When you’re learning a language, it may be tempting to review the same lessons and exercises to solidify your knowledge. However, this approach may hold your progress back in reaching your next English language level of proficiency. While it’s true that strengthening your foundations is important, your focus should extend beyond short-term gains.
Do you have a strong foundation to build on?
First and foremost, we recommend checking the language requirements of the current English level you are currently assigned. Before delving into new language, it’s essential to feel confident in your current level’s language forms, vocabulary, and skills. If you took a placement test and received a proficiency level A2 grade, it is beneficial for you to understand the exact language, forms, and skills you should be confident in using in English.
You can find the language requirements for each level here.
Looking ahead
Once you have completed this step, you can set your sights on your next target. Review the language requirements necessary to pass your next level test. It’s also beneficial to discuss your current skills with your teacher. They will know what areas you are currently weakest in and what are the next items on your learning program for your attention.
When you enroll in one of our online English language courses, we will place you in the appropriate class based on the language skills you need to master in order to reach your next level of proficiency. Alongside National Geographic materials, you’ll have free access to a self-study portal called MyEC with extra exercises and activities to enhance your live language lessons. During these live lessons, your teacher will also provide the class with clear language objectives to achieve on a daily and weekly basis, giving you clear target to focus on to achieve your next proficiency level.
Once both you and your teacher feel confident in about these targets and your abilities, you can take another placement test to to check if you’ll reach your next level of English language proficiency!
In order to be successful and effective with all language learning, you must focus on mastering all four language skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking.