(OPIc AL 후기) Dont focus on OPIC test itself. Put English itself on a...

Samsung SDS 박양상

Hello, 

My name is Jason, Park.

I finally got AL at the 14th times of OPIC test.

Its been 2.7 years exactly since starting over English.

I had gotten a request to get OPIC level at the time. 

So I had started to sing up for OPIC academy school for 7 days to get a 3th grade in OPIC.

I did it but its below my expectation because I thought I would get IH or AL.

After 3 more tests, I got IH for the first time. 

But I was not happy about it. why wasnt I excited?

Test wasnt enough to meet my satisfaction. I remember answering with short sentences clearly, not making minor mistakes.

Thats all I did. 

So my language learning has started because of that feeling.

I decided to listen to English every day, except sleeping, even at work. I plugged my headset into my ears every day. 

Even in my car, only English movies or AFKN radio is turned on as always.

I believed thats the only way of enhancing listening skills of English. 

I was very weak at understanding what native speakers was saying. 

At the same time, I did read English written documents, internet blogs and so on every day.

Actually, reading only English stuff was around 10 years at the time of brushing over English.

I have watched around over 400 American dramas with subtitles of English on and off.

Subscribing to Korea Herald newspaper has been over 4 months, touching social, cultural issues. 

Reading many is very important to improve speaking skills. 

I mean dont focus on a test itself if you want to learn a language. 

If you follow only test score itself, it can be a waste of time. 

But you can get confidence and then restart your English through it again. 

Getting AL is not the end of your language learning long journey. Its a just start. 

3 weeks ago, Ive started a club activity of Toastmasters to learn more from fluent, native speakers.

I got a good impression from its speakers and endless enthusiasm so I became a member of one toastmasters club. 

Ive been waiting for membership kit to be delivered to my house soon. 

Now, I join two clubs of toastmasters to enhance my speaking and leadership skills.

My recommendations are two things for you. 

First, dont get stress with your learning. Not understanding is natural. Take it for granted.

Second, dont compare to other good speakers. It means you started a little bit late compared to them. Thats the real fact.

Keep doing it and enjoy your learning

Thanks for reading.