English textbooks for beginners: what manuals to take for a beginner. English for Beginners: Program for Beginner and Elementary Levels
Having decided to study English and coming to the bookstore, you will see a lot of incomprehensibly different textbooks from each other. Often the difference is really small, but three main types of benefits can be distinguished:
– Traditional tutorials- an ordinary book with lessons, assignments, exercises. Something like a school textbook. For example, . Well suited for self-study.
– Glossy textbooks-courses- Sets of brightly illustrated, magazine-like textbooks with a CD supplement and a hefty price tag. For example, the Headway series. Books are divided into levels, so you won't get off with one book. Often used in courses.
Is a textbook really necessary?
Now there are excellent interactive step-by-step courses, like “speaking” dictionaries, video tutorials and a lot of amazing things, but I think that textbooks have not become less relevant because of this.
Imagine that somewhere there are people who have devoted their whole lives to learning English, teaching, studying methodology. One day they got together and decided to pass on their knowledge to those who need it. They chose the most important, built it from simple to complex, provided explanations and exercises, built the course so that the student did not dangle from side to side, did not go in circles, but went to the goal in the shortest possible way. Figuratively speaking, the authors have drawn a map for you, along which you will go the way in the most optimal way.
It would be strange to refuse such a useful map and go on a trip at random, at random.
What is a textbook for?
Language learning is not so much the acquisition of knowledge as the formation of skills. You can't just learn a textbook and begin to communicate easily in English. Knowledge (words and grammar) needs to be multiplied by practice (reading, listening, writing, speaking), only then you will not just be know grammar schemes and words, but also gain skills: you can really enjoy English language.
So, the textbook is good for acquiring knowledge and consolidating it through exercises. This is very important at the beginning. The practice of reading and writing is given the most basic, designed to consolidate grammar and vocabulary, and in listening and speaking, the textbook, of course, is not the best assistant. Even books with audio supplements provide only basic listening skills. All these textbook audio lessons are child's play compared to what you hear in real life.
The best textbook deals with grammar. Grammar is generally the fastest part of a language to learn. After passing the textbook, you will study it in such a volume that is enough for a good command of the language.
"The best English language tutorial" by A. Petrova, I. Orlova
Let's take for example one of these books - "The best English language tutorial" by A. Petrova, I. Orlova. This is one of
the most authoritative self-teaching books, a book with a rich history, its first edition was published back in the 1970s, since then it has been frequently reprinted, the content has been updated to meet the requirements of the time and changes in the language (there are no dialogues about the pioneer Vasya and grammar of Shakespeare's time) .
What will you learn from the textbook
First of all, any textbook is a grammar course. It's like the axis of the earth. It cannot be seen or felt, but the whole world revolves around it. Spins, whether he knows of her existence or not.
The English language self-instruction manual is undeniably wonderful in that, after passing it, you will learn English grammar in almost the full required volume. Grammar, of course, does not have a "full scope" like a language - it is constantly changing and cannot be learned until the last paragraph, such a paragraph does not exist. But in the textbook there is the last paragraph. After going through the grammar in the textbook, you will learn it to the extent that is enough for life, unless you are preparing for a Doctor of English Philology.
How is the textbook structured?
The book is divided into three parts.
- Express English course- the main part, in which grammatical and word-formation material is given in 25 lessons. The material is presented from simple to complex. The first three lessons are mainly devoted to phonetics and reading rules, then in each lesson some grammar, some vocabulary and word formation are given. At the end of the section there is an English-Russian dictionary for lessons.
- Exercises and text materials- in textbooks, exercises are usually given after the lesson, but here they are placed in a separate block, texts are also given containing the grammar and vocabulary covered in the lesson. This section includes:
- Reading exercises- as a rule, read aloud a few words.
- Text- it is matched to the topic of the lesson, including the passed grammatical difficulties.
- New words- a list of words from the text.
- Word analysis- some words are analyzed in detail, it helps to remember them better.
- Exercises- exercises to consolidate the material.
- Test- knowledge check. At the end of the tutorial there is a section with the correct answers (keys).
