Learning English tips
Advice by level
Starting to learn
Elementary A1
Pre-intermediate A2
Intermediate B1
Upper-intermediate B2
Advanced C1
Very advanced C2
Do you know the expression ‘horses for courses’? It can be applied to learning English because everyone learns differently. There is no one right or wrong way but everyone can find out what works for them.
One of my students (Japanese) learnt most of her English by listening to Beatles songs. Another, from Switzerland, went from beginner to very advanced (C2 level) in 9 months by working on vocabulary and grammar (this was much faster than normal).
For many people it is possible to move from elementary level to upper intermediate (B2) in about a year if they study full time.
Here are some of my learning English tips:
- Do something you enjoy e.g. see films or listen to music
- Also read books that are suitable for you – reading advice. Find your reading level by using the Oxford University Press reading test. Make sure you choose a suitable level – there are 6. Oxford reading test
- Write blogs or keep a diary
- Learn something about the culture and history of Britain
- Try to meet speakers of English socially
- Be patient: learning takes time and means making lots of mistakes
- Set yourself realistic goals
- Be organised. Keep notes of useful vocabulary and grammar
- English is about learning a large vocabulary. Here are some tips on learning vocabulary
Understanding levels
The European Union measures language levels using the following scale:
A1 – elementary
A2 – pre-intermediate
B1 – intermediate
B2 – upper intermediate
C1 – advanced
C2 – very advanced
This is now being used in many countries of the world.