When it comes to the best ways to learn English, we have to take into account your goals. Is it to achieve fluency while speaking? Is it to improve grammar quickly? Is it to learn English through music, movies, and books?

As you can see, no one method of learning English is the best one for the aims of every individual. However, there are some ways that many English language schools in Los Angeles, CA, employ, and we’re going to give you an inside look at how to expand the scope of your vocabulary through practicing writing and sentence structure.

‍

‍

How can I improve my vocabulary?

When it comes to expanding your vocabulary, there are so many mechanisms and methods to use it will make your head spin. It is as if new “best” techniques for vocabulary acquisition arise every day.

But, when it comes to increasing your word base, trust us, the olden ways are the best ways. You are free to mix it up with modern technologies, but the three pillars of vocabulary still stand strong.

• Pillar 1 - Read! Yes, read. Read every day, and as much as you can. It’s no wonder that the Los Angeles Education Corps state reading as one of the best sources of new vocabulary. Complement reading with listening, and you’re golden!
• Pillar 2 - Use! Don’t just read, memorize a new word you like, and then leave it at that. Speak it! As soon as you see a word you want to become part of your active vocabulary, use it in speech. It’s the only way to truly learn it!
• Pillar 3 - Write! This goes hand in hand with speaking. Some even say before. If you want to fully take in a new word, take a pen, or sit at your computer, and writing as many sentences as you can think of with the word you want to incorporate.

‍

How can I be good at writing?

Yes, you’re telling me to write, but I’m not that good at it. How can I use new words in writing if I’m not that sure of my skills? What if I make mistakes, and what if I use the word incorrectly? What if, what if…

We understand, and we know just how difficult becoming a strong and confident writer in English can be. However, there are ways to make it easier. A lot easier.

• Be creative - And don’t be afraid to do so! Play with the language, see how far you can take it, and then it further. Test the limits, break the rules, take down obstacles. Make mistakes, as it is the only way to learn.
• Edit - And then, once you make mistakes, correct them, underline them, highlight them, sprinkle some glitter over them, and stick them to the fridge to wake up to them every morning and never make them again.
• Use many words - As many as you can. Use all the words you can think of, every adjective, every adverb, every fancy verb, every posh noun. Use them all!
• Use few words - And then cross out every word that is too much, every word you feel is already saying the same thing three other words are. Writing well is not being too intricate, but rather knowing when to embellish, and when to tone it down.
• Rewrite - Writing is rewriting, or so they say? We agree. Write a couple of sentences, leave them be for half an hour, come back to them, and write them again, but in a different manner. Rewriting is to writing as training is to the body.

‍

How can I improve my sentence structure?

At the core of every written piece, every newspaper article, blog post, pamphlet, brochure, book... is a sentence. And there is no good writing without good sentence structure. If you have to begin somewhere, begin here! And here’s how.

• Start simple - Subject, verb, object. That’s it. You’ll make it more beautiful later on.
• Use active voice - Active voice is a clearer alternative in a vast majority of cases. It creates better cohesion and improves readability.
• Vary the length - Don’t make all your sentences too long or too short. A good written piece contains sentences of various lengths.
• Be consistent with the tenses - Don’t begin in the past, then jump to the future.
• Use linkers - Linking words are your best friends, as they make the entire text seem better-organized.
• One idea - per sentence. Don’t bury your sentences with superfluity of ideas.
• Work your way up - Once you’ve mastered the SVOMPT (subject, verb, object, manner, place, time), it’s time to start creating those Dostoevsky-esque sentences.

‍

Is there a language school to help me along the way?

Not only there is, but it’s the best English language school in Los Angeles, California. At College of English Language, you’ll learn to speak, you’ll learn to write, and you’ll learn to be prepared for any situations where English is necessary.

This schools has the best staff, the most modern equipment, and nourishes an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork. If you want to be able to stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk with confidence, without worrying if you’re going to have to use your English, then this is the place for you!