I often see EFL/ESL students struggle at two stages of English. There is, of course, the “endlessly beginner”. But often it also happens at the intermediate level. The intermediate student often seems to plateau at the B2 level of English and starts to wonder if they are doing something wrong.
Does this sound familiar? Do you sometimes feel stuck, unable to advance even though you would love to improve and you are eager reach proficiency in English? The journey from intermediate to advanced can be challenging, but with the right resources, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
This is why I am dedicating today’s post to the intermediate learner to offer recommendations for some free content available to help keep you motivate and to enhance your reading, listening, and watching skills in English. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to boost that English proficiency!
Understanding the Transition from B2 to Advanced Level
To progress to an advanced level from an intermediate B2 level, it is fundamental to understand what B2 is and how to best prepare for advanced proficiency. The B2 level is a transition from being a learner to becoming a proficient speaker who can use the language in real-life contexts. Therefore, think of B2 as a preparatory stage for advanced-level proficiency.
As you advance, it’s a good idea to expand your horizons and not limit yourself to one type of listening, watching or reading. Language is diverse and complex – so your learning sources should be as well! Try to include new elements into your learning strategy, focusing on authentic material but choosing a variety of language styles style and types of content you engage with: business podcasts, scientific articles or news interviews will deliver a more formal style while a personal vblog, movie or TV series will uses more casual, colloquial language. Mixing it up and including different kinds of texts and media such as news articles, podcasts, novels, academic papers, and films as well as a variety of fields or subjects such as business, science, technology, arts, history, as well as everyday topics is also good to expand your vocabulary and increase your understanding across various contexts.
Also remember to try to immerse yourself consistently and daily, even if for only 15 minutes. The Kaizen philosophy is a great one to follow for language learning. Kaizen emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental changes which lead to significant overall progress over time. And don’t forget, using your dead time (e.g. a podcast in the car) is a great way to fit in your English for the day!
By following these principles of natural language acquisition and the Intuitive Learning methodology you will continue to steadily improve. Lastly, keep up your motivation by choosing topics of interest – but also remember to stretch yourself every so often and explore other topics!
Now where do you find this type of material to keep up your daily exposure to English and improve your proficiency? Here are a few suggestions of where to start:
Reading: Elevate Your Vocabulary and Comprehension
1. Online News Websites
- BBC News and CNN offer articles on a wide range of topics, from current events to business and culture. Regularly reading news articles can help you stay updated with global events while improving your vocabulary.
- Al Jazeera covers international current event and issues, along with opinion pieces from all over the world. It is a great source to read (and watch) about global matters from a variety of viewpoints.
- The Guardian provides in-depth articles and opinion pieces that can challenge your comprehension and critical thinking skills.
- If you are like me, you may be tired of the negative mainstream news. For a refreshing take try Fix the News which emphasizes positive news stories, aiming to provide uplifting content that fosters a sense of hope and community engagement among its audience. They have inspiring podcasts as well for in-car listening!
2. E-books and Online Libraries:
- Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free e-books, including classic literature, which can enhance your understanding of different writing styles and expand your vocabulary.
- LibriVox has free audiobooks of public domain texts, organized by genre and language. You can read along while listening, improving both reading and listening skills.
3. Blogs and Online Magazines:
- Harvard Business Review provides articles on leadership, management, and business strategies, perfect for business professionals looking to enhance their industry-specific vocabulary.
- National Geographic offers fascinating articles on nature, science, and culture, providing rich and engaging content.
Listening: Sharpen Your Comprehension and Pronunciation
1. Podcasts:
- BBC Learning English produces podcasts specifically designed for EFL learners, covering everyday topics and useful vocabulary.
- TED Talks Daily features inspiring and thought-provoking talks from experts in various fields, helping you learn new ideas and advanced vocabulary.
2. Audiobooks:
- Loyal Books provides all kinds of free audiobooks and ebooks that you can download, allowing you to practice listening to different accents and styles of narration and finding reading material to suit many interests.
- Spotify offers numerous free audiobooks and educational podcasts that you can listen to on the go.
3. Radio Stations:
- NPR (National Public Radio) broadcasts a wide range of programs, including news, culture, and storytelling, which can help you improve your listening skills.
- BBC World Service also offers global news and analysis, perfect for intermediate learners looking to challenge themselves.
Watching: Improve Your Listening and Understanding of Context
1. YouTube Channels:
- English Addict with Mr. Duncan provides engaging lessons on various aspects of English, including slang, idioms, and pronunciation.
- BBC Learning English offers a range of videos tailored for EFL learners, covering grammar, vocabulary, and everyday English.
- TED-Ed has lots of interesting and educational videos that are short, engaging, and perfect for practicing listening skills.
2. TV Shows and Movies:
- Netflix and Hulu offer a range of TV shows and movies with subtitles in English. Watching with subtitles can help you understand the context and pick up new phrases and expressions.
- Documentaries on PBS and the Smithsonian Channel cover a wide range of topics, providing rich content to improve your listening and comprehension skills.
3. Authentic and Diverse Material:
- As you move from B2 to advanced levels, transition to authentic, real-life material created for proficient users of English. This includes news channels, academic lectures, and professional presentations.
- TED Talks provide a diverse range of topics, perfect for understanding different registers and genres.
Everyday Contexts and Candid Conversations
Listening to native speakers in casual settings is crucial for developing conversational fluency. Content such as conversational podcasts, films, series, talk shows, and stand-up comedy can help you understand pronunciation features like stress patterns and connected speech.
Recommended YouTube Channels and Series:
- Joe Rogan Experience for long-form, candid conversations.
- Vox for news and explanatory journalism.
- How I Built This for entrepreneurial stories and business insights.
Reaching an advanced level of English proficiency requires consistent practice and exposure to a variety of content. By integrating reading, listening, and watching into your daily routine, you can gradually improve your language skills and gain confidence. The resources mentioned above are not only free but also diverse and engaging, making your learning journey enjoyable and effective. Happy learning, and don’t forget to share your favourite resources with fellow EFL learners!