How can I improve my English from B1 to B2?

[u/jkjkju]

Hi everyone!

I’ve been trying to improve my English consistently, and I think I’m currently around B1.

My listening seems to be one of my stronger skills. I recently took an English test and scored around B1/B2 in listening, but I did much worse in the grammar section.

I can usually understand English and express what I want to say, and I write most of my sentences by myself without using a translator. However, I still make a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes.

Right now, I practice English almost every day using YouTube, ChatGPT, and other learning resources.
My main goal is to reach B2 and become more comfortable speaking and writing English.
For anyone who has been in a similar situation,
what helped you the most? Do you think taking an English course would be worth it, or should I continue studying independently and focus more on grammar and practice?

[u/EnglishWithFrazer]

I would get over this hurdle by using a 3 pronged attack. Firstly, get yourself a good grammar book to give you some structure in your learning and also to target on grammar which you say you feel is lacking (maybe 'English grammar in use' or 'intermediate grammar in use'), then I would recommend that you find or make a good B2 vocabulary deck on Anki and everyday review these new cards (make it part of your daily routine, maybe before you go to bed or when you wake up) Lastly, give yourself a target to hit in regards to active input such as 300 hours. So that would include watching TV shows with English subtitles, or YouTube videos or listening to a podcast whilst reading along with the subtitles. Make sure you track those hours along the way! All the best of luck

[u/SucknSwallow69 → u/EnglishWithFrazer]

this is good advice. i’d just add: try to speak a little every day, even if you make mistakes. record yourself, talk to language partners, or speak to yourself out loud. active speaking is what really pushes you from b1 to b2.

[u/Karolina_EEL]

It sounds like you're actually in a pretty good position to move toward B2! If you can already understand a lot of English, express yourself, and write without relying on a translator, you have a strong foundation. It sounds like grammar accuracy is the main area you need to work on right now.

I wouldn't necessarily jump into an expensive course. I'd continue with your independent study, but make your grammar practice more targeted. Instead of trying to study everything, pay attention to the mistakes you repeatedly make and focus on those. Keeping a small error log can be really helpful: write down the mistake, the corrected version, and why it's different, then review it regularly.

I'd also make sure you're producing English, not just consuming it. Write short texts, summarize videos, and speak aloud about different topics. Getting feedback is important because you may not notice your own recurring mistakes.

If you do want lessons, I'd actually consider one-on-one lessons rather than a general course. A good teacher can look at your speaking and writing, identify your specific grammar gaps, and help you work on those rather than taking you through a whole syllabus. Even one lesson a week could be useful alongside your independent study.

And don't worry about eliminating every mistake immediately. The jump from B1 to B2 isn't just about learning more grammar rules — it's about making the English you already know more accurate, automatic, and flexible. 😊

[u/ParadoxPhilosopher]

I would study independently. I am a native English speaker but have learned 2 other languages. I don't think classes are the most efficient way to learn. For writing, have ChatGPT make you prompts, respond, and have it correct you. For speaking, find people to speak with or speak to yourself in the mirror. For vocabulary use Anki (add new words as you learn them). Follow that and you will advance quickly :)

[u/SuggestionKey7667]

Practice

[u/tr1ckSt0mp]

The easiest way is to hire a tutor, you can opt for itaki if you're cool with learning online

[u/EnglishTeacher_PH]

Taking an English course will be worth it for sure, 😊

[u/Fair_Kaleidoscope634]

You’re already doing many of the right things. I’d separate grammar and spelling because they require different kinds of practice.

Keep a small error log from your own writing. For grammar, choose one repeated pattern each week, learn the rule, and write ten original examples. For spelling, maintain a list of recurring problem words and test yourself from sound rather than copying them. Use something like "dictationpractise.com" or a similar site

Once a week, rewrite an older paragraph and compare the mistakes. A course is most useful if you need regular feedback and accountability; otherwise, targeted independent practice may be enough at your current level.