How much of a time commitment for learning English is needed? In order to do anything well, there needs to be an investment of time and effort. Learning a language is no different. If you’re new to the English language it requires patience and hard work. Avoid learning bad habits that are hard to correct later.

Certainly, you will need to practise, refresh, and continue to use the language.

… if you don’t use it you’ll lose it!
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Early learners and beginners (CEF A1–B1 level) should spend 4 to 7 hours each week. Much of thgis can be on your own. At this level focus on pronunciation, listening, reading, and vocabulary. Intermediate students (CEF B2–C2 level) should plan on spending about 10 hours each week. For them, emphasis should be on reading more complex texts, and improving your vocabulary. If your needs are more specific, such as preparing for a an interview, or completing a project, then 10 to 15 hours a week for short periods of time is not unusual.

The following table will help guide you in planning the time and effort you need spend on your English. It highlights different levels of English, and typical time that might be spent on activities. The following table suggests time commitment, and highlights the type of activity recommended for each learning level:Of course, all depends on your goals, proficiency level, and exposure to the language.

Certainly, you will need to practise, refresh, and continue to use the language.
If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!

Planning a Time Commitment for Learning

CEF A1-A2 (IELTS < 4)

Basic

Build a strong foundation in pronunciation and basic vocabulary. Emphasis is on phonics, sight words, basic verbs, and common English expressions.

  • Time: 2-3 hrs per week

    3 hours each week with your coach; up to 2 hours on your own for review and reading.

  • Reading

    Read easy books. Practice recognizing and repeating sounds and letters. Start learning simple words. Focus on common words and basic sentences.

  • Review

    Review your lessons and listen to recordings of your tutoring sessions. Practice writing letters and numbers neatly. Write every day to learn how to form letters and simple words using a pencil and paper.

CEF B1 (IELTS 4-5)

Beginner

Work on your reading and listening skills; learning new words, and try to better understand what you hear or read. Focus on nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Build your reading and speaking skills

  • Time: 3-5 hrs/week

    3-5 hours each week with a coach, and another 2 hours on independent review and reading.

  • Reading and Writing

    Read easy books to build your vocabulary and learn to spot verb phrases, phrasal verbs, and other verb forms. Improve your grammar and basic writing skills.

  • Listening and Speaking

    Listen to recordings of your tutoring sessions, short podcasts, news broadcasts, basic conversations, greetings, and office situations online.

CEF B2 (IELTS 5.5-6.5)

Intermediate

Building a more powerful vocabulary and improve your understanding of more complex grammar. Read more advanced text, and start to practice your writing regularly.

  • Time: 4-6 hrs per week

    4-6 hours of online lessons with your coach and 3 hours of independent study, including reading, writing, and review.

  • Reading and Writing

    Read stories that become harder over time and learn to connect ideas between paragraphs and chapters. Understand storylines. Practice writing skills and explore different styles. Work with a coach who can email or text with you outside of sessions to help you write clear messages for daily use.

  • Listening and Speaking

    Review your tutoring session recordings. Watch movies without subtitles to build basic vocabulary for specific topics. Practice role-playing with your coach to get used to common everyday situations.

CEF C1-C2 (IELTS 7-9)

Advanced

Become fluent. Immerse yourself more in more than just basic exercises. Commit to 10 hours a week; focus on complex conversations– debate, sharing opinions, and trying to be to persuasive.

  • Time: 6-10 hrs per week

    Each week, aim for 4-6 online lessons (3 hours) with your coach, plus 3 hours of independent study, including reading, writing, and review.

  • Reading and Writing

    Read complex short stories, and learn to connect ideas between paragraphs and chapters while following the storyline. Practice writing skills using different styles. Work with a coach who can email or text you outside of lessons, to help you write clear messages for daily life.

  • Listening and Speaking

    Review the recordings of your tutoring sessions; watch movies (without subtitles) and start developing core vocabulary in specific topic areas. Practice role-play with your coach, giving you exposure and practice in common everyday settings.