[Four English Skills] Balanced Growth in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing for Beginners

For working adults and beginners restarting their English journey, “how to learn” is a major concern.
This article focuses on the four essential English skills—Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing—and introduces effective study steps and recommended tools for each.

1. Listening – Getting Your Ears Used to English is the First Step

■ Recommended YouTube Channels (for Beginners)

• Kendra Language School: Offers TOEIC prep, English conversation, vocabulary lessons, and more.
• Disney’s World of English: Although aimed at kids, it’s also great for adult beginners to get used to natural, gentle English.

■ Apps

• ELSA Speak: AI evaluates your pronunciation, helping with both listening and speaking
• YouGlish: Plays real-world examples of English usage via YouTube
• VoiceTube: Watch videos with subtitles and Japanese translations; great for script-based learning

■ Study Tips

• Just 10–15 minutes of passive listening daily can be effective
• Try shadowing or reading aloud using the script
• Choose content you’re personally interested in—it helps with consistency
• Watching Japanese anime or dramas dubbed in English is also helpful

2. Reading – Build Vocabulary and Grammar to Get Comfortable with English Texts

■ Recommended Websites (for Beginners)

• Eigo with Luke:

  • Offers practical expressions with Japanese explanations from a native speaker
  • Covers slang and real-world phrases in detail
  • Great for beginners wanting to learn “living English” rather than just grammar

• English Café:

  • Explains key grammar points from junior high to high school English in a simple way
  • Organized with examples and clear structure for easy access
  • Just reading the site can deepen your understanding

• English Boot Camp:

  • Run by a former interpreter with thorough explanations in Japanese
  • Helps adults who struggle with English understand the “why” behind grammar

■ Apps

• LingQ: Tracks your vocabulary automatically as you read
• News in Levels: Read the same news in three different English levels
• NHK Gogaku: Includes texts and audio; great for practicing junior-high-level English

3. Speaking – Start with Set Phrases and Reading Aloud

■ Apps

• Speak: AI checks your spoken English in real time
• TALKING MARATHON: Daily 5-minute repetition of practical phrases
• ChatGPT (Conversation Mode): Practice freely with an AI conversation partner

■ Study Tips

• Start by reading set phrases aloud
• Try expressing simple things about yourself (e.g., hobbies, self-introduction)
• Repeating short passages helps improve pronunciation and fluency

4. Writing – Don’t Force It; Use AI to Practice Efficiently

Writing is important, but for beginners, it doesn’t need to be your first focus.
Start by building input through listening and reading, then gradually move to writing when you have more to say.

However, if you’re preparing for exams like Eiken or TOEFL, writing practice will be necessary—adjust accordingly.

■ Recommended Approaches

• Ask ChatGPT to check and revise your diary or short texts
• Use Grammarly to review English emails or social posts
• Post short sentences on HiNative or LangCorrect for feedback
• Use voice input to turn speech into simple written notes

■ Prompt Example for Writing Practice

• I will write a short paragraph about what happened today in English. Please check it and give me feedback on grammar, word choice, and clarity. If possible, suggest more natural expressions.

Tip: You can also use free tools like Gemini, DeepL Write, or QuillBot.

■ Study Plan Example (For Beginners/Working Adults)

Note: This is just one example. Adjust based on your own pace. Also, don’t completely skip reading and writing at any phase—include them naturally within your comfort zone.

■ Months 1–2: Listening + Reading (Build a Foundation)

• Get used to English sounds via YouTube or apps
• Start a daily 5–10 minute reading habit using short texts or radio scripts
• Jot down useful phrases or try writing short English sentences

■ Months 3–4: Listening + Reading + Speaking (Begin Basic Output)

• Practice reading set phrases aloud and responding
• Use AI tools like ChatGPT to try simple conversations
• Begin writing short self-introductions or opinions in English

■ Month 5 and Beyond: Speaking + Writing (Practical Output)

• Try posting English diary entries or social media updates
• Use feedback services to improve through corrections
• Start joining online English conversations to build confidence in real communication

Summary

• Listening and reading are inputs—focus on getting used to English for the first 90 days
• Speaking and writing are outputs—start small with set expressions and short texts
• Use apps and YouTube as fun, sustainable tools
• Don’t aim for perfection—just give it a try. That’s the first step to improving

Unlike student life where learning was often passive, adults can choose what works best for them.
Listening to English on the commute, watching anime in English, or chatting with AI—all of these are valid study methods.

This guide is just one example. Use it as a reference, and adapt flexibly based on your goals and lifestyle.
There’s no single right answer. What matters most is finding a way to keep learning without stress.