How about a magic pill to learn English fast?

Everyone wants to study English language as quick as possible

The world is changing quickly, becoming more global, and it comes hand in hand with the growing popularity of learning English.  Everyone is focused on the idea of mastering the language as fast as possible. And magic pills sound like a great idea. Imagine taking them before bed, and the next morning your level is C2 which is a native level. How does it sound?

How to do a course using texbooks

I got the idea of writing this article while picking a textbook for one of my students, who is an entrepreneur moving abroad soon, and he needs to master his everyday language skills. The fact that he has some experience learning English at school, university, and in private lessons also comes in useful.
Based on the assortment test I identified his level as Intermediate. At this level, you can already speak with natives.


The textbook of choice was Face2Fsce Intermediate. However, after a couple of lessons, he said he was not interested in learning grammar and words and wanted to develop speaking and listening skills instead. He suggested focusing on them, talking more and listening to podcasts. But what about vocabulary and grammar which are an essential part of communication, not to mention business communication?

Is it possible to do faster?

Do not believe all these tempting adverts promising you great results in 3 days. Learning a language is a long process requiring consistency, practice, and doing home tasks. There is no doubt that actual living in the language environment significantly accelerates it, but does not replace lessons with a teacher.






Let’s say, it is like making soup. To make a perfect one, you will need the right ingredients, like fresh meat, vegetables, the best oil and just the right spices. The same applies to learning a language. To master one you also need the right ‘ingredients’: vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading, speaking, and writing.


Surely, you can only practise speaking and reading, but as a result, other skills, for example, writing will not be improved. Authentic textbooks, both for young learners and adults, focus on all language aspects equally.

Teacher's and student's case

Let me get back to my story. Eventually, the student agreed to continue studying with the textbook. I designed our course in a way which might be more interesting for him.  We study words and grammar from the textbook,  reading exercises I’ve replaced with more modern articles from Breaking English News, and for listening skills, I use the channel Think Big. This way I can maintain the basic approach to studying while taking into account his professional interests and paying attention to developing his speaking and listening skills.


When you choose a teacher, ask a few questions about the course for you or your child. How are lessons organised? What textbooks do they use?  It is not uncommon when children have been learning a language for a few years, but during a speaking test, they cannot answer basic questions, like ‘How are you?’ or spell their name. These skills are usually acquired after completing the starter level.

What's the most significant?

It is important to work on all language aspects equally. A teacher should analyse a textbook before starting lessons. For example, if there is not enough grammar, it is necessary to add something like Round up to the course, this six-level course will provide enough grammar material. If there are not many listening exercises, a teacher will add interesting podcasts and use exercises from the British Council website. If you need to improve your reading skill, Breaking News English will ne a great tool.

Where to find a suitable teacher?

If you already take lessons offline, I would suggest trying online classes, as well. You can start with one lesson a week. Your online teacher will be like Danko, lighting the way in the endless ocean of Internet materials.


In conclusion, I would like to invite you to Skype-Language.com school. At this school, you will find only experienced and qualified teachers, and during a trial lesson, they will answer all your questions about the course. The school also has a methodologist, who will provide help promptly in case of any problems.


I hope you have found this article useful and are motivated to start learning. If you still have doubts or questions, or maybe you don't see the progress in learning anymore. Do not hesitate to contact the managers of Skype-Language.com, and we will find a way to help you!


Best regards,
your tutor of English Eketrina Schneider