Ever felt like your language learning hit the wall? Can confidently tell about your job, but struggle discussing future holidays? This is called the intermediate plateau – a stage where progress stalls, leaving learners in frustration. If you've been there, you're not alone, as it’s one of the main issues in learning a foreign language. Let's explore what this plateau means, why it happens, and discover the strategies for overcoming it.
The term 'intermediate plateau' refers to a period of learning a language when you feel no visible progress in your knowledge or abilities. This phase typically occurs when learners have achieved the intermediate level, acquiring enough vocabulary, grammar, speaking, writing and other skills to communicate on general topics of their personal and professional interests. For example, at this level, they can fluently speak about their hometown, house or apartment, career path or responsibilities at work. However, they still struggle to describe their room in all detail or name more than 5 words about the weather around. Simply put, their level covers all basic professional and personal needs but is not enough to feel confident in any scenario.
Firstly, we get stuck at the midway stage because we compare our progress to the point when we started learning the language. It's easy to see improvements at the beginning when we have almost no skills. However, when we're at the intermediate stage with some language knowledge and abilities, it's harder to notice progress because our point of comparison is much higher.
Secondly, reaching the intermediate level is a fairly significant milestone. This stage enables you to perform a wide range of professional tasks and communicate ideas on common issues. Most learners get trapped in this comfort zone and assume they need no further improvement. On the one hand, intermediate will indeed be sufficient to deal with the majority of scenarios but on the other hand, you will always be bogged down between a middle and senior specialist. Therefore, to improve your skills, you need to overcome the phase of mediocrity.
Finally, if you mostly use coursebooks, learn a lot of words and grammar but don’t practise enough, you are likely to miss the real rhythm and flow of how people truly communicate. Imagine learning dance moves from a manual without ever feeling the music or experiencing the joy of dancing with a partner. The same concerns English learning. You must be watching numerous videos on YouTube or reading manuals on the Internet but how do you implement it in your life? For example, enroll in our practical course ‘Preparing for the Technical Interview’ which offers not only to learn all the necessary knowledge but also apply it in real-life scenarios. As a result, you’ll be able to improve your confidence and language skills to pass the technical interview successfully.
While there are undoubtedly more reasons leading to language stagnation, let's focus on practical strategies to overcome this frustrating stage in language learning.
One of the best strategies to apply for learning a language is called SMART, which stands for:
clearly outline the specific area of your language proficiency you intend to improve, be it speaking, writing, listening, or vocabulary. Then, set a certain goal. For example, «Learn how to make a pitch in English» or «Learn how to report your project progress in English» is more specific than a general goal like «Get better at English».
stablish criteria to measure your progress. This could involve tracking the number of new words learned per week, the amount of time spent practising speaking, or the pages of English content read daily. Having measurable metrics allows you to assess your advancements objectively.
set realistic goals that correlate with your current skill level and gradually push your boundaries to leave your comfort zone. For instance, if you focusing on writing, an achievable goal might be «Write a 300-word essay on a familiar topic within a week».
align your language-learning goals with your personal and professional objectives. Consider how training specific language skills contributes to your overall language proficiency. If your goal is to enhance professional communication, focus on mastering business-related vocabulary and simulating workplace scenarios.
Time-bound: create a sense of urgency in your goals by assigning timeframes. This prevents procrastination and keeps you on a structured path. For example, transform a broad objective like «Enhance listening skills» into a time-bound commitment: «Listen to a 15-minute English podcast daily for one month».
By applying the SMART criteria, you can transform general aspirations into visible and practical steps. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, peers, or language exchange partners to enhance the effectiveness of your learning journey. On top of that, regularly review and adjust your goals based on your progress and new language needs.
Furthermore, to break through the intermediate plateau in language learning, you must adopt diverse approaches and learning methods. Consider mixing a variety of resources such as movies, books, and podcasts into your language-learning routine. Movies provide an immersive experience, exposing learners to authentic conversations and cultural nuances. Books, on the other hand, offer a structured way to improve vocabulary and grasp complicated grammar structures. Podcasts can be an excellent supplement, allowing learners to tune in to real-life dialogues and diverse accents.
Another productive strategy for pushing past the intermediate stage is active learning. Engage in role-playing scenarios, debate topics, and language games to sharpen practical language skills. Role-playing helps to simulate real-life conversations, enhancing fluency and spontaneity. Debates force learners to articulate their thoughts logically, promoting a deeper understanding of language structures. Language games, including online platforms that promote them, involve an element of fun in the learning process. In addition, virtual language exchange platforms can be used to connect learners with native speakers, providing valuable opportunities for practical application. By including specific examples and linking to these online resources, learners can actively participate in language games and simulations to reinforce their skills.
Last but not least, maintaining motivation plays a vital role in overcoming the challenges of the intermediate plateau. Learners can guide themselves by setting small, achievable goals and appreciating each milestone, such as mastering a challenging phrase or understanding a complex sentence structure. Recognizing and celebrating small wins is a fundamental aspect of this motivational journey. Therefore, sharing success stories related to these small victories can serve as inspiration, emphasizing that progress often comes in small steps.
Moreover, a crucial component of maintaining motivation is cultivating a growth mindset. Embracing the concept that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work helps to overcome the intermediate plateau. Language learners can shift their perspective by viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than barriers on their way. By fostering a growth mindset, you can propel yourself beyond the intermediate plateau, viewing language learning as a dynamic and adaptable journey.
Facing the challenges of the intermediate plateau might seem daunting and confusing to everyone who was expecting a walk in the park at this level. Nevertheless, a clear understanding of the factors causing this stagnation is essential in supporting learners and finding effective solutions. If you genuinely want to overcome this wall, then getting out of your comfort zone, engaging in real-life interactions and adopting several winning strategies, such as SMART, active learning and a growth mindset, are your best friends. These strategies create a framework to overcome the intermediate plateau and keep progressing in language proficiency.
At the same time, applying all the mentioned strategies and searching for your perfect solutions is by no means quick and easy. It requires a profound knowledge of language teaching approaches and self-discipline, as well as substantial skills in lesson structuring and progress assessment. Therefore, if you struggle to implement all the above mentioned, the best way is to look for an experienced teacher. For instance, like those in our company, who conduct professionally oriented English courses for various business needs: English for QA. First steps, English for a Technical Interview Preparing, etc. In case you decide to learn yourself, you can explore the «How to improve your English: effective methods» link for some of the most beneficial tools for your English self-study. Let's get over the intermediate plateau and continue our journey toward advancing language proficiency together!
