comprehensive aids for learning English idioms are dictionaries of English idioms that contain thematic arrangement of idioms.

Below is the list of the most important dictionaries of English idioms (with thematic index of idioms):

1. Longman Idioms Dictionary (over 6,000 idioms; choose the right idiom with the unique Idiom Activator).
2. Longman American Idioms Dictionary (over 4,000 idioms).
3. Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms (7,000 idioms; with 15 topic areas of idioms, 1998, 608 pages).
4. Collins Cobuild Dictionary of Idioms (6,000 idiom expressions, has a thematic index of idioms - 32 topics on 16 pages, 2002, 409 pages).
5. Oxford Dictionary of Idioms (over 5,000 idioms, with a thematic index of idioms, 2004).
6. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms (volumes 1, 2).
7. Oxford Idioms Dictionary for Learners of English (10,000 idioms).
8. NTC's Dictionary of Everyday American English Expressions (over 7,000 expressions presented according to topic and situation).
9. NTC's Thematic Dictionary of American Idioms (900 thematic headings).
10. Oxford Collocations Dictionary for Students of English.
11. Idioms Organiser (book by Jon Wright, 296 pages).

http://www.eslgold.com/idioms.html
http://phraseteacher.com/topics.htm
http://www.phrasebase.com/english/phrases/
http://www.phrasemix.com/phrase-lists/
http://www.eslpoint.com/speakingindex.html
http://www.learn-english-today.com/idioms/idioms_proverbs.html
http://www.eslgold.com/speaking/phrases.html
http://todays-talking-topics.com/content_phrases.html

READING IN ENGLISH

Extensive reading in English with the help of a good English dictionary on a variety of real life topics is one of the ways to learn English vocabulary. Since there is an enormous amount of reading material in English, a learner of English has to prioritise reading in subjects according to learner's needs for using English to encompass first the most necessary, relevant and frequently used vocabulary. Day-to-day topics ought to come first in reading.

Reading materials can be arranged by level of difficulty of vocabulary - for learners at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

Learners can master the most important English vocabulary by reading thematic texts (materials), first of all on everyday topics with important content, for example: Practical Tips and Advice to Make Everyday Life Easier and Better (practical solutions for everyday problems). Such self-help books on settling everyday matters are available at book stores and on the Internet.

In addition to thematic informative texts (materials), learners can read thematic dialogues (samples of real life conversations between people), narrative realistic stories, fine literature, newspapers, magazines, Internet materials, books in various subjects, general thematic English dictionaries, etc.

Good general thematic English dictionaries arrange vocabulary by subject matter (topics) and provide clear word usage explanations and also a few usage sentences for each word meaning, which is especially important. English synonym dictionaries provide usage explanations and usage examples for words with similar meaning. Thematic general English dictionaries combined with English synonym dictionaries are a valuable tool for mastering English vocabulary logically, comprehensively and intensively for real life needs of learners.

Good public libraries and the Internet have a wide selection of English reading materials.

It is better for learners to write down unknown vocabulary in whole sentences to remember word meanings easier. It would be a good speaking practice for learners telling the content of the texts that they have read. Learners can write key words and phrases, or main ideas as a plan, or questions on the text that require long answers to make easier for learners to tell the content of the text. I believe it is a good idea to read each logical chunk or paragraph of a text and to narrate each paragraph separately, and then the whole text.

DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS IN LEARNING ENGLISH

Different students can have different difficulties and problems in learning English. They can make different mistakes in English pronunciation, grammar, orthography and vocabulary usage.

There is a connection between the native language of a learner and particular difficulties in learning and using English and the kind of mistakes a learner typically makes in English pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary as there is native language interference in learning and using English.

Listening comprehension and speaking in English are the skills generally more frequently used than reading and writing in daily living in an English speaking country. Listening comprehension and speaking in English are more difficult and more important for learners to master than reading and writing. When reading and writing a text a learner has more time for thinking and pauses than when listening and speaking in English in daily living.

A learner can also look up unknown vocabulary in English dictionaries and use other English reference books when reading and writing a text in English which is impossible when listening and speaking in English. Therefore listening comprehension and speaking in English are more difficult than reading and writing.

English vocabulary for daily living requires more time and is more difficult to master by foreign learners than English grammar. I believe vocabulary is the most comprehensive and most difficult aspect of English for foreign learners to master thoroughly. They should first concentrate on learning the most frequently used and therefore most important English vocabulary for their practical real life needs.

Multiple sense English words and synonyms (words with a similar meaning) present special difficulty for foreign learners. Other difficulties in learning and using English vocabulary include fixed word collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, proverbs and regional differences in vocabulary usage. There are differences in English usage in English-speaking countries in terms of spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. I know some specialised books dealing with British and American English differences.

