Effective Methods for Learning English: From Easiest to Hardest
Learning a new language can be a rewarding journey, but the process can vary in difficulty depending on the method chosen. Below, we provide a ranked list of effective English learning methods, starting from the easiest and gradually increasing in difficulty. This guide is based on the cognitive effort, time investment, and learning curve required for each method.
Easiest Methods
1. Flashcards and Vocabulary Apps
Tools: Duolingo, Anki, Quizlet
Why It’s Easy: Learning individual words and their meanings is simple and can be made fun with gamification.
How to Do It: Spend 10–15 minutes daily practicing essential vocabulary. Use spaced repetition to reinforce learning.
Tips: Focus on common vocabulary and use apps that make learning enjoyable.
2. Watching TV Shows, Movies, and YouTube Videos with Subtitles
Tools: Netflix, YouTube, BBC Learning English
Why It’s Easy: You’re passively learning while being entertained, and subtitles help you link spoken words with text.
How to Do It: Start with subtitles in your native language then switch to English subtitles. Over time, try watching with no subtitles.
Tips: Start with simple shows like cartoons or beginner-friendly series and be patient with accents and speech speed.
3. Listening to Music and Podcasts
Tools: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BBC Learning English Podcasts
Why It’s Easy: Music is fun and memorable. Repeatedly hearing the same lyrics helps with pronunciation and vocabulary.
How to Do It: Pick a song or podcast, listen, and try to write down lyrics or words you recognize. Use apps like LyricsTraining to practice listening.
Tips: Use music with familiar tunes and gradually introduce more complex songs.
4. Simple Conversations in Text or Voice with Language Exchange Partners
Tools: HelloTalk, Tandem, Speaky
Why It’s Easy: Conversations start small like texting or short replies and then grow naturally.
How to Do It: Find a language partner who is learning your native language and exchange messages daily. Focus on small talk at first and gradually try to hold longer conversations.
Tips: Use language exchange apps to find a partner and practice regularly.
Intermediate Methods Require More Effort and Consistency
5. Daily Journaling in English
Tools: Notebook, Evernote, Day One journal apps
Why It’s Moderate: Writing takes more active effort than listening or watching but is crucial for fluency.
How to Do It: Write a short entry about your day every night. Don’t worry about grammar—just write!
Tips: Focus on daily activities to make it easier and less overwhelming.
6. Reading Books, Articles, and News for Comprehension
Tools: News websites, Storybooks, Kindle with translation support, Graded Readers
Why It’s Moderate: Reading is accessible but requires patience to understand new vocabulary.
How to Do It: Start with children's books, news for learners like BBC Learning English, or simple short stories. Don’t stop to translate every new word.
Tips: Focus on general comprehension rather than detailed understanding of every word.
7. Speaking with AI or Voice Assistants like ChatGPT, Siri, Alexa
Tools: ChatGPT, Google Assistant, Alexa, ELSA Speak pronunciation app
Why It’s Moderate: Speaking in real-time is harder than texting, but with AI, there’s no fear of embarrassment.
How to Do It: Ask questions or engage in simple conversations with these assistants. Practice saying full sentences and correcting pronunciation errors.
Tips: Use AI to practice speaking freely without fear of judgment.
8. Language Immersion: Movies, Music, Articles Without Native Language Support
Tools: Immersive apps, English-language-only resources like monolingual dictionaries
Why It’s Moderate: Full immersion builds fast comprehension but it’s mentally tiring at first.
How to Do It: Change your phone’s language to English, consume media in English, and limit the use of your native language.
Tips: Be patient and your brain will adapt quickly. Start small and gradually increase your exposure.
Hardest Methods: High Effort but High Reward
9. Speaking with Native English Speakers for Fluency Practice
Tools: iTalki, Cambly, Preply
Why It’s Hard: It’s the most effective method but fear of mistakes makes it difficult.
How to Do It: Take 30-minute speaking lessons with native speakers and try to communicate naturally. Don’t fear mistakes—teachers expect them.
Tips: Focus on communication, not perfection. Real-time thinking and response are crucial.
10. Grammar-Focused Study with Textbooks and Grammar Apps
Tools: Grammarly, British Council, Grammar Books like Murphy’s Grammar
Why It’s Hard: Grammar rules are abstract and often confusing, such as past perfect conditionals.
How to Do It: Focus on one grammar point at a time. Study simple grammar first like present tense before advancing. Combine grammar with speaking or writing exercises.
Tips: Internalize the rules by practicing them in different contexts.
11. Full Immersion in an English-Speaking Environment: Travel, Study, or Work Abroad
Tools: Study-abroad programs, international jobs, volunteering abroad
Why It’s Hard: You’re forced to think in English all the time, which is mentally demanding but effective.
How to Do It: Move to an English-speaking country or join international volunteer/work exchange programs.
Tips: Engage in as many daily conversations as possible and ask questions without fear of mistakes.
Challenges: It can be mentally exhausting at first but you’ll see rapid progress.
12. Translation Practice: Your Language → English and Vice Versa
Tools: Textbooks, Google Translate, Language Exchange Apps
Why It’s Hard: Your brain works overtime switching between languages and translation requires a high cognitive load, especially with idiomatic expressions.
How to Do It: Take short paragraphs or sentences from your native language and try to write them in English.
Challenges: Idiomatic expressions don’t always have direct translations, making it hard to express ideas naturally.
Summary of Effort Levels
Level Method EffortEasy: Flashcards, TV shows, music, conversations, text
Moderate: Journaling, reading, immersive listening
Hard: Speaking with natives, immersion, grammar study, translation practice
Which Method Should You Start With?
Start Easy: Use flashcards, watch shows, and listen to songs.
Move to Moderate: Journal daily and read English articles.
Conquer the Hard: Practice speaking with natives and immerse yourself in an English environment.
By following this step-by-step path, you’ll see steady improvement. Want help selecting specific resources for any method? Let me know!