- Section “Spoken English”- it includes various everyday topics and exercises. The phrasebook deals with topics such as “Greetings”, “How to get there”, “Family”, etc.
Also at the end there is an appendix with keys to tests, tables, quotes, jokes, proverbs.
How to do self-study?
In the introduction, the authors recommend practicing daily, at least for 15-20 minutes: “Remember, however, that you cannot make up for these fifteen-minute sessions seven times a week with classes of 2-3 hours once a week, on a day off. This will be much less effective, since from lesson to lesson you will forget some of the material covered and spend much more time in total. ”
Express course - pros and cons
The book has a feature that for some will be an advantage, for others a disadvantage: book is short. The 25 lessons themselves take up only 230 pages in large print.
Whether this is good or not is up to you. If you want a clear, concise and short course of study, this textbook will help you understand the basics of the language, and not superficially. Further success will be in your hands. Without practice in reading, listening, speaking and writing, no theory will blossom or turn green.
If you want to go through the basics more thoroughly, other books will suit you, they are not fundamentally different, the difference is that the material is presented in more detail, and there are more exercises. For example:
- Bonk's classic English step by step textbook (with audio supplement). Book in two volumes. There is simply nowhere to go in more detail, but it will also take more time.
- The one-volume, but also quite detailed "Complete Course of the English Language" by M. G. Rubtsova. It doesn’t differ much from Petrova’s tutorial, except that the material is given in more detail, the exercises go right after the lesson, and the language is a little more academic, in my opinion.
-
“English Tutorial. From elementary level to passing tests. + MP3” by N. B. Karavanova (with an audio application) – this book contains the grammatical part, the exercises are not given in more detail than in “The Best Tutorial”, however, phonetics is much more detailed in it – it is given as many as 20 lessons.
My opinion is this. The faster you master basic grammar and vocabulary, the faster you can read, listen, speak, in a word - use the English language, so I am a supporter of understanding the basics (basic vocabulary, grammar, initial speech skills) as quickly and intensively as possible. Stretching the study for six months, you risk killing interest in the language.
Conclusion
Self-study textbooks provide a good knowledge of grammar, fixed with the help of exercises, basic vocabulary on various everyday topics, reading and writing skills. They will not teach you to speak, to understand by ear too.
However, there would be basic knowledge, and skills to develop are a matter of technology. The self-instruction book is well suited as a guide for a thorough, not superficial study of the language, which can be supplemented with listening, writing and speaking practice - the benefit of the resources is sufficient for this.
Anyone who believes in himself and is distinguished by enviable perseverance may well learn English on his own. Today, both real and virtual textbooks are enough for this. How is learning a language with a teacher different from independent learning?
With a teacher, it may be easier to control the degree of understanding of a new topic by beginners and easier to consolidate it in practice. At the same time, passing English on the tutorial, you can sort out difficult places for as long and scrupulously as you like.
The teacher disciplines and obliges, but the prospect of learning English at a convenient time for you at home and with music is always pleasing.
Conclusion: Each method has its pros and cons, but one thing is indisputable:
Learning English by yourself is quite within the power of a beginner
All that is needed is inner responsibility, patience and self-discipline. How to learn English on your own?
Learning English by self-study
No less, and maybe more popular today are Internet online English tutorials for beginners.
What is an online tutorial
online English self-instruction manual Here, the training scheme may be somewhat different.
- There are no long tedious lessons in it (but there are more of them), one lesson can be completed in a day, so everything is to learn “a little bit”
- Teaching English is based on the method of parallel texts, which look like dialogues: we read and immediately translate.
- Reading is accompanied by sound accompaniment, which avoids phonetics lessons
- Then there are very accessible explanations, in the lessons - a minimum of grammar
- The following exercises are also simple and mostly on the topic of dialogues.
- Every 7 lessons there is a systematization with a repetition of the past
Thus, 145, for example, small lessons can be learned without straining in 5-6 months
Sample English lesson from an online tutorial
Here is what one English lesson looks like:
Thus, in this lesson, several new words and one phrase have been studied, and the final exercise, in addition to consolidating the material, prepares the way for a new lesson, the topic of which, obviously, will be related to indefinite pronouns and numerals.
