Advanced English Discussion Group: Real Conversation for C1 & IELTS

Need to get better at group discussions in English - Join my C1 Discussion group

Build confident, exam-ready speaking skills in a supportive small group (B2–C1)


A small, guided English discussion group for B2–C1 learners who want to speak more clearly, confidently, and precisely — especially for C1 Advanced, IELTS, and professional communication.

What is the C1 Advanced Discussion Group?

Have C1 English discussion online and pass C1 Advanced and IELTS speaking

Proposed dates for Autumn 2026


Wednesday lunchtime group
Wednesdays, 12:00–13:00 UK time
12 weeks from 16 September to 2 December 2026

These dates and times are provisional. The group will run if I have at least 4 signups.

The Advanced English Discussion Group is a small, guided discussion programme for B2–C1 learners who want to speak more clearly, confidently, and precisely — for real-life communication, professional contexts, and (for those who want it) Cambridge C1 Advanced or IELTS.

It is built around conversation, critical thinking, and real-world topics.

Some sessions include activities inspired by C1 Advanced and IELTS speaking tasks, but the focus is always on natural, meaningful communication — not memorising answers or “doing exam practice”.

You do not need to be preparing for an exam to benefit from this group.

We don’t use coursebooks or artificial role-plays.

Instead, we work with real topics such as technology, work, society, culture, and values, and use them as a foundation for developing vocabulary, grammar, and natural expression.

I guide the sessions and adapt them to the group, depending on what people need. The atmosphere is supportive, focused, and discussion-led.

Bring your lunch and join me online for an hour of lively discussion in English. I’ll open the Zoom room five minutes early if you’d like to arrive, settle in and have an informal chat before we begin.

What makes these English classes different?


Practise real communication, not exam tricks

You’ll practise explaining ideas, giving examples, agreeing and disagreeing, and developing arguments — the exact skills needed at C1 level and above. Each week, you may receive short articles, videos, or prompts in advance (optional) to help you prepare ideas and activate useful vocabulary.

Preparation is always optional. Learn through interaction, not worksheets The sessions are highly interactive and personal. Your own experiences, opinions, and country perspectives matter, and you’re encouraged to bring them into the discussion.

At the same time, the group is guided by an experienced teacher, so language support is always there when it’s needed. We don’t work through grammar exercises, but we do focus on language that comes up naturally, using practical, communicative activities.

Interested in joining the Autumn discussion group?

Join the waiting list below and I’ll contact you when I have enough sign-ups to confirm the group will go ahead.

The Advanced English Discussion Group

Want to speak English more confidently and express complex ideas more clearly?
​

Join a small, supportive online discussion group for B2–C1 learners. We meet weekly to explore real-world topics such as technology, work, society, culture and current affairs.
​

You’ll:

  • Practise expressing and developing your opinions
  • Learn more precise vocabulary and natural expressions
  • Become more confident agreeing, disagreeing and responding spontaneously
  • Improve the speaking skills needed for C1 Advanced, IELTS and professional communication
  • Exchange ideas with learners from different countries and backgrounds

Groups usually have 4–8 learners, so everyone has plenty of opportunity to speak. You don’t need to be preparing for an exam — just interested in discussing ideas and improving your English.
​

Interested? Join the waiting list and I’ll let you know when a suitable group is opening. There’s no obligation to join.

​
​

Price: £250 for the full course (minimum numbers apply). Interested? Join the waiting list…

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    Built with Kit
    Come and join a small English class centred around a book.


    Have a chat with me…

    If you’re unsure whether the group is right for you, you’re very welcome to message me for a chat.

    We’ll talk about your English, your goals, and whether this format suits you.

    There’s no pressure to join.

    Contact me


    Who this discussion group is for…


    You’re around B2–C1 level

    If you’re not completely sure, that’s okay — feel free to get in touch. Some B1 and C2 learners may also enjoy this group, depending on their confidence and interests.


    You want to speak more confidently

    You’ll practise using precise vocabulary, natural expressions, and well-structured ideas — not just “getting your message across”.


    You’re preparing for C1 Advanced or IELTS (or equivalent)

    These groups help you develop the speaking skills examiners look for: clarity, flexibility, examples, and confident interaction — without the pressure of constant testing.


