From Games Towards C1: How it All Got Out of Hand
Achieving a strong B2 result in the Cambridge exam and reaching the C1 level in several areas is something I am very proud of, especially at the age of thirteen. However, this achievement did not happen overnight. It was the result of many years of exposure to English, countless experiences, and the support of people around me. Looking back, I can see that English has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember, and over the years it has become much more than just a subject in school. I am an ordinary thirteen-year-old student. My English journey did not begin with expensive lessons or special talent. It began with the opportunities my parents gave me and the experiences that made English a natural part of my life.
I was introduced to English when I was only eighteen months old. At that age, I could barely speak, yet my parents enrolled me in an English-speaking kindergarten. Looking back, I realize how important that decision was. I did not learn through grammar exercises or vocabulary lists. Instead, I learned through games, everyday conversations, and simple activities. English became something natural rather than something I had to study.
However, growing up with two languages was not always easy. At one point, Hungarian and English became mixed in my mind. I often used English words while speaking Hungarian, and sometimes I struggled to express myself clearly. This even led to speech difficulties for a period of time. Fortunately, with the support of my parents and professionals, I gradually learned to separate the two languages and become confident in both.
Travelling also played a major role in my development. From a young age, I visited many countries and cities with my family. These experiences showed me that English was much more than just a standard school subject. Whether I was ordering food, asking for directions, or communicating with people from different cultures, English became a practical tool that helped me interact with the world. Every trip increased my confidence and gave me new opportunities to use the language in real- life situations.
Another important influence was gaming. Many of the games I enjoyed didn’t have Hungarian versions, so I naturally played them in English. At first, this was simply a necessity, but over time I found myself preferring English to my native language in many situations. Games exposed me to new vocabulary, expressions, and ways of communicating. They also led me to online communities where English was the common language.
Music had a similar impact on me. Ever since I was young, I have enjoyed listening to English songs. Through music, I became familiar with different accents, pronunciations, rhythms, and speaking speeds. Without even realizing it, I was constantly improving my listening skills while doing something I genuinely loved.
One of the biggest challenges came when I entered more formal English classes. From first grade to sixth grade, German was my main foreign language at school while I was learning English in after-school classes. Because I had learned English naturally, my speaking and listening skills were often much stronger than my grammar knowledge. I could express myself quite freely, but I sometimes struggled with the technical rules of the language. At first, it was strange to focus so much on grammar, but over time I improved and became more confident in every area of English.
English has also introduced me to people who have had a significant impact on my life. Through English, I met people from all over the world, including some of my closest friends. One of them is Jasmin, who has supported me through both successes and difficult moments. Her encouragement helped me believe in myself, not only as an English speaker but as a person. Friendships like these have shown me that language is much more than communication; it is a way of building meaningful connections.
Another important source of inspiration was my older brother. He has achieved a C2 level of English, and watching his progress motivated me to continue improving. I still remember helping him prepare for his exams by testing him on vocabulary. I would read out words, and he had to explain their meanings. Even though I was younger, this gave me a glimpse of what such an advanced level looked like. Seeing what he accomplished made me believe that I could reach similar goals one day if I continued to work hard as he did.
For a long time, I believed that my English was good for my age, but I never truly understood my level. Everything changed when I took the Cambridge exam. I was extremely nervous before receiving my results. In fact, I was convinced that I might not even achieve a B2 certificate. When I finally saw that I had earned a strong B2 result and that several of my skills were approaching the C1 level, I was absolutely shocked. Even after receiving official confirmation, it was difficult to believe that I had achieved something I had doubted for so long. I was over the moon and finally realized how much progress I had made.
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful to my parents. They always wanted their children to have the opportunity to become confident in another language, and they supported me every step of the way. Without them, I would not be where I am today.
English is no longer just a foreign language to me. It is a part of who I am. It has given me confidence, friendships, opportunities, and a way to express myself when words in my native language sometimes felt out of reach. English is far more than a subject taught in school. It is a tool that allows me to express myself, connect with people, share experiences, and build friendships. It is a language in which I can laugh, joke, and communicate without feeling the pressure of being perfect all the time.
Although achieving a strong B2 result and approaching the C1- level proficiency is an important milestone, I do not see it as the end of my path. My next goal is to continue improving and eventually reach C2. No matter where this path leads me, I know that English will remain one of the greatest gifts I have ever received – a language that has shaped my life, connected with others and become one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life.
written by: Róza Orbán (7.B)
teacher: Dakhlaouiné Nagy Judit