How long will it take to see progress in my English learning?

The time required to notice progress depends on several factors, including your goals and the effort you put in consistently. While language educators provide valuable guidance backed by decades of research in linguistics and pedagogy, your progress ultimately depends on you—no one else can do it for you.

Moreover, the definition of “progress” varies based on your objectives. Preparing for the IELTS, for example, requires a different approach than learning English for travel. Your past learning strategies also play a role, either accelerating or slowing your progress.

At Compass Education, we are here to support and guide you. However, we can only show you the path to success—it’s up to you to take the steps forward.

Can I prepare for any official language exam?

The answer is both yes and no. Official language exams assess learners based on their current proficiency level, so we strongly advise against taking an exam before you are fully prepared.

For example, the Key English Test (formerly KET) is designed for learners aged 10 to 12, while IELTS is typically taken by those aged 16 and above. While it is possible to take these exams earlier, readiness depends on the learner’s proficiency, which our team can assess during a trial lesson.

At Compass Education, we ensure that students are well-equipped for their chosen exams, guiding them toward success with the right preparation strategies

I feel like I’m not making any progress. What should I do?

It’s not always easy to recognize your own progress. Many of our learners express frustration, feeling as though they’re not improving at all. While this can sometimes be the case, more often than not, progress is happening—it’s just not immediately noticeable.

Language learning is a long-term journey, and it’s natural to become overly critical of your own abilities. However, as long as you remain consistent, the results will come, even if they seem imperceptible at first. Some learners take longer than others to reach significant milestones, but rest assured—if you’re putting in the effort, you are progressing.

At Compass Education, we help our learners track their improvement and remind them of how far they’ve come. If you ever feel stuck, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

I have a specific textbook I’d like to use. Can we incorporate it into my lessons?

We typically recommend textbooks based on each student’s level and learning objectives. However, if you have a specific textbook in mind, we’re happy to discuss the possibility of integrating it into your lessons.

That being said, we rarely rely on a single resource. Most textbooks have gaps in certain areas, so we prefer to blend different materials to create a well-rounded learning experience. By combining multiple resources, we ensure that you receive comprehensive exposure to the language and maximize your progress.