Learning English or any other language involves much more than simply going to classes and doing homework. Since language is complex and is in constant change, it's really important that the learner looks for further practice outside the classroom. This is what motivated me in researching and creating this post, once one of my students, after a deep conversation, decided she needed to reinforce her speaking practices.
When learning a language, there are 4 basic skills that must be worked simultaneously in order to become a fluent student. Of course each student has one or the other more evolved; however, the weakest of the 4 skills (reading, speaking, listening, and writing) is what mostly needs deep practice.
For us, Brazilians, what is usually difficult to develop is the speaking ability. I attribute this to the fact we don't live a culture that motivates foreign language practice, and thus, we as learners are the ones responsible to create opportunities to practice.
Practice speaking is not only speaking to other people. It is totally connected to reading. The more you read, the larger your vocabulary and then, consequently, the higher your confidence while speaking. A good reader is more likely to be a good speaker than others, specially when it comes to foreign languages. Well, there's always an exception.
Before practicing, it's good to understand a bit of what happens to introverted people as they decide to learn a foreign language. Click here and read this article. It explains why some people fear speaking in public and it gives some nice tips to overcome this negative feeling.
After asking may colleagues from Facebook groups that I participate (BRELT, Brazilian English Teachers, etc.) I collected some websites that help students create those aforementioned opportunities to practice oral English. I hope this post helps many English learners.
For all the suggested sites you may need a good microphone and earphone.
ENGLISHCENTRAL.COM is an amazing website in Portuguese but directed to English learners. There, you find videos according to daily situations. It's also an amazing resource for people who want to travel and, therefore, learn specific vocabulary. In a very nice way, you may have your pronunciation corrected. For further information or help, contact Cristina Cesar via e-mail at cristina.cesar@englishcentral.com.
TALKENGLISH.COM is a free website with very nice tips on how to practice and develop your oral skill. For Portuguese instructions, you may click here.
BYKI.COM is also free. After registering, you can have access to native audio, followed with scripts that will help you associate pronunciation to reading, increasing vocabulary and self confidence to speak and think in English.
My special thanks to Danilo Pereira, Cristina Cesar, Russell Kurts, and Rogerio Almeida for the contribution.
Now, it's time to practice!
In case you know any other website, please, leave your comment. Thank you!
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