Progressing from a B2 English level, which is defined as an “Upper Intermediate” level, to a C1 English level, otherwise known as “Pre Advanced”, is a huge challenge for many learners. This is the key step into becoming an advanced learner, and it takes significant effort to succeed at. A student can study English grammar and vocabulary for years and still stay at a B2 English level if they don’t implement the proper learning methods. If you’ve been stuck at a B2 level for some time, meaning you can “communicate without much difficulty but still make quite a lot of mistakes and misunderstand sometimes”, it might be time to switch up your strategy.
See, the big difference between B2 and C1 English students is the ability to actually THINK in English. And, don’t get me wrong – B2 students certainly think in English, but it’s a different type of thinking. B2 students tend to think in English only when trying to formulate a sentence (thinking about how to place words, or which words to use), whereas C1 speakers can have their normal thoughts in English, and can basically narrate their actions or thoughts without having to revert back to their native language.
So, how do you get there? How do you make such a big leap in your language skills?
First – Identify the problem. Falling into a permanent routine of vocabulary and grammar studies will put any language learner into a deep, near-endless sleep. If you’re following the same study routine as the one you used six months ago, you’re making a mistake. Your skills in language grow and adapt over time – Your lesson plans should do the same. Generally, this is the biggest cause for being stuck at the B2 level – spending too much time on grammar and vocabulary while ignoring what you really should be doing…
Start reading and writing! As our language tree suggests, this is the best way for upper-intermediate students to progress. Reading and writing require you to fully think in your new language, and are the most important step for reaching the next level. This transition into producing English through writing is a very difficult challenge for some students, but don’t worry – I have a well-used method for you to try that always works wonders.
Try this: Find a book that you enjoy – One where you understand between 90 – 95% of the vocabulary used. Read a chapter, or even just a few pages, and then write a brief, one paragraph summary of what you read. Consider incorporating some of the new vocabulary you learned, if you feel so inclined. The first summary you write will certainly take you a good bit of time, especially if it’s your first time really writing your own thoughts in English. But as you do this, you’ll find it becomes easier and easier to come up with coherent sentences on your own.
If books aren’t your thing, you can use the same method with other forms of media – Articles, news stories, even subtitles. Or, just go for writing by starting a blog, writing stories, and so on. The big goal here is to just make sure you’re reading and writing as much as possible, because it’s the best method of progressing past the intermediate stage. Don’t stick with old routines that bore you! Make this enjoyable, and you’ll learn way faster.
Good luck!
