Keep up a language you learned at school

Many adults did a language at school and can still read it. The speaking is what goes. Speaking comes back with practice. A short plan is enough.

1. Find where you are now

Take the level quiz. It asks twelve questions about what you can do. It gives a level from A1 to C1. It is a guide, not an exam. Answer for an ordinary day.

We do not map school grades to levels here. We found no source we could name for it, so we leave it out.

2. Speak once a week

One short speaking session a week beats a long burst once a term. Half an hour is enough. Say your week out loud, ask a question back, and keep going when you are stuck.

3. Where to speak

• A one to one partner. Meet a native speaker who wants to learn English. Spend half the time in each language.
• A table. A small group of four to six at a café, hosted by a member. You can listen first. See the Surrey page.
• A course. Surrey Adult Learning lists recommended hours of prior learning for each course. Intermediate Year 1 asks for 300 hours. Read its levels page to see where you might start.

4. Use your first session well

The first table cards give ten topics. They also give a plan for switching language every 15 minutes, and polite ways to correct. Bring two or three questions. Write down new phrases and use each one again within two days.

5. Plan your hours

Set a weekly target you can keep. See how long to practise each week.

Ready?

Join free to see who practises your language near you. Choose it as a language you are learning, and add your level from the quiz.