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How are you? I hear it's sweltering in Japan! Almost 40 degrees celcius? That's crazy hot! Please be careful in the extreme heat. I hope you can stay inside, cool, and hydrated as much as possible.
[FYI] In case you're wondering, the photo above is from a job I did in Hollywood as a Game Show Model. We were dressed up like Las Vegas Showgirls with big headdresses. It was when I was much younger in my 20's. I had a lot of fun performing on numerous TV shows in the entertainment capital of the world in Hollywood, Los Angeles!
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[Today's Topic of Discussion]
[Why doesn't my English improve?]
I am a gentle, caring, and patient English tutor, but I also take my work very seriously. As a result, I feel I have the responsibility to speak my mind based on the observations I've made while teaching English. Many of my students wonder why their English is not improving. For example, they wonder why their English doesn't advance to the next level or why they failed their English Exam (Eiken, TOIEC, IELTS, etc.).
[Do you take time every day to learn new vocabulary words?]
I believe one of the biggest reasons is that their vocabulary is lacking. I rarely see students focus on just studying vocabulary. They take English-speaking lessons, write journals, read novels or textbooks, and listen to podcasts, but I rarely see students sit down and focus on memorizing new vocabulary words. And yet, they wonder why their English is not improving.
[Of course, a comprehensive method of teaching is important]
Don't get me wrong, I believe in a comprehensive teaching style including all of the English skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. I genuinely believe all the skills are important to improve. At the same time, I don't see students going out of their way to build their vocabulary.
[Vocabulary is difficult to teach and memorize]
To make matters worse, vocabulary is difficult to teach in a lesson. Let's say you can realistically learn 5 - 10 words per lesson. If you try to learn too many at once, you might get overwhelmed and forget them right after the lesson. I fully admit that learning vocabulary is not easy and is boring! I completely understand.
[I recommend learning vocabulary words alone]
Therefore, I honestly believe vocabulary words should be learned alone in the comfort of your study area. It's an "inside job." Memorization is something you have to do on your own and no one else can do it for you. It's all "input." Perhaps, a tutor can guide you but you have to do the hard work yourself.
[If you build your vocabulary, your overall English skills will definitely improve]
The reason why I recommend learning vocabulary is because I can guarantee that your speaking skills (as well as all other your other English skills) will definitely grow! Even if you memorize only 5 words a day, you will learn 35 words in a week! (If you learn 10 words a day, you'll learn 70 words in a week!) Don't they increase rapidly?
[Learn a few words every day]
Just do a little bit at a time. If you try to learn too many at once, your brain will short-circuit, get overwhelmed, and your efforts will be counter-productive. Learn a little at a time every day! "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." (American expression/humor)
[Find a comfortable and peaceful space to memorize new words]
Find a tranquil and quiet place to memorize a few words a day. As far as I've heard, it's best to memorize things before you go to bed, so your subconscious can work on them while you sleep and you will know them by morning. Like any other exercise or practice, only you can absorb the meaning of the words. I wish you the best and I can guarantee that building your vocabulary is beneficial for you in your English learning journey.
[If I can help, please let me know]
If you would like me to make a lesson plan for you to build your vocabulary, please let me know. I can only provide you with an outline, a spreadsheet of words, and feasible deadlines, but if you're having trouble learning it alone, perhaps we can do it together! I hope I can motivate you to learn more and more! Whether with me or alone, I encourage you to learn more vocabulary because it could help you advance your English skills to the next level! My best wishes!
Warmest regards,
Lady Ayame
(Patricia Ayame Thomson)
