3 Creative Ways To Practice English

In this post we will look at 3 very simple and creative ideas to help you practice English. Remember, the only limit is your own imagination, so if you can improve on these ideas then please do!

Idiom / Phrasal Verb Stories (recommended for level B1 / B2 and above)

Select any idioms or phrasal verbs you would like to master. Don’t choose too many, as it will make your story a bit too difficult. A sensible number would be anything between three and six.

Keep your story short. This will help you to be concise, and avoid rambling. Remember, your focus is on using the idioms or phrasal verbs correctly.

This is a fun activity, because you’re free to use your own imagination and have fun. Here are some examples of Mr Vocab’s idiom stories:

The First Date

The Bag Of Bananas

Netflix with a difference (recommended for level A2 and above)

A lot of students simply watch English movies and TV shows assuming the language will magically sink deep into their brains. While there’s definitely no harm in watching things in English, it’s better if you set yourself a challenge.

Try watching 10-15 mins of a show, such as Friends (this is good due to the everyday language and situations). Note down any new phrases or words that you hear. When you have finished, try writing or simply speaking example sentences with your new words.

Alternatively, simply watch one small conversation or speech on the show, and press pause. Now stand up and try and repeat what you just heard.

Narrate your day (recommended for all levels)

If you have some privacy, try narrating everything that you do. For example if you are a lower level student you could simply describe your actions with simple sentences:

I am taking a shower

I am turning off the shower

I am brushing my teeth

If you’re a more advanced learner, you could have some fun and narrate your actions in real time (as you’re doing things).

While taking a shower, I noticed that I was narrating my day. This was strange. I turned off the shower, and grabbed a towel, thinking about my day ahead. After drying myself, I decided to make a coffee and check the news online.