English Improvement English, Improvement

ashtaron14

My frined wants to improve her English in both writing and speaking. She's been in Canada for close to 5 years. She understands vocabulary definitions but can't seem to recall the right one when in need of actual usaage.

She's currently attending SFU so her work load this semester will not allow very extracurricular tuturials, but so far I've put her on basic TV show (Friends, since there's lots of interaction and not action/thriller). I'm looking into basic grammar books and trying to get her to watch at least a movie a week.

But for next semester I want her to go into some sort of English course since nothing she wants is being offered at SFU in summer.

Any suggestions? I've looked at courses offered at BCIT, Kwantlen, and Langara, but some has prequisete and some are just quite expensive(like the Langara intensive program). I know it's a stretch, but I'm wondering if anyone got recommendations because I'm just trying to find something reasonable so as to raise her self confidence

Thanks

celeron_266

read books...magazines..newspapers...reading helps the most IMO..

ppp

do more reading or even go for ESL class
i think english course in college or university can't help much in this case

ashtaron14

I know reading is important to a certain extent, but on reading and interactional/vocal practising is completely two different things because you don't speak the way you write. And since that's the part she's getting confused about, I though that there might be some course(s) she can take... I mean I already encourage reading, just want to see if there's a different approach angle that can possibly take less time

myversa

For writing, she need to write more and ask someone to correct for her.

For speaking, just go to church with only Canadians, she can communicate only in English there.

notgoddy

I have a feeling that churches will teach people bad language because of the metaphors and jargons. On second thought, English is mostly idiomatic.

If your friend is serious, just make sure everything coming out of her mouth is in English-or you slap her.

FeiB

I would suggest try to hang around white people more.. either through friendship or volunteering... that's the best way to improve speaking english...

For writing, my Grade 12 English teacher suggested getting into the habbit of writing journal ... but remember to proof-read the journal after certain days... learning from your own mistakes is the best way to learn...

Hope this helps...

ashtaron14

The journal idea is great!

Church ain't going to happen for her

Keep ideas coming!

Thanks

Ovaltine

Personally I listen to alot of Rap and Hiphop, not the 50 cent stuff. But more poetic, such as Wu-Tang Clan and Saul Williams. It helps with my vocab. Then I started going through poems. Lessons can't be learn if you don't love the language. Learn to love learning by doing what you like, which involves with Art, Music and Humanities. I am kinda preaching here..but You got the point.

yungfourfour

Friend not frined
tutorial not tuturial
Prerequisite not prequisete
Usage not usaage

I've just corrected the spelling part