Helen Pearce
Professional Teacher
How can we step up from B1/B2 level English to C1? Well, one of the most effective ways to improve our level and become a more natural and fluid speaker is TO WORK ON our phrasal verbs. The English language is full of phrasal verbs and we can't avoid them. In my previous sentence, TO WORK ON (something), is a great example of what I mean. phrasal verb with work verb uk /wɜːk/ us /wɝːk/ to spend time repairing or improving something: His dancing technique is good, but he needs TO WORK ON his stamina. Students are sometimes afraid of phrasal verbs. Why? Because there are so many of them, because they follow different, rules and patterns and often the meanings are idiomatic. So how do we master them? While it's important to be aware of the different rules, the best way to learn them is in context and in small bites! eg phrasal verbs we use around the home, eg turn (something) on. give power to something electrical or mechanical, like a light, a TV, or a tap. pick (something) up. grab something and lift it. clean up. make something clean. throw (something) away. ... wash up. ... put (something) away. ... take (something) out. ... hang (something) up. When I'm working with my students, I encourage them to use new phrasal verbs with examples from their own lives, to attach meaning and emotion in their speaking practice. Additionally, I regularly send them a phrasal verb or idiom of the day. So if you are trying to improve your level, try it. Learn a new phrasal verb daily, try to choose themes/context to learn them in, and write sentences to practise, using examples from your own life. So good luck and CATCH UP SOON!
Dec 1, 2024 6:54 PM