Learning English

Climbing to advanced level

When you get to intermediate level it is not unusual to feel that your English level is not improving as quickly as it used to. This is very common - and nothing to worry about. In this video, Tim answers a question about this from a student and gives some good advice to help you help yourself to reach the top of Mount English.

Watch the video and complete the activity

Summary

Learning a language is not easy. You have to work hard at it. If you've got this far with English, you've done very well - congratulations. If you think you are on the 'plateau' that Tim talks about in the video, here are some tips to keep you climbing.

• Expose yourself to as much English as possible
  Watch English language films and television programmes.
  Listen to English language podcasts, the BBC has thousands of free podcasts on an enormous range of topics.
  Read magazines, newspapers and internet articles in English.
  If possible, chat to native speakers.
  Start or join English clubs in your area.
  
  
• Develop your vocabulary learning skills
  Many expressions in English are made up of words that often go together. Keep a vocabulary record and be sure to write down not only the key word but also other words that make up the expression or phrase. For example the word curry. It is a kind of food but also appears in the expression to curry favour (with someone). Make sure you write down the complete expression with the appropriate preposition.

• Listen to yourself speaking English
  It's very easy these days to record and listen to yourself. Many smartphones have this function built in. Comparing your recording to a native English version of the same text is a great way to improve your pronunciation. There are many features on BBC Learning English that have a transcript you can use as a script. You can compare your recording to the original programme which you can listen to online or download.
  
  
• Relax and enjoy yourself!
  Yes, it can be hard and it takes time to learn any language. That doesn't mean it has to be boring. Have fun: it'll make it easier.
  
  
• Don't forget us!
  BBC Learning English is a great resource to help you with your English. Keep coming back to explore. You never know what you might find next time you visit!

To do

Now for some of that fun we talked about. Instead of the usual quiz we have some jokes - you just have to guess the correct punchline for each one.

End of session

Well done, you've reached the end of this session and the end of the last episode of Stop Saying!

Many thanks to the staff and students of the Central School of English for their help with this video.

Next

Now it's time to pay one last visit to the kitchen of The White Elephant.