Reflecting on my journey so far, I’ve learned that progress isn’t always linear but consistent effort pays off. Here’s my honest evaluation of where I stand now:
Listening
Strengths: I understand British and American accents much better now, even in fast-paced rap or unscripted podcasts. I no longer need subtitles for most shows. - I recently watched Top Boy without subtitles and still caught most of the slang and emotional tone. I also followed a Joe Rogan episode with a neuroscientist — and understood the main ideas without needing to pause.
Challenges: Still struggle with heavy slang or overlapping conversations. - Still struggle with heavy slang or overlapping conversations.
Reading
Strengths: Academic texts and books like The Hobbit are easier to navigate. I can summarize, highlight key terms, and understand tone. - While reading a research article on memory and language learning, I was able to annotate it and use its arguments in a short essay. Poetic language doesn’t confuse me like it used to.
Challenges: I still read slower than I’d like and sometimes miss deeper symbolic meaning. A huge difference between reading in my head and out loud.. - In Dead Poets Society, I understood the plot, but it took a second viewing and some discussion to really grasp the symbolic importance of the cave and the idea of “seizing the day.”
Writing
Strengths: Structuring essays, using formal tone, and organizing paragraphs. - In my last academic writing task, I used topic sentences and transitions well. I even got feedback saying the argument was clear and well-paced.
Challenges: Grammar especially prepositions and articles still needs attention. I also want to write more creatively. - I often struggle with the text sounding natural /having a natural flow.
Speaking
Strengths: I’m much more confident and expressive. My rhythm and intonation have improved, probably thanks to music and podcast listening. - I had a video call with a native speaker recently and was able to talk about politics, music, and my goals without switching back to my native language.
Challenges: I sometimes lose track of what I want to say when nervous or under time pressure. - During a class presentation, I knew my topic well, but halfway through I lost my train of thought and had to pause awkwardly. I’m working on staying calm and structuring my speech better in the moment.
Overall, I’m proud of how far I’ve come so far. Over the past months, I’ve noticed a real shift in how I use English, not just academically, but personally. I’ve started to sound more like myself in English, not just like a student repeating memorized phrases. Now I can express real ideas, opinions, passions, and even emotions with more ease and confidence.
One of my major goals for next year is to obtain the C2 Cambridge Certificate. I know it won’t be easy, but I feel much more prepared than I did even a few months ago. I’m committed to practicing consistently, especially when it comes to speaking and writing, and I plan to expose myself to more complex texts and native-level content.
This journey has also helped me understand the value of patience and persistence in language learning. I’ve become more reflective about my strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve learned to accept mistakes as part of the process. I’m excited to keep going and see where my English takes me next.