Can you relate?
This meme represents how many of us feel about our English skills, doesn’t it?
Why I Put Speaking and Writing First
A reflection from The B2 and Beyond
If you nodded along to that meme about struggling to speak confidently, you’re not alone.
When I got into a language institute to study English, speaking was less emphasized than the other skills. I had plenty of grammar, reading, and listening, but far fewer opportunities for speaking and writing. Has it happened to you, too—or perhaps to someone you know?
In The B2 and Beyond, I like to reflect on what shaped my own learning experience so that we can build on it together—sharing insights, questions, and perhaps even deepening our shared knowledge.
What Theories Say About Learning Order
There’s a theory known as the Natural Order of Learning English. It draws on several influential frameworks:
- Krashen’s Input Hypothesis – we acquire language when we understand input that’s just a little beyond our current level (often called “input +1”)
- Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) – learning happens best when we’re guided to do slightly more than we can do alone
- Chomsky’s Universal Grammar (UG) – our brains are naturally wired to recognize and build language patterns
- Asher’s TPR method – linking movement and language helps strengthen memory and comprehension
Together, these theories suggest that language skills tend to develop in a sequence that mirrors first-language acquisition: starting with listening, then speaking, followed by reading, and finally writing.
However, my experience—and maybe yours, too—diverged from this so-called natural order. And yet, in today’s globalized world, being able to communicate effectively has become paramount. We need to express our thoughts clearly, avoid misunderstandings, and convey our ideas and intentions precisely.
Why I Prioritize Speaking and Writing to grow your English
With these perspectives in mind, I intentionally prioritized the productive skills (speaking and writing) in The B2 and Beyond.
I’m not saying that listening and reading are less important. Much to the contrary, both are essential. But the reality of how we use language today demands that we focus first on what helps learners communicate most effectively.
That’s why I place speaking and writing first, followed by vocabulary and grammar, which provide the foundation for effective communication. Then comes listening, which helps us grasp pronunciation nuances and meaning, and finally reading, which opens the door to endless knowledge and new perspectives.
