To read the foreign language, a course book or CD-ROM which teaches the grammar structures and basic vocabulary as succinctly as possible will be needed. Language study needs to be supplemented by extensive reading and there are a number of learner magazines and simplified readers on the market for this purpose. Individual tuition is also provided by the private language schools. Prospective learners could enquire of the language department of a school , college, or university in the neighbourhood if staff there could assist. Taking an examination is a means of motivating yourself.
Many institutions offer preparation for examinations.
As well as the GCSE's and GCE's most frequently taken in secondary schools, examinations are set by the Institute of Linguists, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and others. Examinations are also provided by some of the cultural institutes. Foreign magazines and newspapers are available on subscription. Public libraries usually provide borrowing facilities for course books, recorded materials, and fiction in the foreign language or translated versions. Many libraries subscribe to foreign newspapers.