Can Watching T.V. Improve Your English?

The short answer: maybe?

A 2010 study suggests successful students listened to English in their free time. The students were from Hong Kong. They watched English T.V., movies and music in their free-time. This is called autonomous language learning and out-of-class learning. This just means learning by yourself. But the study said these students had great listening skills but their speaking was poor. So it is important to practise all skills of English, including speaking.

If you want to try if watching English T.V. and movies can improve your English listening skills then check out these tips:

Find content that is right for your level: It's important to choose shows or movies that aren't too hard or too easy. If the language is too difficult, you might get frustrated and not have as much fun. On the other hand, if it's too easy, you won't be challenged and won't learn as much.
Pay attention to the words and phrases being used: As you watch, try to focus on what the characters are saying. Repeat the words and phrases to yourself and try to remember them. You can also pause the video and write down any new vocabulary or phrases that you come across.
Turn on the subtitles: Subtitles can be really helpful, especially if you're just starting out or if the show or movie has a lot of fast-paced dialogue. This will help you follow along and pick up on words and phrases that you might otherwise miss.
Practice speaking: Once you feel comfortable with the content, try repeating lines or acting out scenes to practise your speaking skills. This can help you improve your pronunciation and fluency.
Watch with a purpose: Instead of just streaming content for fun, try setting a goal for each session. For example, you could try to learn a certain number of new words or practise a specific grammar point. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.

By following these tips, you can have fun and improve your English skills at the same time! So the next time you sit down to watch your favourite show or movie, remember that it can also be a great way to learn.

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This post was written by Connor. Find out more about him here.