English usage can also be formal and informal. Formal English is the language of the mass media, education, business, economy, commerce, technology, science, etc. Informal English includes colloquial, slang and dialect usage. It is harder for foreign learners to master informal than formal English vocabulary.

Thematic general English dictionaries combined with English synonym dictionaries are a valuable tool for mastering English vocabulary logically, comprehensively and intensively for real life needs of learners. Extensive reading on a variety of topics is another effective method for expanding English vocabulary knowledge by learners of English.

I highly recommend that learners read the reference book titled Practical English Usage by Michael Swan to reduce making mistakes in English.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR MASTERING ENGLISH ON ONE'S OWN

Successful learning and mastering of English as a second/foreign language depends on a number of factors. In addition to learning English pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary through explanations, examples and exercises, there should be adequate regular long-term practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing especially through communication with native English speakers.

There is a way for foreign learners to combine learning of English grammar with thematic learning of fixed conversational phrases at each lesson.

I can give ESL/EFL learners practical suggestions on mastering English on their own.

Initially they could combine self-study (teach yourself) books for learning English with English phrase books and conversation books. Such books often come with audio and even video aid. Teach yourself books for learning English may be monolingual (in English only) or bilingual, cover major English pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, some conversation, and have key (answers to exercises) for self-check which is important. The duration of each lesson may be between one hour and two hours every day.

1. Learn English pronunciation including intonation (major rules of reading English letters, the articulation of vowels and consonants, stress in words, phrases and intonation in sentences). Do practical phonetic exercises that include listening to and pronouncing of words, phrases and sentences.

2. After mastering English pronunciation, learners can learn English grammar and practise grammar rules in communicative grammar exercises with real life content that have key for self-check. They would also learn a certain number of English vocabulary in grammar exercises. There are English grammar practice books with key for learners at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels as well.

To make learning English more interesting learners can study at each lesson a certain number of fixed thematic conversational phrases that do not require grammar knowledge (for example, greetings, forms of addressing a person, thanks, well-wishing, apology, etc.). It is preferable to listen to audio recordings of such phrases that must be memorised through listening, multiple reading and self-check.

3. After mastering major English grammar and fixed conversational phrases learners can concentrate on mastering everyday conversational topics (that require English grammar knowledge) and vocabulary from English phrase books, conversation books, websites, audio and video aids.

Learn each conversation topic in the following order:

1) Listen to and pronounce each sentence of English conversations on audio recordings (thematic dialogues and narrative texts with transcripts).

2) Speaking on each conversation topic (imitation of dialogues (role play), ready-made thematic questions and answers with helpful content for using in daily life, narrations/telling stories, talking points and discussions of issues).

3) Learning of additional conversation sentences and vocabulary from comprehensive English phrase books and conversation books with useful usage sentences. Making up one’s own sentences with difficult vocabulary for potential use in daily life.

4) Extensive reading of thematic texts and materials from various sources. Telling the content of thematic texts.

5) Writing on real life topics.

4. Master English vocabulary thoroughly from general thematic English dictionaries combined with English synonym dictionaries that provide vocabulary usage explanations and example sentences.

Below are the most important English synonym dictionaries:

1. Choose the Right Word (by S.I.Hayakawa, E. Ehrlich, 1994, New York, USA, 514 pages and long index of words).
2. Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms.
3. Langenscheidt Pocket Merriam-Webster Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms (explains differences in synonym meanings, paperback, 1998, 448 pages).
4. English Synonyms and Antonyms (book by James Champlin Fernald, paperback, 2010, over 7500 synonyms explained on 375 pages; 584 pages in total).

THEMATIC GENERAL ENGLISH DICTIONARIES (extremely important for logical and quicker vocabulary learning):

1. Longman Language Activator (Unique idea production English dictionary, very valuable for solid vocabulary learning).
There is also Longman Pocket Activator Dictionary. Longman English dictionaries are the most authoritative.
2. Longman Lexicon of Contemporary English.
3. The Oxford-Duden Pictorial English Dictionary (by J. Pheby, over 28,000 entries, 1995, 816 pages).
4. Oxford Learner’s Wordfinder Dictionary.
5. Word Menu (dictionary by Stephen Glazier, Random House, USA, over 75,000 words arranged by subject matter).
6. Cambridge Word Selector/Routes.
7. NTC’s Dictionary of Everyday American English Expressions (over 7,000 phrases arranged by topics).

My conclusions: In the process of learning English grammar learners can devote a portion of time at each lesson for learning first fixed thematic conversational phrases that don't require grammar knowledge. Later based on known grammar learners can concentrate more productively on listening, speaking, reading and writing practice on each daily life topic and on thematic vocabulary expansion.