Are you now convinced that learning English from a self-instruction manual is not difficult at all?
Knowledge of foreign languages is considered by many to be an incredible talent and almost a gift from the gods. But every polyglot knows that it's more about hard work and personal interest than natural abilities, and even more so a miracle. Anyone can do this if they choose the right training method. We will share tips on how to learn English for beginners today.
In the material, we will consider all the nuances of the educational process: from the motivational part to lesson plans and the transition to the next level. With us, you can 100% learn English from scratch on your own!
In any case, the most important thing is to take the first step. That is, it is not easy, for example, to spontaneously take and play 10 minutes in learning English words on a smartphone or work out grammar for half an hour. It's about about purposefully starting to learn English, that is, conducting regular classes, doing exercises, repeating the material covered, and so on. And here the problem arises: how to force yourself to do this?
The solution is simple - to be genuinely interested in the English language. And setting goals will help develop interest in classes. Think about why you want to learn English. A variety of things can act as motivation, for example:
- Go on a trip;
- Make acquaintances with foreigners;
- Move to another country;
- Read books in the original;
- Watch movies without translation.
And even the most banal - a burning shame that everyone around understands at least a little English, but you still do not. This state of affairs needs to be corrected, right? So let this be your goal!
The main point in setting a goal is to understand that it is 100% important and necessary for you.
And as an additional motivator, before mastering English lessons for beginners, set yourself the desired reward for achieving a successful result. For example, every 5 classes carried out give the right to an extraordinary trip to your favorite restaurant or the purchase of some pleasant little thing.
The main thing is that skipping the next lesson should not become a reward, because. in no case should the regularity of the process be violated. In extreme cases, it is allowed to transfer the lesson to a free day, but not a complete cancellation.
The goal and encouragement are effective tricks for the psyche, which are very important to use at the initial stage of learning English. Thanks to them, after a few lessons, a program will be formed in your subconscious mind that learning English is very useful and profitable. Well, in the future, when you begin to understand the language culture and features of the language, on the basis of these partly selfish motives, a natural interest in further study will develop.
At what level to start learning English
Before you start learning English, you need to determine the level of your knowledge.
It's one thing if you have never come across this language and just now decided to choose a course for independent study of the basics of English speech at home. In this case, you are completely learning English from scratch: starting with the pronunciation of sounds, memorizing the alphabet, learning numbers, and so on. To master these skills, the Beginner level training program (initial) is used.
The situation is completely different if you have already studied some material in school lessons, university classes, or studied spoken English on your own. Then you probably know such basics of speech as:
- Sounds, letters, numbers;
- Personal pronouns;
- Uses of the verb tobe;
- This is/There are constructs.
If this is true, then you have already moved from the beginner class to the second stage of knowledge - Elementary (basic). With this level, you can learn English for beginners not from the very beginning, but with more complex topics, for example. Present simple, degrees of comparison of adjectives, practical exercises for tenses of the verb, etc. But, if you are not sure about the quality of your knowledge, then it will not be superfluous to repeat English from scratch.
How long does it take to master an elementary English course
We all learn English or another language in different ways. Some memorize vocabulary in 5 minutes, others quickly pick up the basics of grammar, and the third got perfect pronunciation. Accordingly, for each of the students, some lessons are easy, while others cause difficulties and require more time.
Affects the duration of the course of study and the chosen methodology. Classes with a teacher in a group are usually designed for 3 months. Individual lessons can reduce this figure to two or even one month: this result is achieved by daily and long lessons. For self-learning, the time frame is completely blurred.
Thus, the time spent on learning English is individual. On average, this period is from 3 to 6 months. And you can speak specifically only knowing the program of the training course and the abilities of the student. Our methodology, for example, suggests that beginners learn English from 0 on their own in about 4 months. Let's talk more about this tutorial.
English for beginners - lesson plan for the entire course
The section presents the curriculum for the English language course for beginners. This is a step-by-step timetable with English lesson topics for Beginner and Elementary students. The course is designed for 4 months, and ends with the transition to the next level of knowledge. If you plan to study the language on your own, then the material provided will be an excellent help in organizing classes.
