You're still at the intermediate level. What next?

How Do You Know You're Making Progress at the Intermediate Level?

As a B2-level or low C1-level learner, you've already conquered the basics and can get by in various situations.

Often students working at this level show a wide range of skills:

  • You may sound very natural in conversation.

  • You struggle with understanding complex ideas.

  • You understand what a speaker is talking about.

However, you might struggle with skills such as:

  • Handling details, eg. variables of time, place, people.

  • Organising complex and nuanced ideas, eg. interpreting the validity of results from drug trials.

  • Following a speaker's path to connect different topics, especially with long sentences.

This blog post will cover what I do with students in three areas: expanding vocabulary, strengthening the basics, and paraphrasing.  

1. Expanding Vocabulary

At the B2 level, one of the most noticeable signs of progress is a richer and more flexible vocabulary.

How to recognize it:

  • You recognize synonyms and antonyms more quickly and can use them accurately.

  • You’re comfortable with less common, more specific vocabulary that covers a variety of topics beyond everyday conversation.

  • You find the words you need more quickly.

How to improve:

  • Read widely: Tackle articles, books, and reports on diverse topics. This not only helps with acquiring medical vocabulary but also with general language comprehension.

  • Use a vocabulary journal: Keep track of new words, their meanings, and example sentences. Regularly review this journal.

  • Make sure you have reviewed the new general service list (NGSL) and academic word list (AWL)

2. Reviewing and Retaining Language

Language learning is not just about moving forward; it is also about securing the gains you've already made. Reviewing what you’ve learned ensures that your language skills remain sharp.

How to recognize it:

  • You find revisiting previous lessons easier and can recall language rules and vocabulary faster.

  • You make fewer basic errors in grammar and usage, showing that previous lessons have been effectively internalized.

  • Conversations and readings that once seemed challenging now feel more manageable and enjoyable.

How to improve:

  • Regular revision sessions: Dedicate specific times each week to go over past material.

  • Use spaced repetition software (SRS) or apps such as Brainscape. These are designed to present information right before you’re likely to forget it.

  • Practice vocabulary in different ways: a statement, a negation, and a question.

3. Mastering Paraphrasing

Being able to paraphrase—expressing the same idea in different ways—is a vital skill at higher levels. It not only demonstrates a deep understanding of the language but also flexibility in using it.

How to recognize it:

  • You can explain complex ideas in simpler terms without consulting a dictionary or feeling stuck.

  • During conversations, you can quickly think of different ways to say the same thing, which is helpful if you forget a specific word.

  • You can interpret and express ‘grey areas’ nuances in meaning, an essential skill in both speaking and writing.

How to improve:

  • Engage in active writing exercises. Try rewriting an article using new vocabulary or a different tone. When you learn a new word, write it in three different sentences.

  • Watch and listen to a variety of content: Films, podcasts, and lectures can expose you to different ways of expressing the same thoughts.

  • Watch content on healthcare topics outside your field. If you are a cardiologist, watch something about psychiatry. If you are a psychiatrist, watch something on cardiology.

By building your vocabulary, regularly reviewing earlier work and using paraphrasing, you will get to the next level.

The Next Step in Your OET Journey

Reaching the intermediate level in English is a significant milestone, but many learners find it challenging to progress beyond this point. This article has guided you on how to measure your progress and improve in key areas: expanding vocabulary, strengthening the basics, and mastering paraphrasing.

As an experienced OET tutor, I specialize in helping students like you overcome these challenges with tailored, one-on-one sessions. With personalized feedback and a structured approach, I can help you achieve your language goals more efficiently. If you're ready to take your English skills to the next level, I invite you to book a free discovery call with me. Let's discuss how personalized tutoring can accelerate your progress and help you succeed in your OET journey.

Helen Lewisconfidencerating, measuring, assessment, progress, vocabulary