I would argue that first a foreign learner must learn at least major English grammar from a grammar textbook that contains explanations, examples and exercises with answers to them before being able to communicate grammatically correctly in daily life with native speakers of English. It is a good idea for learners to study just one grammar rule (not several rules) at a time followed by usage examples and practising exercises with daily life content that illustrate that particular rule. Gradually English grammar can be learned this way up to the advanced level within two years or even sooner depending on the learner. The duration of each everyday lesson may be between one hour and two hours. Only the right amount of material can be absorbed by the particular learner. Most learners cannot afford more than two hours a day to learn English without strain.

After all major grammar is mastered additional extensive in-depth conversation practice on all relevant topics for potential practical use in daily life is expedient and necessary to develop good communication skills.

For more insight please read my articles on learning English grammar, vocabulary and on practising listening comprehension, speaking and reading.

HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH GRAMMAR

In my view English communicative integrated skills courses that practise listening, speaking, reading and writing alongside pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary are the most effective and the most comprehensive courses. Conventional communicative English teaching and learning supported with adequate regular long-term practice in listening comprehension and speaking in English yield effective results. Lack of such practice in English by learners produces speculations that conventional English learning and teaching methods don’t work.

Knowledge of grammar rules reduces making mistakes by learners. Without adequate knowledge of English grammar rules learners often cannot create their own grammatically correct sentences and often cannot understand what they read or hear in English exactly.

In my view learning English grammar in the following sequence ensures firm solid thorough knowledge of English grammar:

1. Read a short clear easily understandable explanation of a grammar rule.
2. Study several practical usage examples (sentences) illustrating that particular grammar rule. Check yourself whether you have mastered the examples.
3. Do several exercises for that rule with communicative content (with sentences that most likely can be used in real life situations).

Grammar exercises that contain dialogues, interrogative and statement (or narrative) sentences on everyday topics, thematic texts and narrative stories are especially effective for mastering grammatical structures.

Grammar practice should also include exercises in listening comprehension and speaking, not just in reading and writing. Grammar exercises must help learners not only form correct sentences, but also use them correctly in context in real life situations. Contrastive and contextualised exercises give practice in form, meaning and use.

It is very important to learners for practising English grammar on their own that there are answers provided to exercises in their grammar practice book for self-check.

A learner of English can’t rely on real life communication or on reading texts alone to be proficient in using grammatically correct English. Learning English grammar from books, audio and video aids is equally indispensable to substantially accelerate mastering of English grammar.

Correct oral communication in English is based on knowledge of English phonetics, grammar, vocabulary, and on practice and experience in communicating with native English speakers in real life. I would argue that first a learner must master at least major English grammar from books with exercises before being able to communicate grammatically correctly in real life with native speakers of English.

I believe what especially matters in effective teaching and learning of English grammar is how clearly and easily understandable all grammar rules are explained and whether adequate supportive exercises with real life content are practised to master that material. It would take foreign learners much less time to learn grammar rules that are explained to learners than to figure out grammar rules on their own intuitively from texts because grammar rules may have exceptions and other peculiarities.

Grammar books with explanations and exercises have been published by knowledgeable language specialists to make learning grammar easier so that learners don’t have to discover grammar rules anew the hard long way.

There is a way for foreign learners to combine learning of English grammar with thematic learning of fixed conversational phrases at each lesson. To make learning English more interesting learners can study at each lesson a certain number of fixed thematic conversational phrases that do not require grammar knowledge (for example, greetings, forms of addressing a person, thanks, well-wishing, apology, etc.). It is preferable to listen to audio recordings of such phrases that must be memorised through listening, multiple reading and self-check.

My conclusions: In the process of learning English grammar learners can devote a portion of time at each lesson for learning first fixed thematic conversational phrases that don’t require grammar knowledge. Later based on known grammar learners can concentrate more productively on listening, speaking, reading and writing practice on each daily life topic and on thematic vocabulary expansion.

THE VALUE OF ORAL TRANSLATION INTO ENGLISH

Have you noticed that interpreters have to possess the most thorough knowledge of a foreign language, especially of conversation, vocabulary and grammar? Perhaps foreign learners of English can achieve fluency in English also through oral translation from their native language into English. It is possible to check oneself this way when practising speaking in English every sentence in ready-made materials with both a native language and English versions. I also believe that the value of oral translation from a native language into English with self-check is underestimated by English teaching specialists for self-study and self-practice of English conversation, vocabulary and grammar. Oral translation practice should cover English grammar, conversation and vocabulary. Thematic dialogues, questions and answers on conversation topics, thematic texts (informative texts and narrative stories), grammatical usage sentences and sentences with difficult vocabulary on various topics, especially with fixed phrases and idioms can be used in practising English through oral translation from one's native language into English.

