Does Watching English Films Improve SAT Skills?

Hi Jeyhun,

Great question! Exposure to spoken English through various mediums can certainly benefit your SAT preparation. It helps you get a feel for how nouns, verbs, and sentences are arranged in English. Wishing you all the best for your tests, Paul.

This is indeed a valid point. While enhancing your English skills requires engaging all five senses, using English films as a tool for learning can be highly effective. Watching movies in English can significantly improve your comprehension and listening skills, especially if you follow them with subtitles and subsequent viewings to reinforce vocabulary.

1. Expanding Academic Vocabulary

Academic vocabulary is essential for success in higher education. While international students often build a good foundation in everyday vocabulary for tests like TOEFL or GRE, it is crucial to focus on the specific vocabulary needed for their academic discipline. Consulting a specialized dictionary can be invaluable, as can creating your own glossary. Beyond textbooks, explore department websites for course outlines, faculty biographies, and research interests. This will help you expand your vocabulary for classroom use.

2. Practicing Academic Listening and Speaking

To actively engage in the classroom, students need more than just basic conversational skills. Podcasts like those by NPR, TED Talks, and Radiolab can provide an academic context, familiarize you with specific vocabulary, and expose you to complex topics. Personally, I find that reading academic articles aloud enhances my understanding and speaking skills. This method allows you to focus and become more comfortable with the language.

Learn steps to ace class presentations as an international student.

3. Improving Reading and Writing Skills

Reading is a critical part of college life in the US, with a wide range of reading demands. Start by reading newspapers, magazines, and online posts to build your vocabulary and absorb new ideas. Reading aloud is a great way to enhance comprehension, helping you retain useful information more effectively.

When reading articles, focus on identifying thesis statements, topic sentences, and significant arguments. Learning how to take notes quickly is also essential. Though it may take more time to develop, writing skills are crucial. Develop a journal in English to record your thoughts and practice expressing them in the new language. Aim to write formally, use new words, and structure your entries effectively.

Find academic programs to help prepare for success at a U.S. college.

Remember, learning is a lifelong commitment, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey and keep pushing yourself to improve.