Should “Finishing” Lessons Be Your Goal?

Perhaps you've thought: The more lessons I finish, the faster my English will improve. Sometimes you may even get frustrated with a tutor who doesn't finish every exercise or every page of the lesson material.

But here’s the truth: finishing a lesson does not equal learning the language.

You can go through every page and fill in every blank, but still be unable to use English naturally. I've seen this many times over the years.

Real progress doesn’t come from how quickly you finish a lesson or how many lessons you complete—it comes from the practice and connection that should be a part of your lessons.

Think about it like this: Grammar gives you accuracy. Vocabulary gives you more words. Pronunciation helps you sound clearer. Conversation provides opportunities to practice these elements.

However, instead of racing to the end of your lesson, take a moment to say something you want to say, ask questions you want to ask, and share your own ideas. Rather than simply "finishing" the lesson, turn what you learn into your story.

For example, if you’re studying the present perfect verb tense, you may have an exercise where you practice by saying: "She has gone to Paris"... But don't stop there. Instead of speeding through the material to get to the end, take time from the lesson to use it for your own personal benefit.

Slow down and use the grammar point, or the vocabulary, or the pronunciation practice, or the conversation question to express yourself further. Share your own experience or curiosity.

Instead of just completing the present-perfect exercises (for example), you could talk to your tutor saying something like:

• I have never been to Paris, but I want to go someday.

• Have you ever been there?

• I’ve wanted to visit the U.S. for years.

• I haven't had the opportunity.

• Have you ever tried street food in Japan?

That’s English coming to life for you. That's English for you. That's English being used for communication by you.

You see, the goal isn’t to reach the end of the lesson—it’s to use the lesson to reach the point where you can express yourself clearly and confidently.

So, the next time you don't finish the lesson, don’t feel frustrated. Enjoy the moment. Ask one more question. Say one more sentence. Because every time you use English in a real, meaningful way—you’re already winning!