How to improve your English to B2: the best learning strategies

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10 April 2025

English-learners

Oleksandra Kulish

Book expert

Mastering English at the highest level is a desirable goal for many. A confident command of the language opens up a wide range of new opportunities. By reaching the Upper-Intermediate level, you gain access to study at top universities and understand the most advanced learning materials. Moreover, travel becomes even more exciting, and your portfolio gets a boost in the skills section. However, with each new level, studying becomes more challenging when using the same old methods. This can become a serious obstacle on the way to B2.

This is a crucial period in learning English, serving as a kind of transition between the lower and the highest levels. To absorb information when you already have a certain foundation, you need not only English-language dictionaries, but also more creative techniques and high-quality textbooks to better understand context and expand your vocabulary.

English proficiency levels: what to know at each stage

Before diving into the specifics of Upper-Intermediate, let’s briefly go over the main English proficiency levels:

Beginner (A1). The initial stage when a student knows the meanings of basic words, uses simple phrases, and understands basic grammar.
Elementary (A2). The ability to understand and use the most common constructions and maintain short conversations on familiar topics.
Pre-Intermediate (B1). The student can express themselves with simple sentences, write basic texts, and understand the general idea of a conversation.
Upper-Intermediate (B2). A higher intermediate level that allows for more fluent communication, forming arguments, understanding more complex texts, and using the language in professional settings.
Advanced (C1). Confident command of English, the ability to understand complex texts and speech nuances, and to clearly express thoughts both orally and in writing.
Proficiency (C2). Near-native level, when a person can use English freely and adapt their speech to context, style, and tone.

For most students, reaching level B2 is a key goal, as it enables confident communication in English, working with foreign sources, watching films, and understanding the language without major difficulties.

More about the Upper-Intermediate level

Reaching B2 means building a kind of bridge between intermediate level and confident fluency. It opens up opportunities for international education programs, professional growth, and participation in English-language discussions.

Key characteristics of this level include:

Broader vocabulary.
Flexibility in using grammatical structures.
Understanding fast speech.
Ability to engage in reasoned discussions.

In addition, students at this level can produce various types of texts—essays, business letters, reports, and short articles.

What should you know at the Upper-Intermediate English level?

Achieving B2 means a person can effectively use English in various contexts, understand more complex texts, and engage in both spoken and written communication without major difficulties.

At this level, a student should have:

A broad vocabulary—knowing and using up to 7,000 words, including idioms, slang, and set expressions.
Confident grammar usage—conditional sentences, passive voice, modal verbs, inversion, phrasal verbs, etc.
Understanding of fast spoken language—the ability to catch different accents, idioms, and native-speaker colloquialisms.
Academic writing skills—composing essays, analyzing texts, and constructing logical, structured responses.
Discussion skills—the ability to express an argument, support or challenge a point of view.
Reading of complex texts—understanding literature, analytical articles, and academic publications.
Communication flexibility—quickly adapting speech to formal or informal styles depending on the situation.

People at the Upper-Intermediate level feel confident in English-speaking environments and actively use the language in life, education, and work.

What does Upper-Intermediate mean in numbers?

Reaching the Upper-Intermediate level isn’t just a subjective feeling of confidence in English—it’s supported by measurable indicators. Internationally, this level corresponds to B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which is confirmed by certain language test results. For example, an IELTS score of 5.5–6.6 indicates a solid B2 level.

The Upper-Intermediate level typically includes knowledge of approximately 5,000–7,000 words.

Tips for Reaching Your Desired Language Level Faster

Improving your English to the B2 level is a process that requires effort, consistency, and a well-rounded approach. Here are a few tips to help you reach your goal more quickly:

Try to engage with English every day — listen to music, watch movies, read the news, and write notes or thoughts in English.
Regularly reading literature, scientific, and journalistic texts helps expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of syntax.
Master complex grammar structures, analyze your mistakes, and practice applying grammar rules in conversation and writing using quality textbooks.
Pay attention to the popular flashcard method, which works with long-term memory. There are not only physical cards but also apps that allow you to create your own word collections.
Try to notice language patterns commonly used by native speakers on social media. Understanding these will help you simplify complex structures and master natural, everyday English.

Also, focus on overall self-development using English-language skill-building books. This way, you'll boost your erudition, discover new things, and improve your language skills at the same time. Attending language courses and being systematic in your learning will help you reach your goals faster.

Reach the B2 Level with Quality Textbooks

If your goal is to prepare for important exams or improve your language skills, textbooks from Dinternal Education are the perfect solution for you.

Here you will find:

Textbooks for international exam preparation.
Materials for preparing for national tests like ZNO, NMT, and EVI.
Dictionaries.
Grammar textbooks.
Fiction literature.
Books for children, teenagers, and adults.

On our website, you will find the best textbooks and other resources that deliver results!

Conclusion

Reaching the Upper-Intermediate level opens up new opportunities for learning, work, and travel. At this level, you will be able to confidently express your thoughts, read and analyze complex texts, write detailed academic and professional papers, and understand spoken English even at a fast pace.

Remember, the key to learning is consistency and enjoying the process. Mix different methods to find the approach that works best for you. The most effective way to improve is by integrating the language into all areas of your life and turning learning into part of your daily routine.