If you're a busy learner, you probably want your English classes to be as useful as possible.
One of the best ways to get more out of each lesson is to prepare just a little in your own time. You don’t need hours—just a few minutes of focused, creative thinking can make a big difference.
This kind of personal preparation helps you come to class with ideas, vocabulary, and even questions. You’ll feel more ready, more confident, and more engaged in the conversation. Here are two ways to start:
1. Write a Journal — Just for Yourself
Taking 5–10 minutes to write a journal entry can help you practice thinking in English and organize your ideas. You don’t need to worry about perfect grammar or spelling—this is just for you.
Write about your day, your thoughts, or even a question you’d like to ask in class. For example:
“I read a news story about AI today. I didn’t understand all of it, but I want to talk about it in class.”
This kind of reflection gives you content to bring to your lessons—and helps you speak more naturally over time.
2. Talk (or Think) About a Book or a Talk
If you’re reading a book in English, or watching a TED Talk or video, try writing or speaking your thoughts:
- What was it about?
- What did you agree or disagree with?
- Which words or phrases stood out to you?
Even thinking quietly about these questions before class helps you prepare vocabulary and opinions you can share.
Let Your Class Time Work Harder for You
To support students who want to grow independently and then build on that growth in class, I offer three connected courses:
- 15-DayJournal Writing Class – This class runs offline where you can share your writing with me and get gentle, helpful feedback on your language and ideas.
https://cafetalk.com/lessons/detail/?id=161593&key=4f7b32ec57094322ad2f41aff2a1f08b
- TED Talk Reading – Although this is a read aloud class, you may also choose to watch or read a TED talk before class, then join a guided discussion where we expand your vocabulary and critical thinking.
https://cafetalk.com/lessons/detail/?id=168043&key=2085678cb58141321f17ef81468374e4
- Conversational English Class – Practice using your thoughts and experiences in real conversation. Ideal for building fluency, tone, and confidence.
https://cafetalk.com/lessons/detail/?id=648069&key=7a71680221fdb336b1c94a3194c33b73
Learning doesn’t stop when class ends—and it doesn’t have to begin only when class starts. Try one of these small habits and see how your confidence grows, one idea at a time.
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