How to improve Lingustic Intelligence

[Dejan]

Hi guys, I am not too sure if this in the correct thread but I was wondering how I can possibly improve my ability to understand, acquire and use language to a high standard. I feel as though my abilities are quite poor in which leads me to believe that I am not good enough for university standards and that I won't do well in university. Please do suggest tips and strategies on ways it can be improved.

[JellyDonut]

what are you even asking

[alondouek]

Hey OP! In my experience, the best way to build up a strong vocabulary and good communicative flow is to read as much as possible (anything from the newspaper to published literature; literally anything) and consider why things are phrased in certain ways; this should foster over time a good innate understanding of verbal and written communication.

[Dejan]

what are you even asking

I am sorry I wasn't clear but I just want to know how to improve my writing and reading abilities

[Dejan]

Hey OP! In my experience, the best way to build up a strong vocabulary and good communicative flow is to read as much as possible (anything from the newspaper to published literature; literally anything) and consider why things are phrased in certain ways; this should foster over time a good innate understanding of verbal and written communication.

Thanks for the suggestion,  in your experience how much did you read? Half an hour? An hour?

[alondouek]

Thanks for the suggestion,  in your experience how much did you read? Half an hour? An hour?

I'm not entirely sure in terms of quantity - partly because I'm always reading something haha - but just picking up a book when you have some spare time or reading the paper on the way to/from uni is as good a place to start as any. Ideally, this approach is one you'd want to be consistent with, because I'd posit that you can only really pick up fluidity of language by reading if you do said reading frequently and in-depth.

I'd also suggest reading a wide variety of material so as not to limit yourself to one broad language convention or type.

[Dejan]

I'm not entirely sure in terms of quantity - partly because I'm always reading something haha - but just picking up a book when you have some spare time or reading the paper on the way to/from uni is as good a place to start as any. Ideally, this approach is one you'd want to be consistent with, because I'd posit that you can only really pick up fluidity of language by reading if you do said reading frequently and in-depth.

I'd also suggest reading a wide variety of material so as not to limit yourself to one broad language convention or type.

Wow thank you, I appreciate it

[alondouek]

You're very welcome, best of luck!

[JellyDonut]

I am sorry I wasn't clear but I just want to know how to improve my writing and reading abilities

the only way to improve writing is to write. if it makes you feel any better the standard of writing at university isn't very high regardless. i know plenty of international students who get high marks but write terribly -- bearing in mind that english is a second language for a lot of them.

as long as you're not doing a course that is pedantic language-wise, like philosophy, you'll be fine

[chasej]

There are books you can buy which are basically and bank of 4000 words "every english speaker should learn to speak well" type thing. I've used them briefly in the past quite successfully.

The do not help with grammar, but if you want to learn some fancy and/or more descriptive words, it can be useful.

Here is the book: http://www.amazon.com/Vocabulary-4000-Jeff-Kolby/dp/1889057568 (Not sure how much shipping is to Australia as a friend brought it back to Australia for me from the US-if you can arrange something like that the book is less than 10USD.).

[Dejan]

the only way to improve writing is to write. if it makes you feel any better the standard of writing at university isn't very high regardless. i know plenty of international students who get high marks but write terribly -- bearing in mind that english is a second language for a lot of them as long as you're not doing a course that is pedantic language-wise, like philosophy, you'll be fine

I just see other people writings and it just so amazing compared to mine, even I doing well for grades I still feel like it's not good enough, I guess I might be too harsh on myself. It puts at my mind at ease to an extent so thanks