    You want a calm, enjoyable way to practise English

    Groups are small (usually 4–8 people), so there’s time to speak, listen, and feel comfortable — without pressure.

    You do not need to be preparing for an exam to join. Many learners take part simply because they want to speak more confidently and precisely in work, study, or international settings.


    You enjoy discussing ideas and current topics

    You like thinking about how the world works, sharing perspectives, and learning from others.


    You want to learn with other people

    The sessions include discussion, comparison, reflection, and learning from different viewpoints — not just listening to the teacher.


    What it feels like to join the group:

    A woman with long hair smiles while engaging in conversation with another person at a cozy café setting.

    Think of this as a weekly space where you practise real English in a thoughtful, supportive, and motivating environment.

    You’ll gradually feel more confident expressing complex ideas, giving examples, and responding naturally in conversation.

    Warm-up conversations—get to know each other and make friends

    Guided discussions — share ideas, opinions, and different perspectives

    Vocabulary and expression work — learn better ways to say what you mean

    Exam-informed speaking practice — useful for C1 and IELTS, without pressure

    Time to reflect and improve — notice progress and build confidence week by week

    ” I believe people improve their English most when they’re talking about things that matter to them — when they’re trying to connect, understand each other, and share ideas. Language develops naturally when communication feels real.”

    — MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

    What happens in the first session?

    The first session is about getting comfortable and getting to know each other. We don’t start with tests, exercises, or being put on the spot. Instead, there’s time to settle in, chat a little, and ease into speaking English in a relaxed way.

    You’ll start by working in pairs, not speaking to the whole group. This makes it easier to talk and takes the pressure off. After that, you’ll introduce your partner to the group, sharing only what they’re happy for you to share. Listening is just as important as speaking, and everyone takes part in their own way.

    I use the first session to listen and understand how people use English, what feels comfortable, and what support might be helpful. This isn’t about judging or correcting every sentence — it’s about understanding the group so I can guide the sessions in a way that suits everyone.

    If speaking in groups makes you anxious, you’re very welcome to ask for the questions in advance so you can prepare. Many people find this helps them feel more confident and relaxed in the session.

    What topics we talk about in the group


    In the Advanced English Discussion Group, we explore a wide range of real-world topics to help you develop confident, natural spoken English for C1 Advanced, IELTS, and everyday professional communication.

    Topics change each cycle, but often include:

    We don’t start with tests, presentations, or being put on the spot.

    • Technology and AI in everyday life and work
    • Careers, the future of jobs, and work–life balance
    • Education, learning, and personal development
    • Cities, housing, and quality of life
    • Politics, democracy, and global affairs
    • Environment, climate change, and sustainability
    • Media, misinformation, and digital culture
    • Personal values, culture, and social expectations

    Each theme is used as a starting point for developing vocabulary, expressing opinions, giving examples, and responding spontaneously in English.

    I regularly update and refresh discussion themes based on current events, global trends, and new directions in Cambridge and IELTS exams. This means you’ll often practise talking about emerging topics that may appear in future exams — sometimes before they become “standard” exam themes.

    Returning learners will always find new questions, fresh perspectives, and different angles, even when broad themes repeat.

    Who am I?

    I’m Heather — an English teacher specialising in advanced learners, exam preparation, and professional communication.

    I’ve helped hundreds of adults improve their English through thoughtful, practical, and human-centred teaching.

    I created these discussion groups for learners who want to think deeply, communicate clearly, and grow in confidence — not just “pass a test”.

    Heather Hughes - English teacher specialising in Englsh for IELTS and Cambridge, for job seekers and workers, and also for academic purposes. Oh and for reading and literature too!
    More about me

    FAQs

    Questions you might have about the Advanced English Discussion Group

    Many people worry about this — it’s completely normal.

    I create balanced groups and structure sessions so that everyone can participate and learn, whatever their strengths. You won’t be expected to “perform” or compete with others.

    If you’re unsure of your level, you’re very welcome to book a short chat first so we can check that the group feels like a good fit.

    You’ll never be forced to speak before you feel ready.

    We start in pairs or small groups, and everyone takes part in their own way. Many quieter learners find that their confidence grows naturally over time.

