Old-School Ways to Improve Your English: A Trip Down Memory Lane

As I sit down to write this, I’m filled with nostalgia. My thoughts wander back to the days of school, when the internet was a luxury, and we could only afford to browse it for a mere 10 rupees per hour. Back then, we didn’t have smartphones to distract us with endless social media scrolling, which gave us ample time to focus on self-improvement. It was a simpler time, where we could truly immerse ourselves in learning without constant interruptions.

Here are some old-school ways to improve your English that I used to rely on, and that could still work wonders today...

1. Pick Any Good Grammar Book

Grammar is the foundation of any language, and without a solid grasp of grammar, your ability to communicate effectively is significantly limited. Sure, today we have tools like ChatGPT to help with grammar and sentence structure, but what happens when your phone stops working, and you need to communicate in English face-to-face?

That’s when a good old grammar book comes in handy. As a parent myself, I can tell you that even if you're busy with life, taking the time to pick up a grammar book will pay off. Like many kids from the '90s, Wren & Martin was my go-to grammar book. But don’t worry—there's no need to stick to one specific title. You can pick any reliable grammar book that suits you. If you’re a parent like me, you could even borrow one from your kids (who might already be using it for their schoolwork). So, pick a grammar and composition book, grab a pen and paper, and get practicing. You’ll be amazed at how much you can improve with just a little time and effort.

2. Read an English Daily

Back in the day, our teachers would always stress the importance of reading newspapers to improve our English. "Mark difficult words, use them in daily conversations, and soon you’ll see a noticeable difference," they would say.

If reading an entire newspaper feels like a chore, start small. Pick up a few pages, or better yet, focus on the opinion section. I personally enjoy reading the opinion page, where the editors often use impeccable language. It’s not just about improving my English—it also helps me stay informed and expand my knowledge.

3. Visit a Library

I can still remember the smell of books in the library. It was a place that didn’t just offer knowledge—it offered an escape into different worlds. Libraries are more than just a space to borrow books; they provide a unique atmosphere of focus and learning.

Get yourself a library membership and explore the treasure trove of books available. Choose your favorite genre or author, and immerse yourself in the language used in those books. English magazines are another great resource. They offer specialized content in various fields, from fashion to sports, and can significantly enhance your vocabulary and overall understanding.

4. Read English Magazines

Magazines may have been overshadowed by digital media, but for those of us who are old-school at heart, there’s nothing like flipping through the pages of a physical magazine. Whether you’re a homemaker, a sports enthusiast, or a fashion lover, there’s a magazine out there for you.

Magazines are a fantastic way to enrich your vocabulary while also staying informed. The best part? They often focus on specific topics, which helps you learn specialized terms that are commonly used in different industries. So, pick up a magazine of your choice and enjoy the process of learning through reading.

5. Watch English Movies (Without Subtitles!)

One of the best ways to improve your language skills is by watching movies in English. But here’s the catch—don’t use subtitles in your native language. If you truly want to learn, try to understand the words and phrases in the context of the movie.

In the early days, when Dish TV became popular, watching English films was one of the best ways to learn the language. The more you listen, the better your understanding of sentence structures, slang, and expressions will become. So, grab some popcorn and watch that movie in English.

6. Use Translation Books

In the past, we didn’t have apps like Duolingo at our fingertips. Instead, we relied on physical books to bridge the gap between languages. Books like Rapidex English Speaking Course (which sold over 50 million copies worldwide) were widely popular. These books helped people learn English through structured lessons, and they still hold value today.

While modern apps are doing a great job in language learning, these old-school translation books still offer a unique, structured approach to learning English.

These are just a few of the old-school methods that helped me improve my English during school and college days. As I look back, I realize how valuable they were in shaping my language skills. And even now, as an adult, I find myself returning to some of these practices to further refine my communication skills.

After all, there’s always room for improvement—and that, my friends, is the biggest room in the house.

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