How to pass from B2 to C1 and go beyond the intermediate plateau?

[TeoLanguages]

Hi guys! I have 2 questions for you today. The first is how can someone evaluate his level in a foreign language (apart from taking exams, of course)? I speak 4 foreign languages (at different levels) and I still struggle to recognize what my level I have. The latter question is about how can I pass from B2 level to C1. Can someone help me? Let me know and have a nice day!

[PeterMollenburg]

Hi TeoLanguages,

I recommend this thread started by myself a good while ago now, you’ll find many answers within:

Time from B2 to C1/C2? (frustrated somewhat- seeking some feedback pls)

[StringerBell]

Hi guys! I have 2 questions for you today. The first is how can someone evaluate his level in a foreign language (apart from taking exams, of course)? I speak 4 foreign languages (at different levels) and I still struggle to recognize what my level I have.

This site has sample reading/listening tests for various CEFR levels that you can take at home (for 15 languages) to get a sense of your level in those skills.

RDearman posted this checklist recently that I found to be very helpful in gauging one's abilities according to the CEFR levels.

If you work with a tutor on iTalkie who is familiar with the CEFR levels and has worked with people who are preparing to take an exam, you can also ask them to gauge your speaking ability.

[TeoLanguages]

Thanks for answering, this is so helpful!

[TeoLanguages]

Hi TeoLanguages,

I recommend this thread started by myself a good while ago now, you’ll find many answers within:

Time from B2 to C1/C2? (frustrated somewhat- seeking some feedback pls)

Thank you so much!

[garyb]

I've been trying for years but my speaking just isn't quite there, and I'm sure I posted a longer reply on the linked thread, but I'm quite convinced that except for extremely talented people or people who know a similar language at a native or very advanced level it requires either a good period of immersion (preferably with work and social life in the language) or at least many hours of input in a concentrated period of time (I've never really done the massive input thing so I can't give an idea of numbers, but I'm thinking several hours of TV/film/reading etc. most days for a good few months; I think Cavesa and others have had success with this so maybe they can describe or link to their experiences).

Reaching C1 in receptive skills (listening and reading) isn't that hard if you just put in the time; it's production that's the real tough nut to crack.

There have been many discussions about evaluating your level and the differences between an "exam C1" and a "checklist C1" etc.

[MamaPata]

Echoing GaryB, I would say that it’s important to differentiate between getting to C1 and overcoming the intermediate plateau. I have a C1 certificate for French, but I still feel very much in that plateau.

I think getting the C1 (or any other certificate/result in an online test) can be really useful in terms of working out what to work on, for job applications, etc. But it still feels like you are dragging yourself excruciatingly slowly through the intermediate mud.