Fluency is not enough

How do different generations prepare for language exams?

After more than 25 years of preparing students for Cambridge exams, I’ve noticed some common challenges that come up again and again.

While the Cambridge exams themselves have changed over time, the way people approach them has shifted too, especially when you look at how different generations prepare.

Gen Z – Believing Fluency Alone Is Enough

Nowadays, almost every youngster speaks English fluently.

Well, a 5-year-old native speaker also speaks English fluently.

But what kind of English?

B1 level. Basic English.

Many learners pick up English through YouTube, social media, or by spending time abroad, thinking that chatting is enough. Speaking English in an informal setting, like on social media or in text messages, isn’t the same as the academic English you need for the C1 / C2 exam.

While fluency is important, it simply isn’t enough.

Gen X / Y – Believing Textbooks Are Your Best Friend

Back in the day, Generation X and Y spent hours with textbooks, diving deep into grammar and sentence structures. They were all about grammar, memorising rules and focusing on formal language. The downside? They couldn’t speak fluently. They were great at writing and understanding complex sentences, but they struggled with real-life conversation. To succeed at C1 / C2, they need to integrate grammar and fluency for a well-rounded command of English and a nice, cohesive text.

Gen Z – Lacking Language Awareness

Generation Z tends to pick up English online without really reflecting on the language. They don’t often stop to break down sentence structures or look for useful phrases that could help them in formal settings. This results in a lack of awareness about how the language works.

Sure, this generation is confident and creative in casual conversations, and they’re not afraid to make mistakes. But this approach is far from being enough for the C1 / C2 exam.

Writing a C1 / C2 essay or report has nothing to do with casual conversations or using the language intuitively!

And... sorry to break the bad news, but you cannot write an essay or report just by spending a semester in an English speaking country. Writing at C1 or C2 is about learning and consciously using grammatical and lexical structures while complying with structural and genre rules.

Gen X / Y – Not Making English Part of Their Daily Life

Immersive language learning feels unfamiliar and often uncomfortable for Gen X (and often for Gen Y) because they weren’t brought up with mobile phones or social media, so they lack the natural exposure that younger learners get. These habits weren’t part of how they learned a language, so they rarely think of English as something to use beyond study.

They tend to treat it as a subject to learn, not a language to live. They need to find practical ways to use English every day, like having conversations, engaging with other people online, or practising speaking to build real skills beyond passive exposure. That is why my Chat CLUB is a perfect immersive experience for them!

JOIN THE IMMERSIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE SUMMER CHAT CLUB!

So, how important is grammar?

Grammar Still Matters But Not in the Way You Think

For years, grammar was the cornerstone of learning English. Now, though, many learners think fluency is enough and ignore grammar.

What’s the truth?

Grammar is still crucial at C1 / C2 level. But it’s not about memorising rules, it’s about knowing how to use complex structures to express your thoughts clearly, with sophistication!

The C1 / C2 exam has changed a lot over the years, with less emphasis on grammar-heavy exercises, but grammar is still vital! It’s not about showing off your grammar knowledge, it’s about controlling the language with confidence and accuracy.

What can you do?

If you’re looking to tackle these challenges and prepare for the Cambridge C1 / C2 exam, I’m here to help. I offer video courses and live online courses designed to make sure you understand the deeper structures of the language while also building your fluency.

Don't let these issues block your progress. Sign up now!

JOIN THE IMMERSIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE CHAT CLUB!