Improve your English skills
There are several effective ways for you to improve your English skills. Apps, programmes, shows and much more. Here are some ways of improving your English skills.
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- Language apps and online platforms
- English courses online
- Daily reading and listening
- Language cafés and conversation groups
- Watching movies and TV shows in English
- Finding a language partner or language buddy
- Writing exercises
- Using English in academic contexts
- Language guidance at Halmstad University
Language apps and online platforms
Duolingo
An app that offers English lessons through short, game-like exercises that are great for building basic vocabulary and grammar skills.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone helps you tap into your brain’s innate ability to learn language, and gets you comfortable with communication in real life.
Readtheory
Practise English as a second language through reading comprehension.
English courses online
Platforms which offer English courses that can be tailored to your level and needs.
Coursera
Offers many free and paid courses in English, from basic grammar to advanced writing and business English, often taught by university professors:
Cambridge English
Provides free exercises, games, and simulated tests in English to help students prepare for official English language tests.
Cambridge English
External link.
EngVid
Free video lessons covering various aspects of the English language, from grammar and pronunciation to specific topics like business English and idiomatic expressions.
Grammarly
As a student at Halmstad University this is a free digital tool that can help correct grammar, spelling, and writing style in real-time when writing in English.
Daily reading and listening
Daily reading and listening can improve understanding and language sense.
Reading English-language newspapers, books, or articles daily can improve your skills. Some of the best newspapers to read for improving English skills include The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
Listen to English radio, podcasts, and music. An example is BBC Learning English
BBC offers a wealth of resources for learning English, including news, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, along with interactive exercises and videos.
BBC Learning English External link.
TED Talks is an excellent resource for listening to English talks from experts in various fields. Most videos come with transcripts and subtitles.
Language cafés and conversation groups
Participate in meetings where only English is spoken. This provides practical experience and increases confidence when speaking.
Watching movies and TV shows in English
With or without subtitles, this can help improve pronunciation and listening skills and give a feel for the natural flow of the language.
Finding a language partner or language buddy
Having someone to practice with regularly, especially a native speaker, is invaluable for developing conversational skills.
Writing exercises
By regularly writing essays, diary entries, or stories in English, and if it possible having them reviewed by native speakers you will improve your writing skills.
Using English in academic contexts
Use English in presentations, seminars, and group discussions to build up technical vocabulary and formal use of the language.
Language guidance at Halmstad University
The University’s language guidance can help you improve your English skills.
