I learned English to a C2 level, so you can just copy me

Summary

In this video, Veronica shares her personal journey to mastering English and achieving a C2 level, outlining a system that anyone can follow. She discusses how traditional classes didn't work for her and emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with English through accessible content, like TV shows, books, and social media. Veronica also highlights key strategies such as active learning, using comprehensible input, and making English a part of daily life. With a focus on passion and consistent engagement, she offers free resources to help others improve their language skills and overcome plateaus.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a personal experience of learning English to a C2 level and offers a free guide to help others achieve fluency.
• 😀 Traditional classroom methods didn't work for the speaker, who struggled with listening skills despite doing well in written tests.
• 😀 The key to fluency is making English a part of daily life by immersing oneself in the language constantly.
• 😀 The speaker recommends watching TV shows and reading books in English as effective ways to improve language skills.
• 😀 Comprehensible input is crucial: content should be at a level just slightly above your current understanding to avoid frustration.
• 😀 Young adult fiction, like the *Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children* series, is suggested as a great choice for intermediate learners.
• 😀 To make English a natural part of life, the speaker changed their tech settings, journals, and even grocery lists to English.
• 😀 Active learning, such as engaging with content through shadowing and repeating phrases, is essential for progress.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of practicing pronunciation and grammar by reading books aloud and using audiobooks.
• 😀 Organization plays a vital role in language learning: the speaker uses a Notion template to keep track of vocabulary and study materials.

Q & A

Why did the speaker struggle with learning English initially?

The speaker struggled with learning English because they were not interested in the language as a child. They attended English classes in school but found it difficult to engage with the subject, particularly because they didn't see the practical use of the language at that time.

What realization did the speaker have when they turned 14 or 15?

At 14 or 15, the speaker realized that English was essential for their future, particularly for getting into college. This realization motivated them to change their approach to learning the language.

What was the main problem the speaker faced in their English studies during high school?

The main problem the speaker faced was poor listening skills. Despite performing well in written tests and completing grammar exercises, they struggled to understand spoken English and felt uncomfortable when speaking with others.

How did the speaker start making English a part of their daily life?

The speaker made English a part of their daily life by surrounding themselves with the language through activities such as watching TV shows, reading books, and engaging in online forums like Reddit. They also changed their environment by setting their devices and media to English.

What is 'comprehensible input' and why is it important in language learning?

'Comprehensible input' refers to material that is just above your current language level, allowing you to understand 95% of it. It's crucial because it keeps the learning process enjoyable and prevents frustration, as material that's too difficult can hinder progress.

Which TV shows and books helped the speaker improve their English?

The speaker found success with shows like 'Desperate Housewives' and books like young adult fiction, particularly the 'Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children' series. These materials were engaging, accessible, and provided useful language for their level.

What was the 'default mode' the speaker adopted to immerse themselves in English?

The speaker adopted English as their 'default mode' by switching all their devices, including their phone and laptop, to English. They also journaled and planned their day in English, even though they lived in a Russian-speaking environment.

What is the difference between active and passive learning, and why is it important?

Active learning involves engaging directly with the material, such as practicing shadowing or mimicking accents, while passive learning refers to activities like listening or watching without focused effort. The speaker found that active learning was essential for overcoming the intermediate plateau and making real progress.

How did the speaker enhance their listening and pronunciation skills?

To improve listening and pronunciation, the speaker watched shows and movies with subtitles, then replayed scenes without them. They also read books aloud while listening to audiobooks, pausing to practice pronunciation, which helped solidify language structures and vocabulary.

How did the speaker organize their language learning process?

The speaker is an organizational enthusiast, using tools like Notion to track their language learning. They kept records of new vocabulary, study sessions, and materials, which helped them stay focused and efficient throughout their English learning journey.