Improve your English with this study PLAN: Elementary to Intermediate (Marina Mogilko)

Summary

In this video, Marina provides a step-by-step guide to help learners advance from A2 to B2 level in English. She discusses the gap between these levels, highlighting key language skills in vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Drawing from her experience as a polyglot, Marina shares personal tips and strategies, including practical learning methods like using language courses, tutors, and self-study. With a detailed study plan and advice on daily practice, Marina helps learners build a strong foundation in grammar, pronunciation, and fluency to reach their language goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting from A1 to B2 level requires a step-by-step plan to improve your English skills, including vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• 😀 A2 level knowledge includes understanding basic topics like family, work, and simple texts, while B2 level expands to more complex personal and professional conversations.
• 😀 At B2 level, learners are expected to understand movies without subtitles, especially everyday content, and engage in more advanced discussions and debates.
• 😀 Vocabulary growth is crucial: aim for 5-7 new words per day, covering a variety of topics like family, relationships, work, and travel.
• 😀 Listening practice is key—listen to English daily through podcasts, audiobooks, or movies. Summarize what you hear to improve comprehension.
• 😀 Reading regularly, especially books at an intermediate level, helps improve comprehension and vocabulary. It's important to enjoy the process and not just push through difficult material.
• 😀 Writing skills can be developed by practicing different writing styles, such as essays, journaling, and taking notes. Feedback, even from AI like ChatGPT, is beneficial.
• 😀 Speaking practice can be done through apps or self-talk, and it is vital to focus on improving grammar and learning essential grammar topics like conditionals, passive voice, and mixed conditionals.
• 😀 Time management is important—find when you're most productive, like mornings, and block time for consistent learning. Flexibility is key for learners with busy schedules.
• 😀 Consistency and practice are the ultimate keys to improvement. Set aside time for daily practice, make your environment English-friendly, and find content that motivates you.
• 😀 Using a comprehensive learning approach, including tutors, courses, and apps, provides flexibility and structure to your language journey. Personalized feedback and diverse learning methods are essential for growth.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?

The main goal of the video is to provide a step-by-step plan on how to improve your English from A1 to B2 level. The speaker outlines key strategies and tips to help learners assess their current level and progress toward becoming more proficient in English.

Why is there a significant gap between A1 and B2 levels in language proficiency?

The gap between A1 and B2 is due to the increasing complexity of language skills needed at the higher levels. At B2, learners are expected to have a broader vocabulary, understand more complex conversations, and be able to read and write more advanced texts compared to A1 learners.

What is the speaker's language learning background?

The speaker was born and raised in Russia, and English is her second language. She also speaks German (at a B1/B2 level) and Italian (at an A2 level). She has gone through the language learning process multiple times, which gives her a unique perspective on how to approach language acquisition.

How does the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) categorize language proficiency?

The CEFR categorizes language proficiency into six levels: A1 (beginner), A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate), B2 (upper intermediate), C1 (advanced), and C2 (proficient). These levels assess a learner’s abilities across four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

What is a key difference between A2 and B2 levels in terms of vocabulary?

At the A2 level, learners know 1,500-2,000 words, whereas at B2, learners need to know 3,000-4,000 words. This increase in vocabulary allows B2 learners to handle more complex conversations and read advanced materials like newspapers and technical texts.

What type of listening skills do A2 learners have compared to B2 learners?

A2 learners can understand basic conversations about everyday topics like family and work. In contrast, B2 learners can understand personal and professional conversations, watch movies without subtitles, and grasp more complex discussions, including debates or technical topics.

What are some of the writing abilities expected at A2 and B2 levels?

At A2, learners can write simple messages, postcards, and take notes. At B2, learners are expected to handle all types of writing, including business emails, formal letters, and more detailed reports. B2 learners can write messages like a professional update to a business investor.

Why is grammar an important focus when learning a language, according to the speaker?

Grammar is crucial because it helps learners form correct and meaningful sentences. The speaker emphasizes that at A2, learners need to know basic grammar structures (like tenses and modal verbs), while at B2, learners should be comfortable with more complex grammar, including mixed conditionals and future perfect continuous.

What strategies does the speaker recommend to improve English proficiency?

The speaker suggests several strategies, such as studying vocabulary daily (5-7 words), listening to English content regularly, reading books, practicing writing in different styles, and speaking with native speakers or apps. It's also essential to focus on one grammar topic at a time and practice consistently.

How does the speaker suggest learners stay motivated during their studies?

The speaker advises learners to find their most productive time of the day for studying, such as in the morning. They should block off specific times for learning, use enjoyable resources (like books and movies), and avoid pushing themselves too hard. The key is to balance challenge with enjoyment to maintain motivation.