6 Creative Ways to Practice English

Learning a language can often become repetitive and tedious, so it can be helpful to switch up your learning methods. As you practice English in everyday life, you will improve your fluency without even noticing it. Whether you're preparing for the TOEFL iBT test for personal development or academic purposes, expanding your practice methods can help you become better. 

English proficiency is also imperative when studying abroad. Especially, if you are required to take an English language test, like the TOEFL iBT test. While there are many common ways to practice English or prepare for the TOEFL iBT® test, here are some creative tips on how to improve your English speaking fluency on a daily basis as well as prepare for different language tests.   

1. Try and learn a new skill in English 

Origami? Baking? Most people have a skill they have always wanted to learn. A new skill can help to switch on your brain, making it more receptive to new things. It can also help to increase your learning speed over time. But, have you attempted to practice English while doing so? 

Following English instructions and watching English tutorials could all be great ways to practice English and prepare for the TOEFL iBT test. When learning a new skill in English, it can widen your knowledge of the language by introducing you to different styles of writing. For example, instructions can often include more unique words and phrases that can be difficult to understand. Practicing English by reading English instructions will improve your comprehension skills as you develop an understanding of new words. This activity can be an interesting way to practice English in a group or alone. 

2. Read and rewrite a popular story in your own words

Reading and altering a classic story can be a great way to prepare for the TOEFL iBT writing test. Reading more fiction will improve your English writing skills as you gain an understanding of popular writing techniques. You will also build your vocabulary as you discover new verbs and adjectives for your story. 

You will find many of the classic narratives that have influenced many novels to this day when you read more classic stories. Your revised story can be as short as a poem or a full-length book. Either way, it is a good way to practice English.

3. Try playing word games with others

There are many popular word games in English that are a good way to improve your English fluency for the TOEFL iBT test. These simple games can help you practice English and train your language skills under pressure, an especially good way to prepare for TOEFL iBT and IELTS. There are simple games to practice English such as ‘I Spy’ and ‘20 Questions’ while other games such as Scrabble can be more challenging. This can help you to engage with the language rather than passively reading a textbook.

4. Change your phone and app settings to English 

One simple way to practice English in everyday life is to change your phone and/or computer into English. This will expose you to the language multiple times every day. While often you might not notice the change, eventually you will start to absorb new words and improve your English. When you open your settings, you will likely find technical language that you may never otherwise have seen. This can also be done through social media, and most phone apps, to help build an effective way to practice English and learn new phrases. 

5. Find an English speaking pen pal 

Undoubtedly one of the best ways to improve your English fluency and prepare for the TOEFL iBT speaking test is to regularly talk to a native speaker. Although not everyone has the possibility to practice English in person, there are many pen pal services available online. In the past, pen pals communicated through letters, but today, email and video calls are most commonly used. By writing to a pen pal, you can practice English for the TOEFL iBT speaking test and create a connection with others. Not only can you improve your English, but you will open up a cultural exchange that can last a lifetime.

6. Learn the lyrics to your favorite songs in English

Most people around the world listen to music in English already, but how often do they closely listen to the lyrics? A good way to practice English is to read the lyrics while listening to music. Academic English from textbooks is not always applicable in day to day communication. By practicing English through song lyrics, you will be introduced to more casual English terms, which will help you prepare for the TOEFL iBT test. By learning and repeating songs to yourself you can improve your English while enjoying your favorite music. It can also improve your memory which can be useful in an academic setting.

This is not an exhaustive list of ways to practice English and prepare for the TOEFL iBT test, but hopefully, this list has provided you with some inspiration on how to improve your English proficiency. Studying for the TOEFL iBT test can be challenging and sometimes frustrating. Using unique and creative ways to practice English, you can explore the language in a whole new way.