Do you have a CV in English? What do you write about your English skills? advanced, fluent, bilingual?
If you haven’t got an international English test like the IELTS or the TOEIC to certify your advanced level, what are the signs that show you’re advanced in English, and, if you’re not there yet, what can you do to reach that level?
The Skills you master when you’re at an Advanced Level in English
According to the CEFR, once you’ve reached level C1 or C2, you are at an advanced level in English.
But what does it mean from a practical point of view?
Close your eyes and imagine you have reached the Advanced level in English. Here is what you are able to do.
You can have a conversation in English which doesn’t require you to translate from your native language. You can talk about different subjects, even ones you’re not so familiar with.
You also use idioms and phrasal verbs naturally.
You understand a wide variety of native-English people, even if some might be difficult to understand at first, you have the ability to adapt. You understand most of what you hear in English, movies, songs, lectures, conversations, etc.
You can read in English almost at the same level as your native language. It doesn’t bother you to read in English, you might even prefer a book in English to its equivalent in your mother tongue if the book was originally written in English.
You write English well. You feel the right level of language you should use based on the situation. You know the standard phrases when you write an email in English.
Your English grammar is flawless. You don’t need to think about English tenses, you use them correctly because you got used to their usage.
Your accent is good. Even though you might still be asked where you are from, your foreign accent is mild and your pronunciation and intonation are very good.
Now you’re confident enough to communicate in English in all sorts of situations: a presentation in English, a phone call in English, a business meeting with overseas clients to attend, etc.
What can you do to reach the Advanced Level in English
Now that you know what to aim for, let’s see how you can reach an advanced level in English faster than you think.
Review Advanced English Grammar and Vocabulary
If you’re tempted to open the English dictionary and learn lists of vocabulary, or to do never-ending exercises to improve your grammar, forget about it.
Getting your English to an advanced level doesn’t have to be painful. It’s quite the opposite!
Depending on your current level, 10% to 30% of your time should be devoted to formal learning to expand your English vocabulary and polish your grammar. When you do that, you still want to do it in a fun and engaging way.
The Live-English Club will definitely help you. The group lessons include:
– Grammar sessions to refresh your memory on grammar topics you’ve forgotten and put some order in what you should pay attention to
– Conversation and Business English sessions will allow you to be exposed to various topics that you might not have chosen to discuss in individual lessons and therefore expand your vocabulary and fluency broadly.
Adopt New Learning Habits
Learning a language like English is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. Regularity and consistency are your friends.
Enjoy the learning process and you will improve your English level fast!
Taking 2-3 individual lessons a week with Live English teachers will help you build your confidence when you speak English and get a better feel for the language. It will have a ripple effect on all the English skills you want to improve: not only speaking but also listening, reading, and writing.
Look for full immersion in the English-speaking world
Nowadays, it’s so much easier to immerse yourself in English than, let’s say, 30 years ago. No need to travel to an English-speaking country (if you do, it’s still great!) You get access to online newspapers, videos, and movies in English with just a click.
Take advantage of this to get exposed to English regularly.
Getting an advanced level in English is a dream of many, and is totally reachable. No matter what your current level is, you have the possibility to improve your level and attain fluency in English. Take the first step to English fluency today, register for a free trial lesson with Live-English.
