Every student knows that consistent study is important. However, in the modern world it is not always easy to find time. While there is no easy solution for this challenge, organization can help a lot. So, we always encourage our students to create a study plan. In this article we will show you how to create an English study plan. Besides that, you will learn the best activities, the ideal amount of study time and why it is important. So, let’s get started!
Do I need to create an English study plan?
First, let’s be clear. Every student needs regular practice. However, not every student needs a formal study plan. It all depends on your learning style. For example, highly organized people love plans and structure. So, a study plan is a great option. Other people have terrible organization skills, so maybe a study plan can give them the structure they need to succeed.
On the other hand, some students successfully create an atmosphere of immersion in English. For example, reading news in English, watching TV in English, chatting with friends in English, studying at English speaking university and taking regular English lessons. For these people, an English study plan may not be necessary. However, for the rest of us, it is essential.
How to create an English study plan?
Maybe this is easier than you think. Sit down with a pencil and paper. Then, consider the following:
First, when are you free to study? Do mornings work best, or would you prefer evenings? Is your free time the same every day or does it vary? Will you study every day? Creating a realistic timetable is very important. Because, if you create an impossible English study plan, you will certainly fail.
After that, it is time to think about the activities and the number of hours you want to study.
What activities should I include?
We suggest following three golden rules. First, English practice should be fun, or at least interesting. Second, to improve your level, you need activities that challenge you. Finally, try to practice all the English skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation).
So, how can you make English practice fun and challenging? Read books, posts, newspapers and articles in English about things and topics you're interested in.
Besides reading, you can apply this strategy to the other skills. Listen to podcasts or watch Youtube videos about your favourite topics. Learn vocabulary related to your favourite topic and practice the correct pronunciation. Maybe you are not excited by grammar. However, learning a new grammar rule and then using it to write about an interesting topic is fantastic practice.
How much time should I study?
This really changes from student to student. The most important questions is this. What is your goal? To increase your level quickly you need a big effort. Therefore, you might study for hours every day. However, some people don’t need such fast results. So, they may choose to study less. Just remember these two points. First, regular study is essential. You should try to study at least 4 days per week. Second, if you are serious about making progress, we recommend practicing at least 5 hours per week.
Conclusion
As you can see, making a study plan is simple. Now, all you need to do is get started.
