Let’s face it, we’re in the 21st century and we have no time to waste. We can’t spend 5 years in a language school and not speak effectively.

One of the things that have helped me a lot is reading. But reading not just anything; you have to focus what you read.

I started with graded readers, in English, French and Spanish. It’s no use reading an advanced text if you’re basic level, so choose a graded reader and read, read, and read. The Lola Lago series is very good for beginners. Click here to check out some titles.

You will see that new words will start appearing so often that, by the end of the book, you will have learned them. And better still, sometimes you won’t even need to use a dictionary; the context will help you.

If the graded reader comes with an audio CD, even better. You can read the book, understand the story, and then listen to the CD. But there’s a secret: you have to listen to the audio program a lot, every day. Listening is key in language learning.

Don’t worry about speaking or repeating out loud. Get used to the sounds and in due time you will see how words will come naturally out of your mouth. Read your graded reader until you master it, don’t settle for “pretty good”, aim for “excellent”!

Well, this is my study tip for today. Take care!