General rules
Before we start studying the plan, I would like to dwell on the important points of the educational process. To obtain a positive result, the following rules must be observed.
- Always speak English out loud . This moment is important not only as a study of the correct pronunciation, but also as a psychological factor. Be sure to say out loud all the letters, words and sentences, and then you will "get used" to speaking English. Otherwise, there is a risk of never speaking English at all. But why teach him then?
- Do not skip "uncomfortable" topics. Yes, it happens that the material does not work at all, but this does not mean that it is necessary to abandon it. Just as it does not mean that you need to understand it for 3 years until you become a “pro”. If you feel that the topic is heavy, then try to capture at least its essence. The use of an "uncomfortable" construction in speech can be minimized, but you should know what it is about and why you are obliged.
- Be sure to repeat what you have done. Repetition is indicated in the plan, and it is no less important than learning new material. Only thanks to the timely repetition of information is fixed in memory for a long time.
- Keep your own grammar book. In the age of the Internet, many people prefer to learn the rules right from the screen. But handwritten writing is necessary, because this is how information passes through you, and is better absorbed and remembered.
- Do the exercises in writing. Again, the more you write, the more you master in a “foreign” language: you remember the spelling of words, the order in the sentence and the construction of grammatical structures. In addition, the letter helps to focus more on the task and not make unnecessary mistakes.
Here is such a kind of code for a beginner "Englishman" who learns the language on his own from scratch. In fact, there is nothing complicated in these points, and after a few lessons, their implementation will already become a habit. At the same time, we note that the neglect of at least one point negatively affects the effectiveness of training, and can bring all the work to naught.
The first month
The first English lessons for beginners are more educational and playful. The emphasis is not on the amount of material, but on getting used to the new language, creating a positive atmosphere, developing interest in classes. Therefore, this stage can be called an introductory course in learning English.
The following table contains the work plan for the first month of study. Classes must be held three times a week, and the duration of the lesson depends on the degree of perception of the material. In other words, you study the topic until you can freely navigate it.
English for beginners (month #1) | |||
A week | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
First | 1. Introduction to the alphabet
We study the sound of letters and memorize their spelling. 2. Phrases of greeting and farewell Learning by heart the first vocabulary in English. |
1. Sounds and transcription
We learn transcription signs, carefully work out the pronunciation of vowels (short and extended sounds). 2. Repetition of the alphabet and learned vocabulary |
1. Sounds and transcription
Now we focus on the transcription and pronunciation of consonants. 2. Repetition of material about vowel sounds 3. New vocabulary (20-30 popular words) |
Second | 1. Personal pronouns + to
be
We consider only the affirmative form. 2. Practicing pronunciation Repetition of phonetics and transcription. 3. Repeating the alphabet and all learned vocabulary |
1. Word order in a sentence
2. Design to be Repetition of the last lesson + study of questions and denials with to be. 2. Articles Catch the difference in the use of a and the. 3. New vocabulary household words. Designation of objects, professions, food and drinks. |
1. Drafting proposals
We use personal pronouns, a bunch of to be, articles and thematic vocabulary. We work on all types: affirmations, questions, denials. 2. Possessive pronouns Learning versus personal (I-my, You-your, etc.) 3. Making sentences with possessive pronouns 4. Review of learned vocabulary + new words Hobbies, entertainment, days of the week and months |
Third | 1. Acquaintance with the rules of reading
Open and closed syllables. If necessary, repeat transcription marks. We study 1/3 of the rules. 2. Fixing the rules We work out selections of words for each rule. 3. Exercise on learned grammar Making proposals 4. New vocabulary Family, friends, relationships. |
1. Continuing to master the rules of reading
After a little repetition, we learn the remaining 2/3 of the rules. 2. This designs is /There are and demonstrative pronouns Features of use, building your own examples. 3. Reading and translating light text 4. Written exercises on the studied constructions + to be |
1. Design I
like
/don
't
like
Use, construction of sentences. 2. Learning numbers up to 20 3. Listening Listening to dialogues or learning new words from audio recordings. 4. Repetition of the studied vocabulary |
Fourth | 1. Building a dialogue
We use all grammatical combinations and studied vocabulary. 2. Working out dialogue by roles If you practice alone, then just change the tone of your voice. 3. Singular and plural nouns Ways of education, exceptions. 4. Numbers up to 100 |
1. Adjectives
General concepts and vocabulary (colors, characteristics). 2. Reading and translating text Preferably with lots of adjectives. 3. Construction of sentences with adjectives and nouns in different numbers For example, He is a good doctor. They are bad drivers. 4. New vocabulary Weather, travel |
1. Possessive case of nouns
education and use. 2. Listening 3. Special questions Words and sentence structure. 4. Repetition of all grammatical structures Compilation of a simple text with the maximum variety of combinations and vocabulary used. |
Let's sum up the intermediate results. In just a month of not very hard work, you will learn to read, listen to English speech, understand the meaning of popular phrases, and also make up your own sentences and questions. In addition, you will be familiar with numbers up to 100, articles, the basic grammar of English nouns and adjectives. Not enough already, right?
