Benefits of using specific materials related to your sector, work area and interests to improve your English

If you have exposure to the type of materials used in everyday life contexts during an English course or during self-study, these types of materials can help you to develop your English. In particular you can:

text about porcelain countertops

1. Discover phrases and vocabulary commonly used in specific contexts

In the above extract, you can see that this text is orientated at customers for ceramic tiles. It contains specific words and phrases such as porcelain countertops, textured surface, stain resistant tactile surface, relief texture, as well as more general vocabulary applicable to many other contexts.
Extract source: Large-format slabs: new ceramic uses

2. Improve your reading comprehension of subject-specific material

This extract explains the civil engineering technique of box jacking. Reading the text helps to illustrate what this technique is and identifies words and phrases related to this context such as hydraulic box jacking system, highway, anti-drag system, ground settlement, tracked alignment, tunnel.
Extract source: 
2025 OCEA awards recognize civil engineering's great innovations

3. Develop your listening comprehension 

In this extract from a podcast, an example of a practical rather than an emotional conversation is illustrated. Included in this extract are expressions such as: a little bit revealing, a different frame of mind, I should meet them there, actually the thing I´m worried about is.
Extract source: 
Charles Duhigg on the Secret Power of Storytelling in Communication
Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

4. Learn how to write appropriately for a specific purpose

This extract from a guide about how to write reports, illustrates the formal style, format and content for a discussion section of a report.
Extract source: Clear and concise report writing: guidance for occupational hygienists

5. Recognise how English is used currently

This extract illustrates the type of structures and vocabulary commonly used in this type of review about the service provided by a company. It is useful to know how English is used in different situations so that you can learn how to communicate in an appropriate style.
Extract source: Trustpilot

Selecting suitable specific materials

It is important to use a variety of materials in different formats to help you to develop your language skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking), as well as to help you to build your vocabulary and knowledge of grammatical structures in English. The materials you use should be interesting and relevant to you. Try to find materials from different sources, which are related to your work or leisure interests. This is essential to help you maintain your attention and to assist you in learning new vocabulary, structures and style.

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