How to get fluent, with Dr Popkins

How to learn a foreign language. Methods, matrials and stories to help you maximise your effectiveness on the road to fluency

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In-depth explorations, actionable tips and inspiring conversations for language learners who REALLY want to get fluent…..plus a little bit of fun along the way.

TRKI Fourth Certificate: the fullest “how to” candidate interview yet

By Dr Popkins Leave a Comment

I'm delighted to present the latest in Howtogetfluent's well-established series of interviews with successful candidates for the most advanced Russian exam, the TRKI 4th Certificate. The Тест по русскому языку как иностранному Четвертый сертификационный уровень (ТРКИ-4), as it’s known in Russian, is the top exam for Russian as a foreign language. The exam … [Read more...]

The most advanced Russian exam? Guy aces the TRKI 4th certificate (interview)

By Dr Popkins 2 Comments

Here's the latest a series of interviews with successful candidates for the most advanced Russian exam, the TRKI 4th Certificate. The Тест по русскому языку как иностранному Четвертый сертификационный уровень (ТРКИ-4), as it's known in Russian, is the top exam for Russian as a foreign language. The exam guidelines are set by the Russian Ministry of Education.  The level is … [Read more...]

Russian language exams: a guide

By Dr Popkins 11 Comments

In this overview guide to Russian language exams for foreigners, I’ll show you the Russian language exams available for adult independent learners and give you some practical information as to how to go about taking one. You may need a Russian exam as a prerequisite to matriculation at a Russian university. Maybe you want to live and work in the Russian Federation or … [Read more...]

“Dr Popkins Method?” Keeping going at language learning

By Dr Popkins 2 Comments

If your methods are good, or even just ok, keeping going at language learning may be the most important ingredient of all when you want to get fluent.  ln a recent post, I looked at the things that fill me with enthusiasm about learning a language.  But what about when enthusiasm starts to wane?  It's time to move from language learning carrots to things that may work more like … [Read more...]

The TRKI 4 advanced Russian exam: successful candidate interview (2)

By Dr Popkins 4 Comments

The TRKI 4th Certificate or Тест по русскому языку как иностранному Четвертый сертификационный уровень (ТРКИ 4) is  the top official Russian as a foreign language. My earlier interview with Daria, a successful TRKI4 candidate from Poland, provided some scarce first-hand information about an exam that is seemingly shrouded in mystery and rumoured to be fiendishly difficult.  I'm … [Read more...]

Which German language certificate is best?

By Dr Popkins 26 Comments

You want to know what's the best German language exam for you in 2023? Read on! This post lifts the lid on the range of German as a foreign language proficiency certification options. You'll find essential info on each to help you choose the right exam. You may need a German language certficiate as a prerequisite to matriculation at a German university. Maybe you want to live … [Read more...]

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