Shadowing Practice: How to go from B1/B2 to C1? (in 5 minutes) - Learn English Speaking with Video

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If you have reached B1 or B2, and you can understand most of the things, but then there are still some words you don't know, or you can't find the right word to describe exactly what you need.
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And no matter what you do and how hard you study, it still doesn't improve.
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In this video, I will explain exactly why you're stuck and how to go from intermediate to advanced.
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My name is Anna, I pass C1 in both English and German, and today I will tell you how you can also reach C1 in the language you're learning.
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I have my iPad, so I'm gonna draw.
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Basically, you are here right now, and you want to be here.
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How to get there?
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Let's talk about this graph first.
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So, when you start learning a language, you feel like you are making a lot of progress because you go from zero, not being able to say anything,
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to being able to say something already, that is around B1.
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But then, all of a sudden, your progress slows down.
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Yes, you are getting higher, but it doesn't feel like enough.
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And it's not because you're learning less.
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No, you're learning the same.
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But once you get to B1, the change just doesn't feel as big, because this is the point where you start filling in the gaps.
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So here is what to do once you get to B1.
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Divide your time 50-50.
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50% grammar and 50% other four skills.
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That is if you want steady progress.
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If you want to go faster, you can dedicate 40% to grammar and 60% to the other four skills.
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How to do it.
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You can either follow the textbook that you are already using or the app.
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And this is exactly the time where you have to challenge yourself a little bit and start using native speaker content.
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It doesn't have to be anything super difficult.
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You can watch short YouTube videos, watch cartoons, or just podcasts.
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Don't get frustrated
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because at first you will not be able to understand everything is normal no one does
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but you will see that you can already get the idea of what is going on
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so now your task is to go from understanding only parts to understanding about 80 to 90 percent
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and that is actually the most difficult part before your gains were very big
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and obvious you learned major tenses core grammar and the most useful words
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but now progress comes from small things
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so you have to be a little patient
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but you will reach b2 very fast if you continue to combine grammar and native speaker content.
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Now, to secure B2, actually have the level, because a lot of people say they have B2, but then they actually don't, you have to fill in all of the gaps.
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How to do it?
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I made a worksheet PDF, so you can just download it.
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The link will be in the description.
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Open it and tick everything that you did.
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For example, for me, it was German.
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I did a lot of grammar, I did vocabulary, I watched movies, watched YouTube, podcasts, but I didn't read and write as much.
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So that is exactly the time when I had to start focusing on the things that I was missing.
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And again, it doesn't have to be anything super difficult.
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You can take a book that you have already read in your first language
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and then read it in the language you're learning.
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Or for writing, for example i really like journaling
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so i would just make short journal entries
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and you will have a very solid b2
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or maybe even b2 plus once you fill in all of
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these gaps now to get to c1 you actually have to
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change the strategy first let's talk about who needs c1
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because not everyone does there are two main reasons why you would want a c1 level the first one is
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if you want to study at a university full-time and number two
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if you want to work in the language
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but actually work in the language not just write emails from time to time
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so c1 is basically a professional level and
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that is why you need to start using professional things
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that is exactly how you're gonna change your strategy to make more progress again find articles in your field
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and read them but make sure they have very specific professional vocabulary
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because casual conversation will not work anymore
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that is why you're stuck at b2 for example for me i've read a lot of articles related to business in Germany.
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Then highlight the words that can be useful for you and learn them.
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That is actually the tricky part.
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These are difficult words and it might be hard to remember them.
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Not because your memories, but because you just don't use them in your everyday life.
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And to be completely honest, there's no way you're going to use words like superficial or adamant and casual conversation.
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That just doesn't make any sense.
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So the easiest way to learn them is to practice writing.
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Now you might say I actually don't like writing I don't
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need it in my university I don't need it for my profession
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and I'm not gonna waste time on it but hear me out
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when you write sentences you have more time to think
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so even if you don't know the exact word
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or how to say something you can always go to a dictionary
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and check for example sentences
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that is how you train your brain to think of more advanced expressions
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and actually use them and then in a formal setting you will make more advanced
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and beautiful sentences because you already have experience with them and the same with grammar If you write your sentences, you will have more time to think of more advanced structures,
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and then your sentences are going to be more beautiful and just better.
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I will make another video on how I practice reading and writing, so make sure to subscribe so you don't miss that.
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So that is exactly how you go from intermediate to advanced.
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I hope this video was useful.
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Let me know what other videos you would like to see, and I'll see you next time.
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Bye-bye.

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Level Up Your English: From B1/B2 to C1 with Targeted Practice

If you’re stuck at B1/B2, struggling to move beyond "good enough" to advanced fluency, the video reveals a clear path: focus on filling gaps and embracing native content. This lesson isn’t just about learning—it’s about mastering the skills that turn intermediate speakers into confident communicators, perfect for English speaking practice and even IELTS speaking practice.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases to Master

  • "Fill in the gaps" – A critical phrase for describing the shift from basic to advanced skills.
  • "Steady progress" – Essential for setting realistic goals in your learning journey.
  • "Native speaker content" – The cornerstone of moving beyond textbook English.
  • "Challenge yourself" – A reminder to step outside comfort zones for growth.
  • "Secure B2" – A practical term for solidifying intermediate proficiency.

Practice Tips: Shadowing for Speed and Clarity

The video’s conversational tone and moderate speed make it ideal for shadowspeak—the art of mimicking speech in real time. Here’s how to use the shadowing technique effectively: Pause after each 10-second segment, then repeat Anna’s words immediately, focusing on her rhythm and intonation. This trains your brain to process and reproduce English at natural speeds, a game-changer for improve English pronunciation and IELTS speaking practice. Don’t just copy words—imitate her confidence. Notice how she stresses "50-50" and "challenge" to emphasize key points; mirroring this will make your speech more engaging. For writing practice, journal about the tips she shares—this reinforces vocabulary while building fluency. Consistency is key: 15 minutes daily with this method will push you from B2 to C1 faster than passive learning. Remember, advanced English isn’t about perfection—it’s about communicating with precision and ease. Use these techniques, and you’ll soon speak with the clarity of a native.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →