When you have to learn something new for work or study, how do you usually go about it?

A natural way to answer

I usually break it down into small parts and learn one bit at a time. I like to read a little, then practise straight away. Doing it hands-on really helps me get the hang of new things.

Key phrases to use

• have a go — to try doing something“I've never cooked this before, but I'll have a go.”
• sinks in — (of information) becomes fully understood or remembered“It took a while for the new rules to sink in.”
• get the hang of — to learn how to do something with a bit of practice“Once you get the hang of it, it's easy.”
• figuring it out — working out how to do or understand something by yourself“I had no manual, so I just kept figuring it out.”
• picked up — learned a skill or habit gradually, often without formal study“I picked up a bit of Spanish while travelling.”