1 . Chinese people’s English proficiency (熟练) has improved in the past years compared to other non-English speaking countries, a report released on Tuesday said.     1     It scores 53. 44 out of 100 points this year, 1.5 points more than last year.

This year’s report was based on the EF Standard English Test results of more than 2.3 million adults who were tested on their ability to understand written and spoken English.     2     Their median age was 23, and 59 percent were women, the report said.

Jesper Knutell, executive vice-president and general manager of corporate solutions, EF China, said China’s increase in rankings was for two main reasons.     3     Their long-term commitment to English education and increased investment in the language also made a great difference.

“    4     Because I learned English, I had the opportunity to study at Harvard University, where I received a PhD. I also taught for 10 years at Yale University and the University of Michigan,” said Ning Qiang, professor at Capital Normal University in Beijing. He added, “I am a product of good English proficiency and an example of how important good English proficiency is to peopled learning opportunities and career advancement.”

To improve English proficiency, people should study English every day in sessions of 20 to 40 minutes rather than for hours at a time, Knutell said.     5     He added that watching TV, reading and listening to the radio in English can also help.