What is better than time to yourself to read? A new book is a whole new adventure waiting to be discovered. New characters to meet, new places to imagine, and new lessons to learn.
Although we spend so much time online now, there are ways to use the internet for ‘reading’. There is of course kindle, which you can download from your app store to use on your tablet or phone.
Audio Books
Audio books on audible are also available for many of the same books you will find on amazon too. This is a great way to absorb language, while you are doing something else, like walking or cooking. There are thousands of podcasts and radio programmes which can help you practise listening to many people talking, often with different accents.
Another tip is to set your car radio to an English-speaking channel or to watch the news from the BBC. While you might not understand everything, you will get accustomed to many voices and recognise key words on topical certain subjects.
Some great books to read as a beginner-level English student are in the children’s section. The language is simpler and as many are illustrated, you can also associate the words with images.
Working on wordsearch books can help you with spelling and crosswords too. Do start with ones designed for children first so you can build your confidence. Some of the clues can be difficult in the versions designed for adults. They can have cryptic, rather obscure clues or use idioms.
Learn Idioms
An idiom is usually a phrase, commonly used as expressions which are not literal. Idioms are a very important part of any language, so learning a few of the most common ones is useful in two main ways. By knowing a few idioms, the more local you will sound. You probably have many in your own language, some of which work and are used in other cultures too.
Even when you are confident with your vocabulary and grammar, it is easy to get your wires crossed.
When people ‘get their wires crossed’, they have a different understanding of the same situation. They get confused, mixed up or make a mistake; there is a misunderstanding. e.g.
I think we got our wires crossed because I thought we were going to meet at the coffee shop and Sarah thought we were meeting at the bar.
This is just one example of an idiom that you can learn about in our free idioms eBook. Add it to your summer reading list!