Accuracy

Speaking with a high level of accuracy means making very few mistakes. This is easier said than done. So, what can you do to improve your level of accuracy when you speak English?

• Even native speakers make mistakes when they speak in their own language, but they are always listening to themselves and correct themselves. Here are some tips to help you speak correctly.
• Don’t worry about making mistakes, it’s normal, but ...
• Listen to your English when you speak and if you notice a mistake, correct it. If you don’t notice any mistakes, don’t worry.
• Make a ‘my typical mistakes’ page in your notebook. Write down mistakes you often make and when you speak, listen out for those mistakes. If you always say ‘I must to go’, then write it down next to the correct version ‘I must go’ and listen out for this mistake when you speak.
• Use grammar you know. If you use new grammar you don’t know for the first time in an exam, you will make more mistakes and find it more difficult to correct yourself.
• Use words you know. Revise the vocabulary you learn in class and try to use new words again to help you remember them. If you don’t know an exact word, use a different word that you know.
• Record yourself speaking and listen to yourself. Correct your mistakes and remember the good language to use again.
• Take your time and think when you speak! If you speak too fast and don’t think about your language, you will make mistakes. However, don’t speak too slowly – you don’t want to sound like a robot.