Second month
Now it's time to start the main work. In the second month of study, we actively learn grammar and try to speak English as much as possible.
A week | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
First | 1. Verb
Indefinite form and general concepts. 2. Prepositions General concepts + stable combinations like go to school, for breakfast 3. Vocabulary Common verbs 4. Listening |
1. Repetition of prepositions
2. Verb to have Forms and features of use 3. Exercises for working out sentences with to have 4. Reading and translating text |
1. Making sentences with prepositions
2. Listening 3. Repeat constructions I like, There is/are, to have 4. Vocabulary Daily routine, work, study, leisure |
Second | 1 Present
Simple
Affirmations, questions, denials. 2. Working out the theory in practice Self-compilation of sentences in Present Simple. 3. Vocabulary repetition |
1. Questions and negation in Present
Simple
Making mini-dialogues. 2. Reading and translating text 3. Repeating phrases with prepositions 4. Vocabulary Verbs of movement, thematic selections (in a store, hotel, train station, etc.). |
1. Exercises for all the nuances of Present
Simple
.
2. Listening 3. Vocabulary review + new words |
Third | 1. Modal verb Can
Features of use. 2. Time designation in English + repetition about the days of the week and months 3. Vocabulary Thematic collections |
1. Repeat Present
Simple
Drafting a short text with all kinds of sentences. 2. Prepositions of time and place 3. Reading thematic text (topic) 4. Listening Dialogue + vocabulary |
1. Writing exercises for the verb Can
2. Compilation of mini-dialogues on the topic of time What time is it, in what month were you born, etc. 3. Number repetition 4. Repeating forgotten vocabulary |
Fourth | 1 Present
continuous
Forms and features of use. 2. Practice Making proposals 3. New vocabulary Popular verbs, adjectives |
1. Questions and negatives in Present
continuous
Working off for units and pl. 2. Learning numbers from 100 to 1000, writing and reading years 3. Countable and uncountable nouns |
1. Exercises for using the Present
Simple
and continuous
2. Modal verb May Situations of use 3. Practice May 4. Repeat Expired/Unexpired nouns 5. New vocabulary |
third month
We continue to master grammar, and bring more variety to our speech.
English for beginners (month #3) | |||
A week | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
First | 1. Past
Simple
Usage and forms 2. Practice 3. Reading and translating a topic 4. New vocabulary |
1.
Questions
And
Negative Past Simple
and Present Simple
Making sentences on do/does/did 2. Time in English Vocabulary repetition. 3. Listening 4. Repeat forgotten vocabulary |
1. Modal verbs Must
, have
to
Difference in use 2. Practice 3. Compilation of a story on the topic "My family" At least 10-15 offers 4. Listening |
Second | 1. Writing exercises for Past
Simple
2. Drinking much , many , few , little 3. Listening 4. New vocabulary |
1. Degrees of comparison of adjectives
2. Practice 3. Reading and translating a topic 4. Reuse of articles + special cases |
1. The use of any
, some
, nothing
, no
2. Writing exercises for adding articles 3. Modal verb should Situations of use 4. New vocabulary |
Third | 1. Exercises on the studied modal verbs.
