How I learned English and got a C2 Proficiency certificate

I often get messages from people who want to improve their English.

They often use a translator to write the message.

Or they write to me in their native language.

They have at least one of these problems:

• Can’t understand basic English
• Can’t understand spoken English
• Can’t speak English
• Your pronunciation is so bad they don’t understand you

Do you have any of these problems?

Let’s fix them:

Let’s start with comprehension:

It doesn’t matter if you want to learn the basics.

Or your problem is understanding native speakers.

You need to do this every day:

• Reading, to learn grammar and vocabulary.
• Listening, to improve comprehension.

This is how:

Don't study grammar or vocabulary lists.

You learn it much faster in context.

Reading interesting articles, books, etc.

The more you read, the faster you'll learn.

Read as much as you can, every day.

You also have to listen every day.

To improve your comprehension and your speaking.

Find interesting shows, podcasts, etc.

You can listen while driving, running, cooking..

The more, the better.

If you struggle to understand specific accents.

For example British English.

Then listen to British English podcasts.

Do that and your comprehension will improve quickly.

Let’s talk about speaking now:

Rule 1 of foreign language fluency:

To get good at speaking, you have to speak more.

You don't need a teacher or speaking partner.

Simply read aloud.

And translate sentences from your language into English.

Do this daily. It will help you think faster in the language and you won’t struggle to form sentences.

When you have a conversation, you will be prepared.

If your problem is pronunciation..

First of all you need to do a lot more listening.

The best exercise to work on pronunciation:

Listening and repeating.

Listen to sentences and repeat after them.

Over and over again.

Even better: Record yourself and listen to your own voice together with the native speaker audio.

You’ll notice the errors you’re making.

You can also send the recording to a native speaker for feedback.

Keep doing these exercises and you’ll be speaking fluently and with good pronunciation in no time.