Hello Reader

Do you have a memory like a sieve?
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I do. Always have.
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If you've never heard this phrase before, it means you forget things very easily.

So it will probably come as no surprise to hear that my least favourite subject at school was history. It bored me to tears.
Dates. Names. Places. Endless sequences of events.

I remember one term in particular when we were studying the Tudors.
King Henry VIII and his six wives… scandalous yes, but still painfully hard to memorise. We had to learn everything for a test, and I was pulling my hair out. Nothing stuck in my head.

Years later, I stumbled across a series called The Tudors. And wow… something miraculous happened.

I was completely engrossed in the series, binge-watching episode after episode. I couldn't believe it — this was the same story that sent me to sleep in boring history class, and now I was gripped.
On the edge of my seat.
Laughing.
Crying.
Looking away when I couldn't bear to watch.
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Henry VIII wasn't just a name anymore. His story wasn't just a list of facts. It had become real for me — a living story about a real person. The actors brought this story to life.

And the miracle? I could remember everything.

And it turns out, this experience is backed up by science. When we experience emotion (whether physical or emotional) our brains form stronger, longer-lasting memories.

What does this mean for you? Well, if you want to remember English more easily… you need to feel it. You need to connect with the language on an emotional level.

So instead of flashcards and memorising vocabulary lists, try this:
Follow a story.
Connect with characters.
Care about what happens next.
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When you're emotionally involved, learning stops feeling like work and starts feeling effortless, fun even.

Now tell me…
​Do you have an enjoyable book (or even a series) you'd recommend for other English learners?

Hit reply and tell me. I'd love to share the best suggestions with the whole community.

That's all from me for today, don't forget to check the vocabulary list below!

Keep learning,
Anna

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Useful Vocabulary

1. memory like a sieve: You forget things easily
2. come as no surprise: Something is expected
3. it bored me to tears: I found it extremely dull / boring
4. scandalous: Making people shocked and upset
5. pulling my hair out: Feeling very frustrated or stressed
6. stumbled across: Found something by chance
7. miraculous: Unusual and mysterious, marvellous
8. binge-watching: Watching many episodes in one sitting
9. on the edge of my seat: Very excited or nervous about what will happen next
10. I couldn't bear to watch: I found it too uncomfortable or upsetting to watch
11. backed up: Supported

Anna Tyrie​ Founder, English Like A Native hello@englishlikeanative.co.uk Want guidance with your English? ​www.englishlikeanative.co.uk ​​​​​ Not interested in offers? Click here: Update your profile​ ​ ​ Don't want any emails from me? 😢Unsubscribe​

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