There are a number of good ways to improve your listening skills in English. Try listening to recorded speeches or watching television. These simple steps will help immerse you in English and gradually become accustomed to its speech patterns. You may also find it helpful to purchase an electronic dictionary which has a speaking function, or using a free online dictionary with voice support such as Dictionary.com, to hear the correct intonation and pronunciation of various English words.
If you plan to improve your speaking skills it's important to practice as often as possible. Find a language exchange partner, or take a class where you will have the opportunity to converse with a native English speaker on regular basis. You can also find language exchange partners online through websites such as MyLanguageExchange.com which allows you to share your language with an English speaker over the Internet. If you have must practice alone try imitating the speakers in English television shows and films, this will help you develop more natural pronunciation and intonation.
When ESL speakers begin reading English texts, they often start with textbooks, but you may find it helpful to try reading proper fiction and non-fiction texts. Start with children's books before working your way up to adult books and newspapers. Purchase an English dictionary and slowly work your way through the text, consulting your dictionary whenever you encounter problems. If you are living in a foreign country you can also challenge yourself, by reading English signs and advertisements posted around your town.
Writing is often one of the most difficult skills for ESL learners to conquer and is often overlooked. Try keeping an English journal each day, and show it to an English teacher or English-speaking friend for assessment. If you're a more advanced learner, you may encounter trouble with the subtle grammar and stylistic quirks of the written English language. Familiarize yourself with different writing styles such as those in the "MLA Style Manual" or the "Chicago Manual of Style" to learn about more advanced constructions that will help you in your writing.