2. Adjectives. Turnover as …as 3. Reading and translation 4. Repeat tenses of the verb. |
1. Practical exercises to use
present Simple /continuous , Past Simple 2. Compilation of the story "My hobbies" 3. Listening 4. New vocabulary |
1. Exercises for adjectives.
Degrees of comparison + as…as 2. Imperative mood 3. Practice 4. Repetition of the studied vocabulary |
Fourth | 1. Future
Simple
Forms and situations of use 2. Practice 3. Listening 4. New vocabulary |
1. Questions and negatives of Future
Simple
2. Written imperative exercises 3. Reading and translating a topic 4. Repeating prepositions |
1. Listening
2. Exercises for all studied tenses of the verb. 3. Compilation of the story "My dreams" Use as many different tenses and combinations as possible 4. New vocabulary |
fourth month
The final stage of the course "English for Beginners". Here we pull up all the shortcomings and finish mastering the grammatical minimum level.
English for beginners (month #2) | |||
A week | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
First | 1. Adverbs
Features and use 2. Indirect and direct object Place in the offer 3. Listening 4. New vocabulary |
1. Turnover to
be going to
Situations of use 2. Practice. 3. Adverbs of manner 4. Writing exercises Interrogative sentences of all tenses, combinations + special questions |
1. Written exercises for the difference Future
Simple
and to
be
going
to
2. Reading, listening and translation 3. Verbs that do not take continuous Features + vocabulary |
Second | 1. Practicing verbs without continuous
2. Listening 3. Adverbs of frequency 4. New vocabulary |
1. Exercises for learned verb tenses
2. Cardinal and ordinal numbers 3. Reading and translating a topic 4. View adapted video Small and easy to understand video. |
1. Tests for modal verbs and imperative
2. Writing a story on any topic Minimum 15-20 offers 3. Listening 4. Repeat forgotten vocabulary |
Third | 1. Exercises for adjectives and articles
2. Irregular English verbs What is it + vocabulary (top50) 3. Watch video |
1. Reading, listening and translating the topic
2. Working out dialogues based on the studied text Self compilation 3. Repeating irregular verbs |
1.
construction like/love/hate + ing-
verb
2. Practice 3. Watch video 4. Repeating a list of irregular verbs |
Fourth | 1. Exercises to test knowledge of irregular verbs
2. Repetition of prepositions and adverbs 3. Watch video 4. New vocabulary |
1. Composing a story in Present
Simple
using irregular verbs
2. Tests for articles and prepositions 3. Reading, listening and translating the topic 4. New vocabulary |
1. Making sentences for all verb constructions
2. Tests for 3 forms of irregular verbs 3. Exercises for adjectives 4. Exercises on missing/non-existing nouns + few , many , much , little etc. |
Language learning has become a real mainstream over the past few years. Language schools, language clubs, online classes - all this is designed to help you get acquainted with a foreign culture, learn a language, broaden your horizons and make new friends. But what if you can’t fit English classes into a busy work schedule, but there is still a need or a banal desire? A good alternative to the standard approach would be to study English on your own. For full-fledged classes, you will not need so much, but what exactly, we will describe in detail in this article.
Choosing a tutorial
First you must decide on the tutorial. You should responsibly approach the choice of a textbook, according to which you will have to independently study the material. You also need to buy an English-Russian dictionary. It can also be an electronic form of assistance. Pay attention to the number of words - the more the better.
Another important detail is the English-English dictionary - one in which both the words and their explanations are written in English. The definitions themselves in such dictionaries consist of simpler and more frequently used phrases, so you don’t need to worry in advance that you won’t be able to deal with so much English. In fact, getting to know new words in this format is a pleasure. First, you will begin to remember information faster. Secondly, every now and then you will come across “new items” that you have already met, but were too lazy to look again and find out their meaning. Do not repeat the annoying oversight! Keep searching and learning. Surely in the description you will meet unfamiliar phrases - stick to the above approach. Such a kind of exercise will help you memorize most words much faster and more efficiently automatically. In the future, when you meet familiar phrases, you will simply remember their meaning and you will not have to refer to the dictionary again.
Are all dictionaries the same?
