Mastering the English Language

Disclaimer at the beginning: This is for someone who knows the basics of English. Let’s generally say you oughta be a student in 10th grade and have English as a subject. Nonetheless, if you are very weak in English and reading all these words is hard for you, then simply go to the list and start following them. The descriptions are absolutely unnecessary. Lastly, if you are good at English, still this list will help you immensely. Whether you are thinking of exams like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT or GRE — this will help you out. Even if you aren’t going to take the tests, this will help you understand the textbooks you’ll have to study at your university. Nonetheless, be it for job applications or travelling — English is an essential language in which you need to have a level of mastery. So, I suggest you take a look at this article.

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English can be learned in two ways. One is the long-term way, and one is the short-term way. I am from a non-English speaking country, and I mastered the English language using the long-term method. I should disclose the fact that I did all of this because I loved to do so, not because I wanted to learn English. I wanted to watch movies; I wanted to read books. I learned English because I wanted to *do* all of this; it wasn’t like I needed to learn English, which coerced me to trot through all of this. Whatever I did was because I wanted to know and understand. This wasn’t forced; instead, it was absolutely spontaneous. So, when you are learning English following the long-term method, whether you follow this or any other list, you should genuinely enjoy what you are doing. Embrace spontaneity; it’s the only way you can experience the most favorable impact. The long-term method needs to be in your free time, i.e., when you have a chunk of extra time in your life apart from studying or working. Replace your entertainment schedule with these things. You’ll get wonderful results.

Movies/Series’

You need to start with movies because it is the least stressful and generally the most enjoyable. You need to watch movies that use language a lot. Suppose you watch movies that include heavy action, and you can understand what’s happening even without understanding a single word. In that case, it isn’t gonna work. On the other hand, if you watch movies that have no action at all and are dull, talking all the way to the end, you’ll get bored and won’t focus. Therefore, we need to find a middle ground. This is what I suggest, but the list can be made much better.

Another disclaimer: this list has been made for absolute beginners who don’t have a habit of watching movies.

• Samaritan (setting the tone)
• The Batman (perfection for this. Good mild action and has causally linked dialogues since it’s a detective movie. Watch once every month)
• Daredevil (series)
• The Prestige
• Tetris
• Arrival
• Sherlock (series)
• Prisoners
• Industry (series)
• True Detective (series, s1 only)

Next ones are optional, watch if you think you need more; but I’d suggest moving on to the next step. Remember, don’t look at these as work; these are entertainment, which alongside is making you accustomed to English.

• Oppenheimer
• Friends

Podcasts

Okay, now we’re at stage 2. You don’t get to watch anymore. Only listening. Your focus will solely be on the language and information now. The beauty of podcasts is that they can be heard while travelling, or working on something that isn’t utilizing your brain.

• Lore (mysterious and fun real-life stories. Will keep you hooked)
• Short Wave (short bits of information on most talked about things)
• TechStuff (a little more technical information. And these are long bits, upping your game)
• History of Philosophy Without any Gaps (okay, this is gonna be hard. This is the first boss fight. Yeah. Listen, if you want to *master* something, you’ll need to work hard at a certain point. But believe me, when you understand philosophy, you’ll understand the language flawlessly. The host, Dr Peter Adamson, is a great guy. I totally love him. He’ll make the philosophy the easiest for you. Nonetheless, even the most straightforward philosophy can be complex. If you don’t like ancient philosophy, dive into Renaissance philosophy; if you’re a Muslim, dive into Islamic philosophy; if you’re a Hindu, dive into Hindu philosophy; there’s a bite for everyone)

Books

Yeah, I get you. Reading sucks. This whole section may feel like a chain of boss fights for some. However, for me, books are the most precious things in existence. Love books; they’ll never let you down. After finishing this section, you’re a master.

• The Alchemist (short novel)
• Sketches by Boz (short comedic book)
• White Nights (tough, short novel)
• Ready Player One (fun, longer novel)
• Shoe Dog (prose-like non-fiction)
• If the Oceans Were Ink (prose-like non-fiction with intricate topics)

There you go. This is it. THIS, is it.

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Nevertheless, if you want to go through more books:

• Harry Potter books
• Dune books
• Crime and Punishment (if you plan to take any aptitude tests, be sure to read this. Also read The Idiot afterwards for an enormous reckoning.)