How to go from B1-C1 in English | 10 Steps to follow

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares 10 practical steps to advance from a B1 to C1 level in English. These steps emphasize the importance of consistent speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English, as well as immersing oneself in the language. Key strategies include speaking regularly—even if imperfectly—listening without subtitles, learning in chunks, and surrounding yourself with English in daily life. Additionally, the speaker stresses the value of personalized feedback, mixing formal and informal English, and setting clear, motivating goals. The video aims to help viewers break past the plateau of B1 and achieve fluency in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Speak more to improve fluency, even if it's not perfect. Join conversation groups, practice with a partner, or speak to yourself.
• 😀 Listen to English daily, preferably without subtitles, to immerse yourself in the language. Consume content you enjoy to stay motivated.
• 😀 Read in English to think in English. Focus on chunks of language, repeated words, and phrases instead of individual words.
• 😀 Write regularly to organize your thoughts and improve writing skills. Use tools like Grammarly to identify and correct mistakes.
• 😀 Surround yourself with English by changing your devices' language settings and following English-speaking accounts on social media.
• 😀 Learn in chunks (phrases and expressions) instead of isolated words to sound more natural and confident when speaking.
• 😀 Seek feedback on your English, ideally personalized, to correct mistakes and improve pronunciation and accuracy.
• 😀 Mix formal and informal English to gain versatility. Practice both casual conversations and more formal language like business English.
• 😀 Be consistent with your practice, even for just 15–20 minutes a day, rather than focusing on long study sessions once a week.
• 😀 Stay motivated by setting clear goals for your English learning journey, tracking progress, and celebrating milestones.

Q & A

Why is B1 considered a comfortable level, and why do many learners get stuck at this stage?

B1 is considered a comfortable level because learners can hold conversations, understand a lot, and manage everyday situations. However, many get stuck because they feel it’s 'good enough' and don’t push themselves further to reach fluency.

What is the most important step to improve speaking skills in English?

The most important step is to speak more, even if it’s not perfect. Practice speaking regularly, whether with conversation partners, language exchanges, or even speaking to yourself, as it’s the best way to improve.

How can listening without subtitles help improve your English skills?

Listening without subtitles helps you get used to the natural flow of English. It trains your ear to recognize phrases and expressions, helping you understand the language in context and improving your listening comprehension.

Why is it important to focus on 'chunks of language' rather than individual words?

Focusing on chunks of language helps you sound more natural and fluent. It allows you to remember and use common phrases that native speakers use, rather than trying to remember isolated vocabulary, which can be less effective in real conversations.

How can reading help you think in English?

Reading in English allows you to immerse yourself in the language, helping you become more familiar with sentence structure, common expressions, and vocabulary. Over time, this helps you start thinking in English instead of translating from your native language.

What type of writing can help you practice English, and why is it beneficial?

Writing in English, such as keeping a diary, writing social media posts, or chatting with friends, helps you organize your thoughts and express ideas in English. It forces you to think in the language, reinforcing your grammar and vocabulary, and allows you to identify areas for improvement.

What are some ways to immerse yourself in English outside of formal study?

You can immerse yourself in English by changing the language settings on your devices, following English-speaking accounts on social media, and thinking in English during daily activities like cooking or walking. This constant exposure helps reinforce your learning.

What is the difference between learning isolated words and learning language in chunks?

Learning isolated words is less effective because it doesn’t help you use them in context. Learning language in chunks, or phrases, helps you use English naturally and confidently, as you’ll be more familiar with how words are used together in everyday situations.

Why is feedback essential for improving English, and how can it be obtained?

Feedback is essential because it helps you identify mistakes you might not notice on your own. You can obtain feedback from friends, teachers, or language partners who can correct your mistakes and guide you toward more accurate and fluent speech and writing.

How can mixing formal and informal English help improve your fluency?

Mixing formal and informal English allows you to be flexible in different social situations. By learning both, you can handle job interviews, business meetings, casual chats, and more, making you more confident and adaptable in conversations.