I feel my English improvement is stalling

@diamania (7011)
Netherlands
July 23, 2010 8:36am CST
I've been learning English for roughly 6 years now and feel that I still have problems expressing myself and my improvement is stalling. What English learning sites or courses can I use to improve my English? And if you happen to know me how would you rate my English? Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced?
1 person likes this
10 responses
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
24 Jul 10
I can't remember a discussion that you have started that wasn't understandable, so I would say you are doing quite well in written English However, written and spoken English can be 2 totally different things, and I don't know what you sound like. as for sites or courses, sorry...
• India
24 Jul 10
WELL, i SECOND your comment. that none of the topics, discussions that our friend here started/commented in, is away from the consideration of GOOD ENGLISH. .
1 person likes this
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
24 Jul 10
Let's not even get started talking about my spoken English. Perhaps my abysmal spoken English affects my writing. I am thinking way too much about what to write instead of just letting the words flow in my mind. I will be working on that from now on.
1 person likes this
• India
27 Jul 10
Ifeel my English imporvement is stalling.I have been learing english from my school days till day, still I face stalling.To improve my english Ihave to read many books and news papers and etc.As we know english is world language and have to learn by every one.
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
27 Jul 10
Do you go to school? I do still my English is not where I want it to be. In the beginning especially I watched a lot of TV comedies, getting used to the accent, grammar and linguistic patterns. My schools never thought: "Well let's pay some attention to speaking English" If they would have done that I am sure my written English would be far more lively and less static.
23 Jul 10
Well judging from your post here, you have better spelling and grammar than many native English speakers! I think the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it and keep talking with other people in English. Mylot is great for that opportunity.
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
23 Jul 10
Wouldn't that be a bit exegerated? It's just that I am paying a lot of attention on my grammar and look a lot of things up. It makes my responses pretty static at times, which I think also has to do with me lacking confidence in trying out new sayings and words.
@yugasini (12836)
• Anantapur, India
23 Jul 10
hi diamania, congratulations that your English is better than my English,i am also very very poor in English Language,because due to negligence i have neglected English classes,so my English was poor,but i have improved so much English while i have worked in office and secondly at mylot,so i cannot rate your English,have a nice day
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
23 Jul 10
I've never neglected my English classes. I blame my teachers for not teaching me properly. One hated me so much that he consistently gave me bad marks. Not very supportive at all. Also we were never given the possibility to talk English under the supervision of our teacher, who then can correct us when needed. This year and the next my English classes are taught by my German teacher. No wonder everyone complains about how Dutchies pronounce English.
@sulynsi (2669)
• Canada
24 Jul 10
Your written English is quite good. Sounds like you need practice with your spoken English. I'll bet you're better at it than you think. I'll send you a PM about your other question.
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
24 Jul 10
It is indeed my spoken English that might need an upgrade. Thanks for your offer.I will make use of it.
• Philippines
23 Jul 10
Hmmm... I don't see anything wrong with your English when you write..:D The only thing I can suggest is that read good articles, books, and other reading materials.:D I don't know any English learning sites but I hope I have been of help.:D
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
23 Jul 10
You're simply right. I should start reading more difficult writings and on top of that keep on looking up things I don't know.
@urbandekay (18278)
23 Jul 10
Hi, I do not know how to grade your standard of English but in any case it appears to be of a high standard with just a few faults; these being more of usage than grammar As an English native, I would say. "Though I've been learning English for roughly 6 years, I feel that I still have problems expressing myself and that my improvement is not progressing as rapidly as it might." And: "And, if you happen to know, how would you rate my English, intermediate, upper intermediate or advanced?" Perhaps, it might help you to listen to the BBC World Service or engage in conversation with native English speakers? all the best urban
@diamania (7011)
• Netherlands
23 Jul 10
I think I should indeed talk with native English speakers more often and also with my friends. Really immersing myself in the English language. Thanks for your response. I appreciat eit.
• Hong Kong
29 Jul 10
Well, since you're using "stalling" in your topic, I guess you have a decent command of English. I can't rate your English just from this discussion, but I guess your level should be something between intermediate and advanced (Let's say doctors and bachelors are advanced). There are some sites useful for exams, like englishpage.com and sparknotes. The former improves your knowledge in grammar, while the latter provides valuable resources for literature. However, in my opinion, the best way to improve your English is reading. Try to complete the feat of reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It's very beautifully written, though sometimes a bit boring.
@jennyze (7029)
• Indonesia
24 Jul 10
Oh, I've been learning and practicing English for more than 15 years, you would think that I should be able to talk about anything in English by now. But, I am not worried. As you long you understand my English, that is good for me. Your English level? Maybe more advanced than mine?
@bkrm_gupt (219)
• India
29 Jul 10
Yap!English is very important because it is one of the common world language we used.so i feel my English improvement is stalling because from the young stage til now i used to study the subject English .still i used to read lots of books every time so that if we go to other places we won't face the communication problems at all be always forward in life........