Tool Box
Supercharge your fluency through this research-based plan. It doesn't matter what your current proficiency level is. Use this to reach any goal you set.
- Carve out time that realistically fits into your life. I do loads in my car as I have a commute.
- Do things that you enjoy in your target language. I LOVE consuming books and content. I love stories. I love to learn new things. I spend a lot of time listening to content in my target language.
- Getting your input (what you read and hear) is where you acquire language (Krashen). Process that input through output (speaking and writing). You don't need others to do this (although that is ideal).
- Communicate in all 3 modes. Interpretive (input), presentational (output) and interpersonal (2-way communication). https://www.actfl.org/resources/actfl-performance-descriptors-language-learners
- Combine Krashen's acquisition (immersive activities similar to what you did to acquire your first language naturally) with learning (deliberate actions to learn vocabulary and grammar). This is the key to fast progress.
Are you looking for an activity that you can do that delivers RAPID results? Consider italki (or any other place where you can book time with native speakers). Create questions in advance in your target language. Book your lesson. Record your lesson and use these questions. Acquire new language from what they say. Review the video as many times as you need. Rinse and repeat with more native (or highly competent) speakers. Create new questions once you've mastered the ones you have.
Here are some questions to get you started:
What's your name?
Where do you live?
Where are you from?
When is your birthday?
Where were you born?
Tell us about your family.
Do you have brothers? How many? What are their names?
Describe your personality and physical appearance. What are you like?
What classes do you have? How many? When?
What did you do last summer?
Which languages do you speak?
Describe your daily routine.
Where do you like to go shopping?
Do you play sports?
What is your favorite movie?
What is your favorite food?
Describe the typical foods of your country.
What is your favorite tv show?
What are your favorite hobbies?
What do you do on weekends?
Shopping: describe how it is done in your community.
Sports: describe some popular sports in your country. Which ones do you like?
Describe your daily routine.
What is your house like?
Describe your city.
What do you do during the holidays?