    You’re also welcome to ask for questions in advance if that helps you feel more relaxed.

    That’s very common in mixed groups.

    Confidence and language level are not the same thing. Some quieter learners are very strong linguistically, and some confident speakers are still developing accuracy.

    The group is designed so everyone benefits.

    I listen carefully to how everyone speaks and regularly give general feedback on vocabulary, grammar, and expression — both during sessions and also more personalised feedback if you would like this, at appropriate moments afterwards.

    You won’t be lost in the group.

    Life happens — it’s not a problem.

    You won’t be penalised, and you can simply rejoin the next session. I’ll help you feel included again when you return.

    Each lesson covers a separate discussion topic, so you won’t be lost. I’m happy to give you any notes from missed sessions.

    However, I can’t give refunds for missed classes, as I’ve already reserved the slot for you, and I need a minimum number of students to make the group viable to run.

    No.

    The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We talk about meaningful topics, but in a natural, human way — not like a university seminar.

    You’ll work hard at your English, but you’ll also enjoy it.

    One woman with curly hair smiling at another person in a green shirt, blurred in the foreground.
    A man in a light blue shirt animatedly converses with another person, focusing on a cup of coffee in a bright, contemporary office setting.

    Group discussions give you something one-to-one lessons can’t: real interaction with different speakers, accents, ideas, and communication styles.

    Many learners combine group sessions with occasional private lessons for the best balance.

    I want people in the group who genuinely want to be there.

    If you feel it’s not a good fit, you’re welcome to talk to me about it and we’ll find a fair solution.

    Small. I usually run groups with between 4 and 8 people, with an absolute upper limit of 10. This keeps discussions calm, inclusive, and personal.

    Online, live, and interactive. You’ll need a stable internet connection and a quiet space. Headphones are recommended for the best experience.

    Before the lesson, you’ll receive either an article or a video to watch, with pre-lesson questions to think about.

    We’ll use the reading and the video as a basis for our discussion. If you don’t do the reading or watch the video, you’ll still be able to take part in the lesson, but the pre-lesson activities are designed to help you.

    Register your interest first. When I have enough people to create the group, I’ll contact you. If you’re new, we normally have a short one-to-one to check your level and that the group is right for you, and then I’ll send you an invoice. Payment is possible via Revolut, Wise, or Stripe.

    Each course runs for 12 weeks, with a different discussion focus each week.

    The first session is about getting to know each other, what topics interest you and for me to check the level of the group.

    The last class will focus on any language issues that came up and will usually also include additional topics for discussion.

    This gives you time to build confidence, develop relationships in the group, and see real progress.

    Many learners choose to continue for another cycle with new topics and questions.

    No. This is a discussion-based programme focused on real communication.

    Some activities are inspired by Cambridge C1 Advanced and IELTS speaking tasks, but the main aim is to help you speak more confidently, clearly, and naturally in real situations.

    You do not need to be preparing for an exam to join.

    Many learners find that their exam performance improves as a result.

    If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to have a free 25-minute chat with me first to talk it through and decide if we’re a good fit.

    This isn’t a lesson or a test. As the classes are really small (4 to 8 people), payment needs to be made upfront so I can plan and run the classes properly.

    The group needs at least four participants to go ahead. You won’t be asked to pay until I have enough people to confirm the group.

    If the minimum number isn’t reached, I’ll let you know and keep you on the waiting list for a future group or a different day and time. There’s no commitment and you won’t be charged.

    Please still register your interest.

    Even if a course is already running, I use the waiting list to plan future groups, and I can add new days and times when enough people are interested.

    Registering doesn’t commit you to anything — it just helps me organise groups that suit people’s schedules.

    You don’t need to be an expert on any topic. In many cases, just talking about your own life and experiences, is just perfect for these classes.

    The sessions are designed so that everyone can take part using their own experiences, opinions, and everyday knowledge. There is always more than one way to respond, and there are no “right” answers.

    Optional preparation materials are provided when useful, and you’re welcome to prepare if that helps you feel more confident — but it’s never required.

    What matters most is being willing to think, listen, and communicate in English.

    A person taking notes on a clipboard while engaged in a video call on a laptop.

    Check out

    My Blog