All dictionaries that only exist are very similar to each other. The fact is that the principle of creation is identical for each of them. It is probably impossible to identify a universal copy among the great multitude, because a single source has its advantages. Below we will try to list the most popular and describe their unique features.
Let's start with webster- "American English Dictionary", containing a sufficient amount of words, which, in addition to translation, have clear examples of their use in sentences.
Oxford- the largest dictionary, consisting of only one volume, containing 355 thousand words. The difference from other brethren is that Oxford omits the pronunciation of simple words that are used daily. In terms of the number of dictionary entries, it is also inferior to its “competitors”.
Macmillan- this dictionary will become an indispensable assistant in electronic form. It is easy to search, contains simple and understandable explanations of words and, of course, examples of their use.
Cambridge- elementary in learning - it will not be difficult for beginners to work with it. The minus of the dictionary is not as vivid descriptions as the previous options. But this does not affect the quality of this publication at all.
The right approach to grammar
It is unlikely that foreign language lessons can be imagined without grammar. A good textbook should become your reliable and constant companion in mastering the language. Murphy's textbook has already proved itself for a long time. A true classic, this book is the best educational literature of its kind to date. Its simplicity and functionality will undoubtedly be very useful for those who start learning from scratch. Not a single analogue can yet compete with it, even offering the most innovative technique. And Murphy's secret is simple - the sequence in the study of this edition is not at all obligatory. You can stop in one place and start completely in another. Convenient isn't it?
But this does not mean that other grammar tutorials should be ignored. You can study with any alternative textbook, but Murphy should always be at hand in any case. It is simply an integral part of any program and methodology.
And now the main detail - a textbook or tutorial? Yes, just like in school. It is impossible to advise which textbook to choose for you. The fact is that it all depends on the individual characteristics of training. Some specific “tutor” may suit someone, someone can study absolutely according to any tutorial. The only way to find out which type you are is by trial and error. Just buy an English textbook and start studying. If you feel that there is no progress, or even a desire to quit, do not hesitate to change the allowance. Even if you have to change more than one tutorial - try! Until you find exactly yours.
Absolutely all tutorials can be classified. The choice of a particular option will depend on what specific goal you set for yourself. Maybe you want to master the material as soon as possible, or pay more attention to detailed, deeper study.
Important point! A quality tutorial always comes with audio material.
Why do we teach?
Let's take a look at a few manuals that are suitable for a particular type of study.
If you want to learn a language on an emergency basis, an accelerated program is for you. It is used by specialists of a narrow profile for vocational training. The technique combines active study and consolidation of already passed material.
Fast but effective
"Accelerated course in learning English for beginners" Milovidova. A textbook that deserves consideration as a basic manual. Learning from it is easy and pleasant, the texts are written with humor, which adds interest and ease to the learning process. Positive reviews in online stores only confirm this fact. By the way, you can study on it yourself, and with a tutor.
Matveev. "Fast English. A tutorial for those who don't know anything. The case when the title fully justifies the content. Beginners should take note of this book. The author focuses on the individual characteristics of the perception of information. Practice and theory are built in such a way that different types of memory are involved during the exercise. Even very difficult moments will be quite clear to those who really do not know anything in English.
Shevelev. Business English in 20 minutes a day. This publication will be of interest to students who want to learn how to conduct business telephone conversations and negotiations with foreign partners, especially business correspondence. A kind of "business school" in English for beginners.
Kulish. “English Tutorial. Modern technique". The ESHKO methodology allows you to significantly speed up learning and make it more effective. The transcription is written in Russian - a huge plus for learning the basics. The three parts are structured so that the first will teach you how to read words in English, the second will give you basic knowledge of grammar, and the third will simulate real situations in communication. Also, the textbook has the correct answers, which will help control the process of self-study, and words important for progress are marked with a separate icon - so you can not miss anything.
Author's method
Petrov. "English language. 16 lessons. The author of the famous "Polyglot", who deserved immense popularity and recognition, having made a grandiose breakthrough in the linguistic field. The book also presents the main basic course, which, obviously, aims to start speaking in English as soon as possible.