Differences between a native language and English in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and stylistic usage should not be ignored by foreign learners living and learning English in non-English speaking countries to master English thoroughly. When learning and using English foreign learners cannot but notice those differences between English and their native language. Knowledge of those differences by foreign learners of English is essential for understanding correct forms, meaning and use of English grammar and for vocabulary usage to reduce making mistakes in English as much as possible, especially in fine tricky points of English grammar, vocabulary and stylistic usage. Native language interference when learning and using English by foreign learners is a natural thing equally as translation is a natural language activity in human communication. Therefore native language interference when learning and using English cannot be prevented or eliminated until English has been mastered by foreign learners as good as their native language. Knowledge of phonetic, grammatical, lexical and stylistic differences between English and one's native language weakens natural native language interference when learning and using English.

My views on oral translation do not apply to classroom teaching and classroom learning of English when an ESL teacher teaches English to students from various ethnic backgrounds. In that setting oral translation from a native language into English is simply impossible. All explanations of English pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary to learners from different ethnic backgrounds have to be done in English only at English classes. As you know there are English courses in English only for learning and practising all four skills in one course in each lesson (listening, speaking, reading and writing alongside pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary). Four skills English courses include textbooks with audio and video recordings for all levels including for beginners and are suitable for self-study as well. There are also online English learning courses in English only.

I firmly believe that oral translation from a native language into English is effective in practising English speaking, vocabulary and grammar on one's own with ready-made materials using self-check in a more logical, thorough, in-depth way as to content than casual talking to native English speakers. Practising English on one's own through oral translation into English with self-check may be a quicker way for developing fluency in speaking English than casual talking to native English speakers with limited content.

Of course everyday long-term talking to native English speakers on a multitude of topics is a top priority and a paramount factor for developing good English speaking skills by learners of English. Exercises in listening, speaking and reading in English that also cover English pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and conversation on various topics belong to major English learning and teaching activities. I do not advocate oral translation into English as the only or the most important method in learning English grammar, vocabulary and speaking.

However self-study and practising English on one's own are indispensable, and substantially accelerate success in English. Communication with native English speakers can't encompass all aspects of mastering English adequately and thoroughly, especially vocabulary, grammar, potential in-depth content of conversations suitable for real life needs of students for using English. It's possible and effective to practise English (including listening comprehension and speaking) on one's own through self-check using transcripts, books, audio and video aids.

Oral translation into English allows speaking a wide variety of sentences on a multitude of topics with sophisticated important content (sentences) that are rarely widely used in daily life because of limited opportunity and limited content of communication of foreign learners with native speakers of English. Oral translation from a native language into English is very important and effective for foreign learners of English because oral translation into English creates solid additional extensive practice of English that is rarely possible in terms of comprehensive content in daily communication with native speakers of English.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION IN ENGLISH

The actual process of oral communication consists of two integral parts: listening and speaking.

People develop not only listening comprehension skills in English by watching English movies (films) and other programmes on video, on TV or on the Internet, or by listening to BBC English, the Voice of America and other programmes, and to audio/video recordings for learning English.

People also listen to and learn different accents and peculiarities of English usage in real life settings in different English speaking countries by native English speakers in terms of pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and style (formal and informal English). Informal English includes colloquial, slang and dialectal usage.

Regular long-term listening to various authentic English audio and video materials helps a learner produce his or her own sentences more quickly and with better wording when speaking than without adequate practice in listening comprehension in English.

Listening practice in English is also very important because foreign learners of English living and learning English in non-English speaking countries have limited opportunities for regular long-term oral communication in English with native speakers of English on a variety of topics and issues using comprehensive content and extensive vocabulary.

And both listening and speaking content of various topics and extensive vocabulary can be covered in practising listening comprehension in English (for example in listening to dialogues, discussions, debates, interviews, narrations, etc).

It is a good idea to practise speaking and discussions of issues in English after listening to texts and programmes in English.

Speaking in English requires from a learner to combine his or her pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary knowledge, thinking over word and phrase choices (and good listening comprehension skills when conversing) to say good sentences as to their content. Even native speakers of English may experience some difficulty to express their thoughts accurately, precisely and most appropriately in particular contexts. Skillful impressive speaking using the most appropriate vocabulary is an art that many people (including native speakers) lack. Therefore speaking in English is quite challenging and more difficult for foreign learners than listening comprehension in English. Foreign learners of English generally have more opportunities for practising listening comprehension in English than for speaking in English.

When a learner listens to English, he or she does not have to create (to construct) in mind and to say own sentences in English like in speaking, but has to understand the content of sentences said by English speakers. The points mentioned above may explain why for most learners it is easier to practise and to develop better skills in listening comprehension than in speaking English.

USEFUL MATERIALS FOR LEARNERS OF ENGLISH

The links below contain highly useful materials for learners of English and can serve as a free and valuable guide for them.

GRUPPOSE