How to learn English

Hello. In the latest Chinese class my teacher told us that making short phrases is most important in learning Chinese. I wonder if it is true to learning any language. In my high school we did not have writing classes. Most college entrance exams in Japan do not have writing section in English either. And I am poorer at writing and spelling than reading and listening.
In regard to learng a language other than mother tongues, it can be of some help to see how students in foreign countries are doing. Most Taiwanese I have met were good English user. I asked some of them how they became so. They say their junior high schools had English classes everyday and those were so interesting that students were fond of English lessons. Since I have never taken any class in Taiwan I do not know how the classes are there. Teachers in Taiwan seems to focus their attension on not making students hesitate in continuing learning the language. I think they have succeeded so far.
I like comparing the ways students learn in their schools among countries.