So, what is it? Sophisticated vocabulary? Grammar? Necessity to sound like native speaker?
I'll tell you - it's a LACK OF CHALLENGE.
Cmon, you know the way it usually starts. During the classes you may transform grammar structures and do some comprehensive reading (all to get ready for your TOEFL or CPE), you may dwell on some specific vocabulary, but you actually never work hard!
Let's admit
I'll tell you - it's a LACK OF CHALLENGE.
Cmon, you know the way it usually starts. During the classes you may transform grammar structures and do some comprehensive reading (all to get ready for your TOEFL or CPE), you may dwell on some specific vocabulary, but you actually never work hard!
Let's admit
- you are by far not so anxious about preparing your speeches: it is never a problem for an advanced English learner to think of something just on the spot
- neither you are anxious about the vocabulary (one can dig into it forever, and your own vocabulary is already pretty rich)
- not that it's difficult for you to transform grammar structures after the examples in the exercises or the way your teacher wants you to.
As a result, you feel stuck at the same level without any progress. You don't see much point in continuing with the classes, but to say hello to the old friends or maintain your level.
Does it mean you've reached perfection? Not really.
Here some TRUE challenges for an advanced learner.
1. Try proofreading and beta-ing. You'll need to demonstrate all your skills there: spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. It is always easy to choose between grammar structures when doing exercises in your course book or correcting a text with mistakes, made on purpose. Trying to correct something written by a native speaker, meant to express his ideas rather than follow some learning patters, is quite different thing.
In order to do it, you'll have to demonstrate good 'feel' of the language and ability to give good advice on sentence flow.
2. Express yourself. Just as I've said, there is a GIANT difference between writing a letter, narrative, article, summary, or whatsoever following the guidelines in your course book, and expressing yourself. Unleash your imagination and create a narrative or even fan fic, write something you feel strongly about, as if it is a blog or personal diary. Convert your thoughts and emotions into words. Do it for the audience of native speakers. There won't be an example to write after and you'll be challenged to convey your idea.
3. Write summaries. Summaries is the best way to push you into using your own words for expressing ideas.
Here you go!
- neither you are anxious about the vocabulary (one can dig into it forever, and your own vocabulary is already pretty rich)
- not that it's difficult for you to transform grammar structures after the examples in the exercises or the way your teacher wants you to.
As a result, you feel stuck at the same level without any progress. You don't see much point in continuing with the classes, but to say hello to the old friends or maintain your level.
Does it mean you've reached perfection? Not really.
Here some TRUE challenges for an advanced learner.
1. Try proofreading and beta-ing. You'll need to demonstrate all your skills there: spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. It is always easy to choose between grammar structures when doing exercises in your course book or correcting a text with mistakes, made on purpose. Trying to correct something written by a native speaker, meant to express his ideas rather than follow some learning patters, is quite different thing.
In order to do it, you'll have to demonstrate good 'feel' of the language and ability to give good advice on sentence flow.
2. Express yourself. Just as I've said, there is a GIANT difference between writing a letter, narrative, article, summary, or whatsoever following the guidelines in your course book, and expressing yourself. Unleash your imagination and create a narrative or even fan fic, write something you feel strongly about, as if it is a blog or personal diary. Convert your thoughts and emotions into words. Do it for the audience of native speakers. There won't be an example to write after and you'll be challenged to convey your idea.
3. Write summaries. Summaries is the best way to push you into using your own words for expressing ideas.
Here you go!
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