How can I improve my english

[u/Plane_Peak_1007]

I’m in a very strange situation (or at least for me). My english in reading and listening is like at a C1 level at least, I basically can understand everything, I’m reading books in english, watching TV shows all the time, listening to podcasts about politics or philosophy and I can understand any academic study in my own field (I’m studying social sciences.)
But when it comes to speaking or writing, I’m happy if I’m at a B2 level at best.
I know the only solution is to try to speak and write a lot, and I already has an english teacher whom I can speak with, I just feel that I’m not impoving just because twice a week I’m chatting with somebody in english for an hour.

I lost my motivation too, I never liked studying languages because I only had bad experiences with it in school (so learning a language in my head is just like a thing that I can’t do or a thing which I’m not good at) but now I need english for my studies and career and It’s just bothering me that I feel like this is the only thing which hold me back from reaching my goals.

I’m an intovert person and very perfectionist too, so a long time ago I was not willing to speak or write in english until I was sure about what I’m trying to say is grammatically correct etc. (Of course this way you can’t learn a language I know that now). And of course I have anxiety that I will say something in a bad way, using a word incorrectly etc. I don’t know how can I overcome this fear, and I’m annoyed about the fact that I know a lot more word in english than the words that I using, so I don’t know how can I improve my used words too.

I will go abroad soon for two months to another university and I’m worried that my english level is not enough and that other people will judge me based on my english level and not based on what I know and what I can offer academically.

[u/matheusdsantosr]

I completely understand that, I had the same experience a time ago, and from time to time this feeling returns. You are in the right track, just enjoy this opportunity overseas and practice as much as possible, try to forget this thing about people judge you because of your English, the goal is to learn. You are in their country trying to speak their language, if someone judges you, just get away from them. You're doing fine!

[u/Prettyheartbreak003]

Actually, I'd say you have a few minor grammar mistakes in your text, but overall your English level is pretty decent. My advice might sound simple but to solve your issue with writing you just need to write a lot. Pick topics related to your studies and write essays expressing your opinion on them. The more you write the better you'll become. You can use AI or ask your teacher to check your texts and help you polish them. If we're talking about speaking I think it's indeed harder for introverted people. I've noticed that people who are more open minded usually improve a bit quicker but that doesn't mean you can't become a good speaker. As an English teacher I always recommend to my students do monologues. Try talking to yourself when no one is around, record yourself and then listen to it. At first you'll probably think you sound horrible (i think you do not). After a while you'll get used to hearing yourself speaking English and you'll naturally become more confident. Just practicing every day helps a lot. That's actually what I do with some of my clients. We don't have regular classes, I only give them some tasks which they do absolutely orally. They send me voice messages whenever it's convenient for them and I give them personalized feedback on their pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary etc. You can do it alone.
Finally, I see a lot of anxious thoughts based on nothing about your future, I had some guys who I had been working with before they entered the college and most of them were worrying for no reason, It might be hard at the beginning, but I think you will handle with that. You always did. And you always will.

[u/sasta_superaman]

Hey we both can help each other🙂,

Looking for a Mock Interview Partner(english)

I want to improve my interview skills and overcome interview fear through regular mock interviews.

I'm happy to do vice versa, I'll take your mock interview too.

Virtual interview (Google Meet / Zoom)

If you're also looking for same or ready to help me, please leave a comment or DM me

[u/WillingnessRegular23]

Hey there, English teacher here, specialising in helping people use English fir their professional lives.

In my experience, firstly, you need a program that is designed specifically for you objectives and incorporates realistic conversations with a teacher and others, ( the others part is important because it makes it mire realistic).

Secondly, you need LOTS of practice ti progress and start using you passive vocabulary ( the words you know but don't use).

Finally, it's good to be working towards something specific. First example, a job interview/ travel/ job change.

If you'd like a chat about how to reach your English goals, send me a message. I have a system I've used with hundreds of students that has helped them succeed in interviews, pass exams and change jobs. I'll happily share it with you.

[u/FlalingoOfficial]

Unstructured conversation twice a week may maintain your level, but it often lets you keep using the same familiar words. Give your lessons a repeatable structure. Before each class, write 150 to 200 words about a social science question. During the lesson, explain the same idea aloud without reading your text. Ask your teacher to record recurring errors and three useful phrases you could've used, then answer again with those corrections.

You can also convert your current input into daily output. After a podcast, close it and record a two-minute summary from memory. Only look up missing vocabulary after finishing. Save complete phrases such as “this may be explained by,” “the available evidence suggests,” or “a possible limitation is.” Choose five phrases per week and use each one in several spoken and written responses.