When you read regularly, you’re constantly encountering new words. The great thing about newspapers and magazines is that they use language that is relevant and current. This isn’t a textbook full of outdated phrases—you’re learning words and expressions that people actually use in everyday conversation. Studies have shown that extensive reading helps expand vocabulary knowledge faster than explicit vocabulary instruction.

111 Tips for Learning a Language 

Tip 46 - Read newspapers and magazines to learn vocabulary 

So, what exactly is a Mistake Book? It’s a notebook where you log your language mistakes using a structured approach. Each page is divided into three columns:
•	Column 1: The Mistake – Write down the mistake exactly as you made it, whether it’s in speaking, writing, or grammar.
•	Column 2: The Correction – This is where you write the correct version of the sentence or phrase.
•	Column 3: The Explanation – Briefly explain why it’s a mistake. Keep it concise—just enough to remind you of the rule or reason behind the correction.
For example, if you wrote “I have went to the store” instead of “I have gone to the store,” the explanation might be: "Use the past participle ‘gone’ instead of ‘went’.’"


Tip 45 - Create a Mistake book as a reminder not to repeat the same mistake again.

Procrastination: How to Turn Your Biggest Obstacle into a Powerful Learning Strategy
Dear listeners, welcome to another episode of "111 Tips for Learning a Language." I’m delighted to have you join me for Episode 42, where we’re going to tackle a topic that’s both universal and often misunderstood: procrastination. You will learn how to drill into Procrastination by figuring out why you procrastinate and then explore how you can transform procrastination from a frustrating obstacle into a strategic tool that enhances your language learning journey.


Tip 42  Drill into procrastination by figuring out why you procrastinate 

Are you focusing all your energy on mastering conversational fluency while leaving grammar or writing in the dust? Sure, it’s tempting to specialize, but here’s the hard truth: putting all your focus on just one element of language learning is risky. Imagine dedicating all your time to conversation, only to wake up one day and realize you’re bored with it. Where does that leave your progress? It’s like betting all your money on one volatile stock—it might pay off, but it’s just as likely to lead to burnout. Research shows that our brains crave variety to stay sharp and engaged (Goldberg, 2001). So why risk stagnation when you can diversify your skills?

Tip 44 – Mastering the Art of Language Diversification: Why You Should Never Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

Let’s face it, as human beings—complex, multifaceted individuals—we are perpetually immersed in thought. Whether we refer to it as "mind" or simply the constant stream of consciousness, these thoughts can often pull us away from our intended focus, particularly when studying. You’ve likely experienced those moments where, despite your best efforts, your mind drifts towards an upcoming event, a lingering problem, or unresolved personal matters. In these moments, the traditional approach might be to forcefully redirect your attention back to your studies, but today, I’m going to propose a different, more Zen-like strategy.