37: A To-do List of Learning English

A to-do list of learning English

07/04/2017

1. write every day

You will get better at what you day. This is what I believe in doing things. If I want to improve my writing, I have to put it on paper. Keeping things in mind is not enough. On the other hand, writing is a good way for me to practice thinking. Only by writing down can you examine whether your thoughts is clear.

2. Read every day

On the one hand, reading helps me to expand my vocabulary and vision. I can enter a new world through reading. On the other hand, it's a good way to improve writing. You can also write articles without reading, but your mind will be limited. I remember Steve King said, 'If you want to be a writer, you must do two things: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.' Reading is necessary if you want to write well.

3. Brain soaking

I borrow this concept from Chris Lonsdale's TED talk: you can learn a new language in six months. If want to establish my English ear, I have to listen a lot. I don't have to understand every word, just focus on the peach and intonation. The more I listen, the faster I will handle English. We can learn English unconsciously.

4. Self-talk and Read out loud

If want to improve my spoken English, I have to open my mouth an speak. I don't have a English partner, so I have to do it myself. One way is self-talk, I can say everything around me in English or practice what I learned through reading or listening. The other way is to read out loud. To read out loud, I mean, by imitating the English native speakers' pronouciation. I have to resources, one is 清晨朗读会. The other is American Accent Training.

5. Psychological state is important

I know I can't learn well when I am angry, depressed, worried, or upset. I will learn faster if I am relaxed, happy, or curious. And I am willing to learn more. I have to come up ways to make me relaxed, happy, curious when I am learning.

---

2. Three moments of joy

24/30

Moment 1: I had a long conversation with my best friend yesterday night.

Moment 2: I started read a book, Steve Jobs autobiography.

Moment 3: I have to prepare for the job interview.

a picture a word: cucumber