Learning to speak
Brel, Poslavskaya. "Course of conversational English in convenient formulas and dialogues". Great for developing communication skills. If you find it difficult to overcome the language barrier and reach the conversational level, this textbook is exactly what you need.
Trofimenko. "Spoken English". A worthy benefit not only for adults, but also for schoolchildren. Even without mastering basic grammar skills, you can learn how to build phrases and simple sentences. In addition, the textbook will help you memorize words and expressions and practice your pronunciation.
Goldenkov. "Hot Dog Too. Spoken English. Displays the key points of the modern language. It also contains popular idioms and the basics of business correspondence.
Basic approach
Petrov and Orlova. "The best English tutorial". The book is easy to understand and easy to understand for beginners. The basics are comprehended quickly and efficiently, the information is quite suitable for perception by a person who is just starting to learn the language. The main feature is that starting with the basic material, by the end of the tutorial you will reach a fairly advanced level.
Bonk. "English step by step". Tutorial in two parts. Consistent study of grammar, exercises for consolidation, phonetic features in the construction of simple everyday dialogues - a brief summary of this book.
How to start learning a language at home
When you are ready to start learning, you need to prepare everything you need: a dictionary, textbook, phrase book and additional material, as well as remember a few important rules.
Don't choose exercises. Do everything in order. Make it a rule to do every task well. Do not be afraid to make mistakes - they will greatly help you in your study. Be sure to leave some space after each exercise to work on your mistakes. Do not hoard such assignments. If you do not work through the mistakes once, twice, then you will just get confused in them, and then you will get tired, and you will simply lose the desire to continue learning the language.
Try to diversify the curriculum. When you don't stop at one tutorial, you can cover a lot of information at once. But this technique is also far from universal, and is not suitable for everyone. If you feel that you cannot handle such a load, it is better to choose a simpler but reliable method of studying from one textbook.
Read in English. The most simple, but interesting literature for you. Do not try to "win over" immediately over a complex text, do not torture yourself. It is better to enjoy what is well remembered and easily given at a particular stage, in the future, simply complicating tasks. Be sure to write down new words that might come in handy later.
Learning a language is a long, painstaking, but interesting and enjoyable process. It is very important to correctly assess your own capabilities and not try to find out everything at once - this is simply impossible. Only consistency, diligence and diligence will help you learn English and speak it with ease.
If you have never learned English, or once learned at school, but completely forgot everything, even the alphabet, and now you have decided to start learning English from scratch, then our tips on where to start and how to move can be useful to you. The first and most important thing is to understand how much you need the language, what you need it for, whether you have enough to learn the language.
Motivation
Motivation should become your engine, without it you will not be able to study the language for a long time every day. Without daily practice, it is impossible to master this huge layer of knowledge. If there is no obvious motivation, but there is an ardent desire to learn a language, then you should think about what knowledge of the language will give you - maybe this is a new prestigious job or the opportunity to read special literature on topics that interest you, or maybe you travel a lot and want to fully communicate with people around the world or chat with friends abroad.
Your motivation may still be in the subconscious. Try to extract it from there, it will play a decisive role in your successful progress in mastering the English language.
The choice of teaching methods
Your next step should be to choose teaching methods or teachers. Now students have access to very good language materials and a large number of teachers who are ready to study on Skype with students from all over the world. It is ideal, of course, to find a good teacher - a native speaker. But not everyone can afford such opportunities, but someone just wants to study independently and for free, at a convenient time, without any stress, according to their own schedule. Then you need to choose a system that you will follow.
English from scratch takes time
Schedule time for training, you need to practice daily, at least 15 - 20 minutes, and it is better to set aside an hour for classes. Our collection of English for Beginners articles includes beginners, audios and videos, exercises, lots of examples, explanations, and links to resources to help you progress faster.
When choosing resources for your study, make sure that you like the materials. This is important, all polyglots talk about it. Interest plays a major role in language acquisition. It allows you to achieve more with less effort. Just imagine that you need to learn or translate a text on some boring topic for you, but you will fall asleep after the first phrase! On the contrary, if you come across an interesting book, you will definitely find time to read it. Go ahead, friends, give the language your time and attention, and you will raise your English from zero to fluency. Good luck to all!