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how can i learn and read English?

updated at last 6 months · Ali · general

I suggest a structured and practical method that fits your goals (watching videos, reading documentation, and speaking for interviews):

1. Improve listening skills (for videos)

To understand English videos more easily, your ear needs to get used to the language:

Simple podcasts and videos: Start with content slightly above your level. For example:

  • Podcasts like ESLPod or BBC Learning English (the “English at the Movies” series is great for video).

  • YouTube channels like English Addict with Mr Steve or Daily English Conversation.

Movies and series with subtitles: Watch simple series like Friends or animations with English subtitles. First with subtitles, then without. Each time, watch a short segment (5–10 minutes) several times and try to learn new words.

Active repetition: Try the “Shadowing” technique. Listen to a sentence from a video, pause, and try to repeat it exactly the same way (with pronunciation and intonation).

Suggested tools: Use apps like LingQ or Cake to listen to short content with text and translation.

The correct way to listen to podcasts

At your level, the goal is not just understanding “what the topic was.”
The goal is capturing details, sentence structure, and natural accent.

First pass: listening without text

  • Just listen

  • Don’t pause

  • Even if you miss 30–40%, it’s fine
    🎯 Goal: overall understanding + training your ear

Second pass: listening with pauses and thinking

  • Pause every 20–30 seconds

  • Repeat the sentence you heard in your mind

  • If you can’t, listen again
    🎯 Goal: decoding sound → words

Third pass: with transcript

  • Now read the text

  • Find what you didn’t understand
    Usually the issue is one of these:

  • linking (words connecting)

  • reduction (shortened sounds)

  • accent
    🎯 Your brain goes: “Ohhh, that’s what they said?!”

Fourth pass: final listening

  • Listen again without text

  • Now you should understand almost completely
    🎯 Reinforcing the sound pattern

2. Improve reading (for documentation)

To read English documentation (like technical docs or articles), strengthen vocabulary and comprehension:

Read material at your level: Simple articles from sites like BBC Learning English, VOA Learning English, or even easy documentation in your field (e.g., if you’re a programmer, GitHub or MDN docs).

Learn key vocabulary: While reading, note frequent words in your field (e.g., technical terms) and review them with apps like Anki or Quizlet.

Summarize: After reading a paragraph, try to summarize its meaning in English or Persian in your own words. This improves comprehension.

Skimming and scanning: For long documents, learn to quickly find main points (skimming) or specific info (scanning). For example, read headings and bold words first.

3. Improve speaking (for interviews)

For interviews, you need fluency and confidence:

Practice alone: Find common interview questions (like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths?”) and prepare answers in English. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself.

Conversation with others:

  • Use apps like Tandem, HelloTalk, or italki to chat or do voice/video conversations with natives or other learners.

  • If possible, take a private tutor 1–2 sessions per week (even online).

Pronunciation imitation: Watch TED Talks or job interviews and try to imitate the speakers’ pronunciation and intonation.

Phrase flashcards: Learn common interview phrases (like “I believe that…” or “In my experience…”) and practice using them in sentences.

4. Suggested daily plan

To progress faster, follow a consistent plan:

  • 30 min listening: 15 min podcast/video with subtitles + 15 min shadowing

  • 20 min reading: read a short article or doc section + learn 5–10 new words

  • 20 min speaking: 10 min answering interview questions + 10 min conversation with an app or partner

  • 10 min vocabulary review: review new words with Anki or Quizlet

5. Suggested resources

Apps: Duolingo (quick practice), Anki (vocabulary), LingQ (reading & listening)
Websites: BBC Learning English, VOA Learning English, Coursera (free language courses)
Books: English for Everyone or English Collocations in Use (for phrases)
YouTube: English with Lucy, EngVid, Rachel’s English (pronunciation)

6. Motivation tips

  • Set small goals: e.g., “learn 20 new words this week” or “fully understand a 5-minute video.”

  • Mistakes are normal: in interviews or conversation, don’t worry if you make errors. Keep going.

  • Practice a little every day: even 30 minutes daily makes a big difference in a few months.

😊 Good luck!