Wednesday, June 26, 2013

How to Help Someone Choose an English Language Course

Do you have a friend or family member who wants to learn English or improve the English skills they already have? You can help that person find the best English learning course by knowing what factors go into top English courses. Not all English schools are alike, so it's essential to know what to look for. At Open English we offer English courses starting every day that can help a person become fluent in English in one year.

Online Schools Are Very Good

A few years ago, online English schools weren't that good. Many of the problems were related to inadequate technology. Now, however, with high-speed internet access more readily available, online schools can offer comprehensive multimedia lessons that benefit students by being engaging and relevant. Furthermore, students can complete lessons and ask for help around the clock. Online English courses are now made to be as convenient as possible.

Find Courses Taught By Native Speakers of English

An English learning course taught by people who speak English as a native language offers many advantages to the English language learner. Teachers who speak English as their first language can help students improve pronunciation and generally offer more advanced vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions. They also help English learners develop their "ear" for the English language as spoken in international media.

Choose Courses that Prepare Students for Fluency Exams

The best English classes online prepare students to take and pass well-known fluency exams. Passing fluency exams such as TOEIC and TOEFL opens up many opportunities, including higher education at English-speaking colleges and universities and jobs that are not available to non-fluent speakers. Speaking English fluently opens up the student's world to exciting new possibilities in education, careers, and travel.

Look for Courses that Offer Individual Attention

English courses that provide individual attention to students help students stick with their lessons when they're discouraged and help when students have difficulty with a particular skill. Just knowing that individual help is available is a tremendous advantage to the student learning to speak English. At Open English, we offer classes around the clock with native English-speaking teachers, plus individual attention and preparation for fluency exams.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Encouraging Friends or Family Who Want to Learn English

Aside from Mandarin, English is the language that is most widely spoken in the world. It is considered the international language of commerce, and is one of the top languages used in science and research the world over. If someone you love wants to learn English but thinks he or she is "too old" or "doesn't have time," let them know about exciting options for learning, like Open English, the online English school that is tailored to their needs.

Living and Working in an English-Speaking Country

Daily life in an English-speaking country is difficult if a person doesn't speak the language. Getting a job may be difficult or impossible, and often children are called upon to translate. Becoming fluent in English takes only a year with the right online English school, and it doesn't take long to learn basic English online that makes daily life easier.

Entertainment and Hobbies

Movie fans who learn English find that they enjoy their favorite Hollywood films more, because subtitles simply can't capture all the subtle nuances of English. Furthermore, countless websites are written in English, and knowing English helps the person interested in pursuing their favorite hobbies and finding people throughout the world who share their interests. Knowing English also allows people to effectively interact with more people online.

Travel Is More Enjoyable

English is spoken as a first or second language in many parts of the world. On every continent, English is widely spoken, and people who know English find that travel is much more enjoyable. Even if a person only wants to learn basic English online, he or she will find those skills to be very valuable during international travel, or when international visitors spend time in their location.

More Educational Opportunities Open Up to Them

When a person becomes fluent in English, they have countless new educational opportunities. Whether they want to attend college in an English-speaking country or take online classes from one of the many English language online course providers, knowing English provides great opportunities. At Open English, we love helping people broaden their horizons by learning English, and we can help your loved one gain fluency in one year.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Four Pillars of English Language Fluency


Courses in English should focus on the four main skills necessary for English fluency: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. When you study English online with a respected language teaching program, you will build all these skills so that you can attain real fluency, opening up opportunities in education and employment. At Open English, we help you build on all four main skills as well as more detailed skills like grammar, pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary.

English Speaking Skills

The first time you speak to someone in a language that's not native to you can be a little scary. When you study English online, you can practice your speaking skills in an environment that is encouraging and supportive so you can gain confidence to speak English in everyday life. The best courses in English encourage you and help you work on your pronunciation so you communicate effectively through speech.

English Listening Skills

Developing an "ear" for language is important for learning new vocabulary and understanding native speakers with different accents. American English sounds different Australian or British English, but over time, you develop an ear for the language that allows you to understand a variety of different accents. Your English course should include listening exercises to increase your understanding of spoken English.

English Reading Skills     

Being able to read English is essential to performing well in an English speaking job or at an English speaking school. Look for an online English class that includes exercises in English reading comprehension. English reading skills reinforce your speaking and listening skills, and are the foundation for developing strong English writing skills. Practicing reading daily with newspapers, websites, and literature builds strong English comprehension.

English Writing Skills

Learning to write in English is the fourth major skill in developing English fluency. You will need good writing skills to succeed at an English speaking university or in a job that requires you to be fluent in English. The best online English courses encourage you and help you develop writing skills you can be proud of. At Open English, we help you build all fluency skills, in a supportive environment that shows you exactly how to achieve your fluency goals.