1. Speaking techniques

• Use every opportunity and make your own opportunities to converse with native English speakers. Example: "Could you please tell me how to go to …?", "What bus do I take to ….?", "What time is it?" and many other questions you can ask of those around you.
• Ask friends and family for help and support by speaking English with you. It doesn't matter if what is said isn't always correct, it's the chance to produce English speech that is important!

2. Listening techniques

• It is fine to ask for repetition or clarification when you don't understand something. "Could you please repeat that?", "I'm sorry, I didn't catch (or understand) that.", "Did you say …..?"
• Realize it is not important to understand every word. Focus on the content words – the key informational words of what is spoken. Listen to the words that answer the questions of Who, What, Where, When, Why, How.
• Often you can guess meaning based on the context or words surrounding the unknown vocabulary.
• The News is a good source to listen to as it is spoken clearly, it's specific and given in small segments.
• Try taping T.V. programs so you can go back over them to pick up things you didn't understand.

3. Reading techniques

• Whatever level your English, there is material in your surroundings to try and read.
• For students just beginning, they can identify letters of the alphabet and associate the letter with the sound.
• Students can benefit from reading children's books at the library, which provide good basic reading with short sentences and common words. Following along by listening to taped stories reinforces sounds and listening skills.
• Intermediate to advanced students can read the newspaper or articles on the Internet to learn everyday language, expressions and idioms.

4. Writing techniques

• Students just beginning can practice forming printed letters of the alphabet and numbers that match the oral sound.
• Students can fill out simple forms with their name and address.
• Sending e-mail either to request information on something or to a pen-pal is good practice for intermediate to advanced learners.

Each of these skill-building techniques work together to improve your overall understanding and communicative abilities. It is up to you to take advantage of opportunities that surround you. Practice. Review. Practice, practice again and review! Good luck and have fun!