When I was a kid, I had to learn English at school but just going to school wasn’t enough. I still wasn’t learning English properly and I didn’t know how I was suppose to pronounce words because my teachers were not native English speakers. I started watching TV more so that I could learn to speak properly. See what I did to improve my English fluency exceptionally just by watching TV.

Focus on how characters pronounce words

As a kid, I enjoyed watching TV—especially English cartoons. But there were a lot of words and phrases I didn’t understand.

So, I would predict the gist from the background and the responses of other characters. At times, I would echo lines out loud. I also liked to act out some sights.

My acting expertise didn’t develop… but my English aptitudes definitely did!

If you’re learning English, watching English TV is necessary. In my practice, the visuals on the screen are an enormous advantage in guessing out what the words mean.

However, unless the show is tremendously kid-friendly—like those cartoons I used to watch—you may have trouble.

The good news is that you don’t need to just turn on your TV and optimism you figure things out. As a marginal, try one this website from FluentU, which is precisely created to assist you to learn English through TV series and movies. They come with details of challenging language, headers, exercises, and more to turn your TV watching time into English learning time.

Try not to use subtitles

Subtitles are a unique way to imagine words as you listen to them, which can improve your retain them. But, relying too much on subtitles can withdraw from your strength to follow listening attention. However, there’s no difficulty in using subtitles; just try to phase them out once you feel certain enough to do so.

• It’s suggested for intermediate-level learners to use English subtitles as you can visually see the grammar conjugation as it should be. If you are an intermediate-level, I recommend that you actively use the subtitles to be aware of the grammar usage.
• Learners at a  beginner-level of English may feel confused and won’t be able to understand most of the spoken and written words in the film/show. And so, I would recommend that you use the subtitles to write down words you don’t know in a notebook and then research them later.
• But this is the most important part: Subtitles on TV shows/films will not support you if you don’t enjoy what you’re watching!

So, what now?

Try to retell the story in your own words after you finish watching

After you finish watching a show, the best practice to enhance your English is to retell the story in your own words! Focus on the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why, how) and tell the story out loud. Do this in front of a friend or do it in front of a mirror, it doesn’t matter! As long as you are actively using your words. This exercise will force you to use vocabulary you’re uncomfortable with and will also force you to think quickly before you speak. An excellent tool to build fluency!

What if you get stuck?

If you are feeling stuck and cannot retell the story, write some notes first! Research the vocabulary you want to use but are not sure how to use and then create your story of the story! Still try not to read the notes as you practice, just use them as quick reminders.

Good luck with your practice!

If you are greeted then return the greetings more warmly. If you are favored, then repay the obligation manifold; but he who takes the initiative will always excel in merit.

-Ali ibn Abi Talib

I have always wondered why all ESL institutions and many English teachers focus on using ” I’m fine” as a response to “How are you?” because in many ways, it sounds dull and to some native speakers, “I’m fine” could come across as you are not having a great day. It’s not a terrible response because you can in truth be having a “fine” day. But what if you wanted to express yourself more in casual ways? Or what about in formal ways? Take a look below at other ways you can respond in a greeting!

How to respond to strangers

When would you respond to strangers? Likely when you go to the bank, talk to a cashier at the grocery store, the waiter at a restaurant, and more! Likely anybody who is serving you in public, or maybe just a kind stranger on the side walk, whatever the case may be, there are some great ways to respond to them in a light and friendly way. Try these out!

Doing great, thanks!

Not too bad, thank you, and you?

Pretty good! Thanks!

Notice how they are all light-hearted, polite, and sweet! Saying “thanks!” shows lots of respect and you would make a strong first impression on those around you. Try these out the next time you are out running errands.

How to respond to friends and family

Of course in any language, you and your close friends would have a different tone and you are likely to be much more honest. So in this case, if you’re truly have a “fine” day, there’s nothing wrong with saying “I’m fine”, however! There are still more ways to express yourself naturally and honestly to those you are close to. 

I’m amazing today! This one is clearly very expressive and is very appropriate if you are have a really good day.

Meh, I’m okay Saying “meh” is a verbal expressive gesture and is common to use if you are having a bad day. Saying “I’m okay” implies that you are not having the best day.

I’m having a bleh day This has the exact same meaning as “Meh, I’m okay”. “Bleh” is also a verbal expressive gesture.

So good!

Doing alright!

Couldn’t be better! This can be used in two ways: 1. You are actually having a great day, 2. You say it sarcastically meaning that you are not really have a good day.

 Same old, same old Using this expression is very common for the older generation in North America. The idea is that everything, as before, is the same in your life since the last time you saw that person.

How to respond in formal settings

When you are in a formal situation and you need to make a strong impression, being polite and the key. So you should always ask the other person how they are, too. It is okay to say “I’m fine” here if you follow up with “and you?”. But there are still more ways to respond:

I’m doing good, thank you, and you?

Great, thank you, and you?

Not too bad, thank you, and you?

Just fine, thank you, and you?

Now what?

Now I encourage you to try these out! If you have a favorite, try to use it as much as you can until you try your next favorite. This way, you will build your internal memory slowly (you don’t want to blank before you have the chance to respond to their question!)

Tell us which one is your favorite, and why! Which one surprised you?

Until next time,

Teacher Dawn

Saying “thank you” is such an easy gesture but what if you wanted to express more? Do you say, “Thank you, thank you?” Maybe! But read below for better ways to express gratitude.

• How can you express gratitude in different ways? What if a simple “thank you” just isn’t enough? Maybe your neighbour helped you bring your groceries to your door or perhaps a stranger gives you a compliment on your outfit today. Would “thank you” not feel like enough?

  “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” —Mark Twain

  Casual “thank you”

  Thanks.
• Thanks for bringing me coffee.

Thanks a bunch!

Wow! Thanks a bunch! I couldn’t move that myself.

Thanks a lot!

Thanks a lot for staying later!

• Thanks a ton!

Thanks a ton for the gift!

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for being such a great friend.

You shouldn’t have!

Did you buy these flowers for me? Wow! You shouldn’t have!

You’re the best!

You’re the best for waiting for me!

I truly appreciate it.

I truly appreciate the help you have done for us.

I can’t thank you enough!

I can’t thank you enough for the donation you made!

Thank you for going through the trouble of…

Thank you for going through the trouble of carrying my groceries!

Thank you for taking the time to…

Thank you for taking the time to wash my car for me!

It’s so kind of you to…

These strawberries are delicious! It’s so kind of you to buy them!

I’m so grateful for…

I’m so grateful for the dinner you made us!

Formal “thank you”

Thank you for your support.

Thank you for your support with the meeting.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

We have lots to discuss in our next meeting, your support is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your assistance.

Thank you for your assistance with the presentation.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many different ways to express your thankfulness to someone in both casual and formal settings. I encourage you to try one that you have never heard before and say it to someone! You should also try to make your own sentences with a few of them to practice muscle memory.