What is the best way to improve the proficiency of English language as a foreign language, when the learner is just a starter, medium level and advanced level? Please explain them in the most detailed way.

Improving English proficiency, especially when learning it as a foreign language, depends on the learner's current level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced). Below, I’ll explain the best approaches for each stage:

1. Beginner Level (Starter)

Goal: Build a strong foundation in basic vocabulary, grammar, and speaking.

Approaches:

A. Focus on Basic Vocabulary & Phrases

At the beginner level, the priority should be acquiring the most common and useful vocabulary. Learning the basic 1,000–2,000 most common words in English will allow you to communicate in everyday situations.

• Use Flashcards: Tools like Anki or physical flashcards can help you memorize basic words and phrases.
• Learn in Context: Study simple sentence structures to understand how words fit into real-life sentences. For example, instead of just learning the word "apple," practice saying sentences like "I eat an apple every day."

B. Practice Pronunciation

Right from the start, try to mimic the correct pronunciation. Focus on mastering English sounds, even if they are very different from your native language.

• Listen and Repeat: Watch short videos, cartoons, or language-learning audio courses, and repeat words and sentences. This helps with pronunciation and ear training.
• Use Language Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Babbel are excellent for beginners because they provide structured lessons in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

C. Learn Basic Grammar

Understand the most common English grammar rules and sentence structures (subject-verb-object, basic tenses like present and past).

• Simple Grammar Books: Find grammar books tailored for beginners, like English Grammar in Use (Elementary version).
• Online Grammar Courses: Use platforms like British Council or ESL websites that offer grammar exercises with immediate feedback.

D. Immersive Listening

Listening is one of the best ways to build a mental map of the language. Focus on easy content designed for beginners.

• Watch TV Shows or Movies with Subtitles: Choose children's shows or simplified language programs with English subtitles. For example, shows like Peppa Pig or beginner-level podcasts.
• Listen to English Music: Try to learn the lyrics of simple songs, repeating them and understanding their meaning.

E. Basic Speaking Practice

Even at the beginner level, it’s important to practice speaking. Try to find a study partner or teacher.

• Language Exchange Apps: Platforms like HelloTalk or Tandem can connect you with native speakers who want to learn your language, so you can practice together.
• Simple Conversations: Start by introducing yourself, talking about your hobbies, and practicing typical daily conversations (ordering food, asking for directions, etc.).

2. Intermediate Level (Medium)

Goal: Enhance fluency, comprehension, and start using complex sentence structures.

Approaches:

A. Expand Vocabulary with Context

At this stage, learners should work on expanding their vocabulary beyond basic words to more specific terms related to hobbies, work, travel, etc.

• Read Books/Articles: Read materials that are slightly above your current level (graded readers, short novels, or news articles). When you encounter new words, try to guess their meaning from context before looking them up.
• Thematic Vocabulary: Group words by themes (e.g., food, travel, business) and practice them together. This helps in learning related terms and makes it easier to use them in conversations.

B. Deepen Grammar Knowledge

Intermediate learners should focus on more complex grammar, such as conditionals, passive voice, relative clauses, and modal verbs.

• Advanced Grammar Books: Use books like English Grammar in Use (Intermediate level) by Raymond Murphy, or practice with online resources like Grammarly.
• Grammar Exercises: Work on grammar drills, but also practice these structures in speaking and writing. Correct grammar in real-time is crucial to avoid fossilization of mistakes.

C. Develop Listening Skills

At this level, learners should be able to comprehend more complex English, including regional accents and faster speech.

• Podcasts and Audiobooks: Listen to podcasts or audiobooks on topics you enjoy. Podcasts like The English We Speak or BBC Learning English are great for intermediate learners.
• Movies and TV Shows (without subtitles): Begin watching movies and TV series without subtitles or with English subtitles. Shows like Friends or The Big Bang Theory can be good since they have everyday conversations.

D. Consistent Speaking Practice

Intermediate learners need to focus on expressing themselves more naturally in conversations.

• Conversation Partners/Tutors: Use platforms like iTalki or Preply to speak with native or proficient speakers regularly.
• Debates and Discussions: Participate in English discussion groups or debate clubs. This helps you practice explaining complex ideas and opinions, improving fluency.
• Language Exchange Programs: Continue with language exchange, but push yourself to have more in-depth conversations and explain more complex topics.

E. Writing for Fluency

Writing helps you consolidate vocabulary and grammar knowledge while improving your overall fluency.

• Journaling in English: Keep a daily or weekly journal in English. Try to write about different topics and use new vocabulary and grammar structures.
• Online Forums or Social Media: Engage in written conversations in English (for example, Reddit, English forums, or Facebook groups related to your hobbies). This will push you to use English naturally.

3. Advanced Level

Goal: Achieve near-native fluency, improve accuracy in speaking and writing, and understand complex materials.

Approaches:

A. Advanced Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions

At this stage, focus on mastering idiomatic expressions, collocations, and academic or professional vocabulary.

• Read a Variety of Materials: Read newspapers (like The Guardian, The New York Times), scientific papers, or novels. Pay special attention to idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary.
• Use Vocabulary in Context: Don’t just memorize words. Learn how they are used in specific contexts. For example, "make a decision" (collocation) instead of "do a decision."
• Flashcard Systems for Idioms/Advanced Words: Use Anki or Quizlet to reinforce advanced vocabulary and phrases you encounter while reading.

B. Perfect Grammar and Precision

Advanced learners need to focus on refining grammar, particularly subtle aspects such as article usage, prepositions, and advanced tenses (e.g., perfect and perfect continuous tenses).

• Grammar Books (Advanced): Use books like Advanced Grammar in Use by Martin Hewings.
• Editing and Refining Written Work: Write essays, reports, or blog posts and revise them for grammatical accuracy. You can also use grammar checkers like Grammarly for instant feedback.

C. Advanced Listening Comprehension

Challenge yourself with more difficult audio and video content that requires a high level of comprehension.

• Watch Complex TV Shows or News Broadcasts: Watch complex shows like documentaries, TED Talks, or the news to expose yourself to formal language and fast-paced speaking.
• Advanced Podcasts: Listen to podcasts that discuss technical or abstract topics. Podcasts like TED Radio Hour or Freakonomics are great for advanced learners.

D. Engage in Fluent Conversations

Your focus should be on natural, fluent conversations with native speakers.

• Public Speaking/Debating: Join public speaking groups like Toastmasters, or debate clubs to improve fluency, confidence, and the ability to articulate complex ideas.
• Discussions on Abstract Topics: Engage in discussions about abstract or difficult topics, like philosophy, politics, or economics. This will challenge your ability to express complex ideas in English.

E. Perfect Writing Skills

Work on advanced writing techniques, such as crafting coherent essays, reports, or creative writing.

• Advanced Writing Practice: Practice writing academic essays, professional reports, or even creative stories. Focus on structure, coherence, and precision.
• Peer Review Writing: Exchange writing pieces with fellow advanced learners or native speakers to get feedback on your writing style, grammar, and vocabulary.

General Tips for All Levels:

1. Immerse Yourself in English: Surround yourself with English as much as possible, even if it’s not your native language. Change your phone settings to English, consume English media, and try to think in English.
2. Set Specific Goals: Whether you want to improve your conversation skills, learn specific vocabulary, or write better essays, set goals and track your progress.
3. Stay Consistent: Learning a language is a long-term commitment. Practicing regularly, even if only for 20 minutes a day, can lead to significant improvements over time.

By following these strategies, learners at every level can improve their English proficiency steadily and confidently.