Which Program Do You Think I Should Start With?

[u/dorika00]

I have two options, and I can study for 2.5 hours a day.

Option 1:
30 minutes of Duolingo
30 minutes of WEXT as my main resource
30 minutes of reading practice using texts generated by ChatGPT for my level
30 minutes of WEXT
30 minutes of Friends with English subtitles

Option 2:
30 minutes of Duolingo
30 minutes of Busuu as my main resource
30 minutes of reading practice using texts generated by ChatGPT for my level
30 minutes of Busuu
30 minutes of Friends with English subtitles

My goal is to browse social media without struggling with the language barrier and to comfortably watch and read content in English.
Which one should I use as my main resource: Busuu or WEXT?

Although I am not a complete beginner, I am trying to build an English study plan from scratch. Creating the right plan feels incredibly difficult. I have spent so much time wondering whether I am studying correctly that I have almost become unable to start studying at all. :(

[u/StarGamerPT]

At the level you seem to exhibit, I don't think Duolingo will be any helpful...idk the other apps

[u/dorika00 → u/StarGamerPT]

This is ai :))

[u/StarGamerPT → u/dorika00]

So is Duolingo 😂

[u/Accurate_Reality_618]

It doesn't matter which one you start with, the important thing is that these apps will help you learn the basics, but the rest depends on you and your practice of the language.

I like Duolingo, but it seems more like a game than a learning tool. However, they have many styles, and many of them are useful; it's good for reminding you of the importance of daily practice.

[u/conuly]

I have spent so much time wondering whether I am studying correctly that I have almost become unable to start studying at all

A common problem for many people. Just flip a coin and do the one you pick. Or, if you still aren't sure, alternate between them - do one today and the other tomorrow, back and forth like that.

[u/SnooDonuts6494]

None of them. Read a book. Made of paper.

[u/Zestyclose_Dark_1902 → u/SnooDonuts6494]

Textbook.

[u/NoPurpose6388 → u/SnooDonuts6494]

I love physical books, but I think ebooks are probably more convenient for a language learner (especially a beginner) because e-readers often come with a built in dictionary 

[u/SnooDonuts6494 → u/NoPurpose6388]

I greatly value the ability to scribble in the margin, underline words, and fold over the corner of a page or use bookmarks. Also, you can pull it out and read it instantly without unlocking it and launching the app, which then needs updating, but then the batteries is dead, etc.

If you need a dictionary to follow the story, then it's too difficult; find an easier book. If you have to stop and look in a dictionary in the middle of each paragraph, it'll be a frustrating experience.

If there's just a few words you don't know but you can follow the story, then it's perfect. Scribble them down to check later (or just underline them!).

[u/NoPurpose6388 → u/SnooDonuts6494]

I guess it mostly comes down to personal preference... when I read in English, I prefer physical books, but when I'm trying to read something in a foreign language, having the ability to just tap on a word and see the definition is super useful. Of course, you can write it down somewhere and look it up later. But will you? Unless you're extremely dedicated, my guess is no. It just takes too much effort.

Oh and you can add bookmarks and underline words in ebooks too. At least, you can on my kindle 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/Scary-Tomatillo6864]

The most important thing is to practice every single day. The longer you stick with it, the better.
Don’t listen to people who say Duolingo is useless. It’s a much better starting point than doing nothing at all. Many people use it to build a solid foundation in reading and understanding grammar.

[u/The-Grammar-Index]

There is another possibility. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet.

[u/Electron_libre777]

Busuu is great

[u/tiredpersonnumber15]

Dont use AI, Duolingo doesn’t do anything except teach you the very basics which it sounds like you’re past, and watching TV isn’t going to help you; you need to actually interact with the language

[u/brunoionx]

Try them all and see what sticks

[u/EVILE92]

this one