I want to tell you about the start of a small experiment in which I will try to significantly raise the level of English proficiency using a mobile application.
I like the current stage in the development of mobile technologies. A more or less modern smartphone helps to simplify or completely eliminate many everyday tasks – calling a taxi, paying bills, sending documents, ordering goods, and so on. It is hard to imagine that before, to replenish your mobile account, you had to go to the nearest terminal or communication salon. Whereas now this operation is performed by sending an SMS message to a bank number with the required amount. Therefore, I am interested in getting acquainted with new services that expand the functionality of devices.
The small retreat is over. Several months ago I felt an urgent need to improve my English skills. Now my skills can be described as 'below average'. Good vocabulary, I can read simple texts (sometimes glancing at the dictionary), I perceive oral speech well (if a person speaks clearly and not very quickly), is able to talk about everyday topics and answer questions. But the main problem with writing, in particular, with grammar. And the new year 2017 became an excellent impetus for new achievements.
Methodology
The goal is to improve language skills. It remains only to choose the way of studying. All 'learn English in 2 weeks' courses are not suitable for obvious reasons. I also have no desire to go to a tutor, I am more inclined to self-study. I wanted to solve this issue using a smartphone. After a short study of the range of Google Play, the choice fell on the Lingualeo service.
I liked the way of presenting the theory and the practical part with reading texts and watching videos with subtitles, as well as the method of memorizing new words. The free version, as it should be, has restrictions on many exercises and courses. Therefore, I spared no expense and purchased a premium subscription for a year. With a 50% discount in honor of the New Year, the subscription costs 699 rubles, which is an impressive amount for a mobile application. At least that's how it seemed to me. But then I looked at the prices for Raymond Murphy's textbooks, which many advise on the Internet – from 1000 rubles each. So 700 rubles for a year of using the service does not seem to be such a large amount. It all depends on the quality of the material.
In this little experiment, I want to understand if it is possible to improve your English proficiency using a mobile application. At the same time, I will share this experience with readers so that you know whether it is worth spending your money on such services.
Lingualeo at a glance
The Lingualeo service initially conducts a quick survey to determine language skills. As a result of testing, 5 indicators are displayed: knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, reading skills, listening comprehension and writing. From these data, an individual training program is compiled.
The speed of learning depends on your diligence, how much time you are ready for it every day – 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes. This is a conditional framework for the service, so that the program does not give you too many tasks. The further process completely depends on your desire. Learn words, read texts, watch videos with subtitles, listen to music, learn grammar. In general, surround yourself with language. To replenish vocabulary, several exercises are used at once. I will not describe them, almost all of them are available in the free version.
The first impression of Lingualeo is positive. In three days of use, I consolidated my knowledge of Present and Past Simple, learned 49 words, read 24 pages of text in English and completed 276 exercises.
goal
I plan to spend half an hour to an hour daily in the application. It seems to me that this time should be enough to improve the quality of skills. Now in the application my skills are indicated like this:
- Knowledge of grammar – 4 points;
- Knowledge of words – 3 points;
- Reading – 2 points;
- Listening comprehension – 3 points;
- Letter – 2 points.
This is basic knowledge of the language (Elementary) – level 2. I want to improve my skills to level 5 – Advanced. Let's see how long it will take and whether it will be possible to achieve at least some results.
If you are interested in my idea, then in a month I will write a separate article about my achievements in learning the language and, at the same time, I will tell you the negative and positive aspects of the Lingualeo service. Perhaps in a few months I will change this application to another analogue, for the sake of experiment.
I propose to share my experience with those who have already tried Lingualeo and similar services for learning English.