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Writer's pictureKaren Hunter

English reading practice - New Year, New Goals! (C1/C2 Advanced learners)

Hey Everyone,

As the clock ticks down to the end of the calendar year and the confetti starts to flutter, we find ourselves at the threshold of a brand-new chapter – a blank page waiting to be filled with your next linguistic exploits! So, let's bid farewell to the past year and welcome the future with open arms and eager minds. Happy New Year, dear language learners!


Whether you're scaling the peaks of phrasal verbs or mastering the art of eloquent expressions, 2024 is your blank canvas, and the English language is your palette! So, let's dive into the new year with zeal, zest, zazzle and a dash of linguistic zing!


1. Set Your Language Resolutions:

Just like hitting the gym or trying a new recipe, setting language goals can be a game-changer. Whether it's acing a particular grammar rule, expanding your vocabulary, or conquering the nuances of English idioms, jot down your language goals and watch them unfold over the next twelve months. Ensure they are SMART. This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-limited. Saying you want to improve your English is vague and therefore it is hard to say if you are successful. Here is an example of a smart resolution-

Specific: "I want to improve my spoken English fluency by engaging in at least three conversation sessions per week with native speakers or language exchange partners."

Measurable: "I will track my progress by keeping a log of the number of conversation sessions completed each week and assessing my ability to express ideas clearly and confidently."

Achievable: "I will start with one conversation session per week and gradually increase the frequency as I become more comfortable. I'll also seek out English lessons or local language meetups to find suitable partners."

Relevant: "Improving my spoken English fluency is crucial for my professional development and personal growth, as it will enhance my communication skills and confidence in various social and work settings."

Time-Bound: "I aim to achieve this goal within the next three months. I will reassess my progress weekly and make any necessary adjustments to my learning plan to ensure steady improvement."


Make your SMART resolutions a reality by booking your lessons with me, let me know your goal and we can work together to ensure you smash it!


2. Immerse Yourself in English Culture:

To truly master a language, it's not just about the grammar books – it's about living the language! Dive headfirst into English culture by watching movies, listening to music, devouring literature, and discussing these things with a native English speaker like myself. From Shakespeare to contemporary pop culture, let the language surround you like a warm embrace.



3. Connect with Fellow Language Aficionados:

Language learning is more fun when it's a shared adventure. Join groups, participate in online forums, or attend language meetups to connect with fellow learners. Swap stories, share triumphs and challenges, and celebrate the diversity of language mastery!


4. Embrace Your Mistakes:

In the journey of language learning, hiccups and stumbles are inevitable – but fear not! Each mistake is a stepping stone to success. We learn the best from our mistakes, so don't worry about saying something wrong! Within my one-to-one lessons, I encourage my students and let them know that it is OK to make mistakes! Embrace the blunders, laugh at the mix-ups, and learn from each linguistic detour. Remember, every misstep brings you one step closer to English fluency!


5. Celebrate Milestones – Big and Small:

Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a moment to revel in your achievements, no matter how small. Whether you've conquered a tricky pronunciation or aced a complex sentence structure, every milestone is a victory on your path to English mastery.


6. Make Learning an Adventure:

Who said learning can't be exciting? Turn your language journey into an adventure. Listen to my podcast, read my articles, take one of the self-directed courses or join me for private lessons. Create a scavenger hunt for new words, embark on a literary exploration, or even write a short story in English. Perhaps you would like to solve a mystery? Well, lucky for you, I have created some lessons where I take you on just such an adventure.! Learning English doesn't have to be boring. The more you infuse excitement into your learning, the more memorable and enjoyable it becomes. I always try to have fun in my lessons so it doesn't feel like work, but more like hanging out with your English-speaking friend! If that sounds like something you would like to try, then book your lessons with me now.


7. Keep the Curiosity Alive:

Curiosity is the engine that drives language learning. Cultivate a curious mindset, and let your questions guide your learning journey. Wonder why certain phrases are used, or perhaps you want to understand a song lyric that you have heard? Explore the etymology of words, and delve into the richness of the English language with wide-eyed enthusiasm. There are no silly questions, so just ask me!


As you step into the New Year, let the fireworks explode! May your vocabulary flourish, your grammar skills soar, and your confidence in English reach new heights! A new year is a great opportunity to embrace a new linguistic adventure with open arms, as well as a heart full of determination. Join me on YouTube for a daily dose of vocabulary and helpful phrases. Share my pages with friends who are also learning English and let's build this community together.


Here's to a year of new triumphs, joyful discoveries, and a language journey that's as exciting as a best-selling novel! Happy New Year – may your linguistic endeavours shine as brightly as the fireworks in the night sky!


Cheers to a spectacular year of English learning and thank you to every one of you for being here! 🎉 See you in 2024!


You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here     


If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here

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