5. Memorize a short news article or short story or even just a single paragraph every week.

Say it aloud to yourself or recite it to a learning partner. 6. Rewrite an article or short story or a small paragraph using "simpler" English. Memorize and recite the story aloud or with a learning partner. This helps you develop a simple core vocabulary to use when you have a situation where you can't remember your higher level vocabulary. There's ALWAYS a simpler or easier way to say something in English.