The one question I hear more than any other is, “How can I get better at English?” Being a good student and going to class is essential, but it is also important to enjoy English activities outside of the classroom. The following are 10 tips on how to improve English proficiency in order to reach the next level.

1. Join an English Conversation group: Check local listings for English-speaking groups in your area. If there are not any, then start your own group. English-speaking groups meet on a regular basis (e.g., every day for thirty minutes after school or after lunch) and have discussions only in English. Speaking with others helps to practice all the English you have previously learned and improves overall speaking skills.

2. Watch English TV programs or movies: Watching TV programs and movies is a good way to practice listening skills and to get to know more about the culture of English-speaking countries. If you have a video, try stopping every few minutes and summarizing what you see.

3. Listen to English Songs: The words to songs or lyrics can be found online. Listen to your favorite songs while reading the lyrics to improve listening. Try summarizing the song to help with comprehension.

4. Listen to English books on CD: Many popular books can now be found on audio CDs. Put the CD on your MP3 player and listen while walking or taking public transportation. Put the CD in your car and listen while driving.

5. Listen to the Radio: In every country, there are English language broadcasts. Find out the English stations in your area and actively listen to the broadcasts.

6. Read English Books: Reading English books helps to visualize authentic vocabulary and grammar. Read a chapter underlining words or phrases you do not understand. Then, after you finish reading, go back and look up unknown words in the dictionary. Reading can also help you understand the culture of English-speaking countries.

7. Read Magazines: Reading magazines helps to learn contemporary phrases and expressions. Magazines can be more exciting if you are interested in pop culture such as fashion, food, or sports.

8. Read Newspapers: Reading newspapers helps to keep you up to date with events that are happening around the world. High quality newspapers such as the New York Times or the Guardian are good for learning new vocabulary and expressions. Try reading the story and then summarizing it for practice.

9. Go Online: There are so many resources online in English. If you are interested in travel, then read about places to travel. Whatever your interest, you just need to do a search and look at the English websites.

10. Keep an English Journal: Have a notebook reserved only for English writing and challenge yourself to write for 15 minutes every day. English Journals are good to help improve your vocabulary and to keep a list of expressions that you would like to use.

Now that you have read the 10 tips on how to improve English proficiency, decide which methods you like best. Start with your favorite on the list, and then try a different method each week for the next 10 weeks. You will be on your way to improving your English with fun, enjoyable methods.