How to practice English by watching series

If you’re learning English in London or anywhere in the world, watching series in English is one of the most fun and effective ways to improve your skills. At Time4London, we always recommend that our students integrate language learning into their daily lives, and series are a fantastic resource. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of them:

1. Choose series that match your level of English
If you’re a beginner, start with simple series that use everyday language, like Friends or How I Met Your Mother. These shows feature simple dialogues and common situations that will help you get familiar with basic vocabulary.
If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level, try more challenging series like Sherlock or The Crown, which include more specific vocabulary and British accents to sharpen your listening comprehension.

2. Turn on subtitles (but use them wisely!)
Start with English subtitles to connect the spoken words with their written form. Once you feel more confident, watch the episodes without subtitles. This will improve your ability to listen and understand in context.

3. Take notes on new words or phrases
While watching a series, jot down useful phrases, idiomatic expressions, or words you don’t recognize. For example, if you’re watching a British series like Downton Abbey, you’ll pick up more formal vocabulary and British expressions. In our classes at Time4London, we often practice these phrases in dialogues, so feel free to bring them along.

4. Practice pronunciation by repeating lines
Mimic the characters. Pause the scenes and repeat the lines out loud, trying to match their intonation and pronunciation. This is especially useful if you’re working to improve your accent and sound more natural when speaking English.

5. Combine this practice with your classes in London
If you’re taking English classes in London with us, let your teacher know which series you’re watching. We can help you better understand the cultural context, vocabulary, and expressions that appear in the episodes.

Recommended series for English learners

• Beginners: Friends, The Office (US version), Modern Family
• Intermediate learners: Stranger Things, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place
• Advanced learners: The Crown, Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders

Why does watching series help you improve your English?
It exposes you to different accents (British, American, Australian).
You learn real-life expressions that are used every day.
It improves your listening skills in a fun way.
It’s an excellent way to practice outside the classroom and immerse yourself in the language.

Conclusion
Watching series in English is a fantastic tool to complement your classes at Time4London. If you’re looking to improve your English level in a fun and effective way, this method is perfect for you. Remember, at Time4London, we help you integrate English learning into your daily life so you can achieve your goals quickly.