How to THINK in English

For tips on preparing for the IELTS, please see this post.

Translating from your mother tongue to English is a frustrating feeling when it comes to learning English. Here are some tips and strategies to help you stop translating in your head and start thinking in English.

Name Objects around you in English in your Head

As you are thinking about some simple objects you encounter during your day, really focus on the pronunciation. Having effective pronunciation from the very beginning can boost one’s confidence when it comes to language acquisition.

If you are unsure about the pronunciation of a particular word: listen to native speakers, use an online dictionary (Merriam-Webster and Cambridge), or try using this website.

Think in basic/simple Sentences

Take a simple sentence starting phrase, for example: “I am/I’m . . .” and make a few sentences:
“I’m studying English.”
“I’m working on my computer.”
“I’m walking down the street.”

After creating a few sentences, look around you: can you talk about anything in your immediate environment?
“This meal tastes delicious.”
“This couch/sofa is very comfortable.”
“There are scissors in the drawer.”

If you are having difficulty describing something, make use of an online dictionary. Memorize the word(s)/phrase(s). Learning how a word or phrase is used in context is incredibly beneficial.

Have small Conversations with yourself in English

Some significant advantages of using this technique are that you will not feel pressured to speak quickly, come up with the next thing to say, and keep the pace slow and relaxed.

If this step is proving challenging for you: do not give up! Practice, practice, practice! Set aside just two minutes a day to practice. Remember, the conversation does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as you need it to be.

Change an item you use every day to English

• Switch your calendar to English – if you use a calendar to plan your days, start planning in English.
• Make To-Do Lists in English.
• When going shopping, write down your grocery list in English.
• Try using search engines in English.
• Read a blog post in English.
• Listen to a news broadcast in English.
• Consider learning a simple skill in English. For example, how to make French Toast.

Keep track of your Progress.

Once you decide to start thinking in English and stop translating in your head, write down every day what you do.
A simple example: “Today, I listened to a fascinating podcast about The Civil War.”

Recap your day in English

Before going to bed, think about everything you did (and didn’t do) in English. Remember, you want to shift your mindset from “translation-mode” to “English-thinking mode.”