Tips to LEARN ENGLISH using TED Talks - How to Use TED Talks to Learn English

Summary

In this lesson, Teacher John from the English Danny Channel introduces a method for improving English using TED Talks. He explains how students can enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills by following a series of steps on the TED website. These steps include choosing short videos, watching them with and without subtitles, and using transcripts to deepen comprehension. The approach emphasizes active listening, vocabulary building, and practice through repetition, offering a fun and effective way for learners to improve their English while exploring various topics.

Takeaways

• 😀 TED Talks are a great tool for improving your English skills, offering authentic listening experiences from native speakers.
• 😀 TED Talks come with subtitles and transcripts in many languages, making it easier for non-native speakers to follow along.
• 😀 The TED.com website allows you to filter videos by duration, language, and topic to tailor your learning experience.
• 😀 For beginners, it is recommended to start with short videos (0-6 minutes) for easier comprehension.
• 😀 You can change the subtitles and transcript languages to match your native language for better understanding.
• 😀 The recommended study method includes watching videos multiple times with different subtitle settings to gradually improve comprehension.
• 😀 Step 1 of the learning method: Watch the video without subtitles to get the main idea and note new words.
• 😀 Step 2: Rewatch the video with English subtitles and try to understand the content again while learning new words.
• 😀 Step 3: Watch with subtitles in your native language for clearer understanding, then try listening again with just the English transcript.
• 😀 To improve speaking, practice mimicking the pronunciation of new words from the video or repeat the main points aloud.
• 😀 Regularly using TED Talks can enhance all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, through consistent practice and engagement.

Q & A

What are TED Talks, and how can they help improve English skills?

TED Talks are short, expert-led speeches available on ted.com. They can help improve English by providing authentic listening practice, with subtitles and transcripts in multiple languages, allowing learners to enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Why is it recommended to choose short TED Talks (0-6 minutes) for language learning?

Short TED Talks are easier to follow, allowing learners to focus on understanding the content without feeling overwhelmed. This makes it simpler to practice listening skills and absorb new vocabulary.

How does watching a TED Talk without subtitles contribute to language learning?

Watching a TED Talk without subtitles forces learners to rely on their listening skills to grasp the main ideas. This helps improve comprehension and increases exposure to natural spoken language.

What is the purpose of turning on English subtitles after watching the video once?

Enabling English subtitles helps learners connect spoken words to written text, reinforcing vocabulary and comprehension. It allows students to understand the main idea more clearly and catch words they might have missed.

How can subtitles in a learner's native language aid in understanding TED Talks?

Subtitles in the learner’s native language can clarify the content, helping them understand the video’s main ideas more deeply. This step boosts confidence and ensures full comprehension of complex or unfamiliar terms.

What is the benefit of reading along with the English transcript while listening to the TED Talk?

Reading the English transcript while listening helps learners focus on pronunciation, word usage, and sentence structure. It allows them to hear and see the correct form of new vocabulary, reinforcing both auditory and visual learning.

Why is it important to revisit the video without subtitles after practicing with them?

Revisiting the video without subtitles helps reinforce learning and measures progress. It encourages learners to rely more on their improved listening skills and recall more information without visual aids.

How can writing help in improving English when using TED Talks?

Writing helps learners process and summarize the key points from the video. By writing down the main ideas and new vocabulary, learners reinforce their understanding and improve both writing and vocabulary skills.

What role does speaking practice play in using TED Talks for language learning?

Speaking practice is crucial for reinforcing new vocabulary and pronunciation. Learners can practice speaking by mimicking the speaker’s tone and pronunciation or by summarizing the video aloud, which improves fluency and confidence.

How does the TED website (ted.com) support learners in their language improvement journey?

TED.com offers a wide range of TED Talks with subtitles and transcripts in multiple languages, making it a valuable resource for language learners. The website also allows learners to choose videos based on topics and language, helping them tailor their learning experience.