As ESL teachers, we know that learning a language is a journey full of ups and downs. One of the most frustrating challenges for both students and teachers is hitting the plateau—that point where students feel stuck, unable to make noticeable progress. This is particularly common at advanced levels, and breaking through can seem like an uphill battle.
Breaking Through the Plateau
The plateau often occurs when students reach a high intermediate or advanced level, typically around B2 or C1. At this stage, learners have a solid grasp of grammar and can communicate fairly effectively, but they struggle to refine their language further. The progress they made so quickly at lower levels slows down, making improvements feel minimal.
For many students, the plateau is not only discouraging but also leads to stagnation. They’ve mastered the basics and can handle most day-to-day situations, but they lack the depth and fluency needed to feel confident in more complex, spontaneous conversations. At this point, they need more than just grammar exercises—they need to use their English in real, meaningful contexts that challenge their skills and push them beyond their comfort zone.
This is where communicative activities come into play. These activities provide students with opportunities to use advanced grammar and vocabulary in interactive, engaging situations, helping them break through the plateau and continue their language development.
Why Are Communicative Activities So Important?
Communicative activities are key to fostering language fluency. They allow students to apply grammar rules in practical, everyday conversations, rather than simply memorising them in isolation. By working through real-life scenarios, learners practise critical thinking, spontaneity, and fluency—all crucial elements for advanced students stuck on the plateau.
At the C1 level, students have the foundational knowledge but often lack the opportunity to refine their language in an authentic context. Communicative activities fill this gap by providing challenges that require the use of advanced structures in a natural way. Instead of passively learning, students engage in active problem-solving, discussions, and debates, giving them the practice they need to move forward.
The Struggle to Find Advanced Materials
Despite the importance of communicative tasks, finding high-quality materials for advanced learners is no easy task. Most resources are geared towards lower levels, leaving teachers with little to work with when it comes to C1 students. From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be to find resources that are both challenging and relevant for advanced learners, which is why I decided to create my own.
For teachers following the Macmillan Great Thinkers syllabus, the lack of C1 communicative activities is particularly noticeable. While the lower levels come with integrated communicative tasks, the C1 level is missing this crucial element, making it difficult to reinforce the grammar and vocabulary introduced in each unit. To solve this problem, we developed a bundle of 10 communicative activities specifically aligned with the grammar and vocabulary from the 10 units of the C1 Great Thinkers book.
A Resource for Every Classroom
While these activities are designed to complement the Great Thinkers syllabus, they can be used in any classroom. Whether or not you’re using this specific textbook, the activities are ideal for C1-level learners, from teenagers to adults. Each one targets key grammar and vocabulary areas at this level, from modal verbs of speculation to advanced conditionals, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in engaging, communicative ways.
These activities offer a practical solution for ESL teachers looking for advanced materials that engage students and help them break through the plateau. They’re designed to promote critical thinking and fluent conversation, helping learners use their language in real-life contexts.
Ready to Transform Your C1 Classroom?
If you’re searching for engaging, quality materials to help your advanced students overcome the C1 plateau, our new bundle of communicative activities is exactly what you need. This set of 10 activities aligns perfectly with the Great Thinkers syllabus but can be used in any C1 classroom. Each activity is designed to challenge your students, build their confidence, and develop their fluency in a fun, meaningful way.
