What are the levels of knowledge of English. English language levels according to international classifications
To more accurately track progress in the study of foreign languages, a certain system has been invented. This article will discuss what constitutes the B2 level (the level of English is above average).
English language proficiency levels
There is a common European scale by which the level of proficiency in a foreign language is assessed. The English name is the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This is a certain system of standards that allows you to determine Conditionally knowledge of the language is divided into 6 levels: from A1 to C2. Each of these levels also corresponds to certain indicators of other assessment systems. This table shows the ratio of language proficiency levels in various assessment systems.
| CEFR | IH Level | IELTS | TOEFL | Cambridge Examination |
| A1 | beginner | |||
| A2 | Elementary | |||
B1 | Pre-Intermediate | 3.5 - 4.0 | 32 - 42 | KET |
| intermediate | 4.5 - 5.0 | 42 - 62 | PET | |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | 5.5 - 6.0 | 63 - 92 | FCE |
| C1 | Advanced | 6.5 - 7.0 | 93 - 112 | CAE |
| C2 | Proficiency | 7.5 - 9.0 | 113 + | CPE |
When can I start learning English at the Upper-Intermediate level?
The division between the levels of knowledge of any foreign language is very arbitrary, but there are certain indicators by which you can determine the current progress.
English proficiency levels B2 - C1 correspond to practically fluent written and oral speech. A higher level involves an understanding of terminology in various highly specialized areas, the ability to speak on serious topics, conduct business negotiations and read classical literature in the original. It is difficult to establish clear demarcations between the levels of knowledge. But, before deciding to overcome the level of English proficiency B2, you need to make sure that you are fluent in reading B1 literature, as well as being fluent in the basic rules of grammar, can more or less speak fluently in the target language, read the press and modern entertainment literature. And although there are still unfamiliar words, this does not affect the general understanding of the text, you catch the meaning and understand what is being said.
According to such a system, the linguistic skills of a student studying any foreign language, including English, are evaluated. Level B2, which means "advanced stage", is above average, but at this stage there may still be some shortcomings that require further elaboration.
Knowledge of grammar rules
Of course, grammar occupies an important place in the study of any foreign language. The following are the main key topics, knowledge of which is necessary at the Upper-Intermediate level.
- Time. B2 - the level of English at which you are already fluent in all aspects and clearly understand in which case it is necessary to use Simple, Continuous, Perfect or Perfect Continuous. In addition, you know the table of irregular verbs and put it into practice.
- Understand usage (Active voice).
- You can convert direct speech into indirect speech.
- Know and use modal verbs, understanding the subtle differences between words like may, might, can, ought,
- You know impersonal forms of the verb: participle, infinitive and gerund.
vocabulary
Considering that a good knowledge of grammar rules is already achieved at the B1 level, the B2 level of English involves the development of other skills: fluency, listening, reading literature and, of course, increasing vocabulary. At this level, attention should be paid not only to individual words, but also phraseological units, phrasal verbs and more complex structures.
One of the most common mistakes in learning any foreign language is the desire to memorize separate lists of words without subsequently using them in your written and oral speech.
Any new words and phrases should be included in your speech. Those lexical units that are not used will soon be simply forgotten. When reading, write down unfamiliar words and try to make sentences, dialogues, stories or articles with them.
First of all, you should learn those foreign words, the equivalents of which you use in everyday life, talking about yourself, your interests, hobbies, work, goals, relatives and friends. Another common mistake is trying to memorize lists of words, most of which you probably don't have to use often.
One of the best ways is to keep a diary. From the point of view of replenishing the vocabulary, this method is useful in that you learn to use the vocabulary that is directly related to your life. By daily writing down your own observations, events, goals and dreams, you use exactly the same words that you use in your native speech.
Idioms and phraseological units
B2 - level of English, which assumes that you know not only simple words and constructions, but also understand and know how to use a number of idioms. These are speech turns that are peculiar only to this language and do not have a literal translation. The meaning of these phraseological units is conveyed by equivalent phrases acceptable for the target language.
Knowing these set expressions will help make speech more figurative and colorful. The table shows only a small part of all possible phraseological units. You can make your own list of phrases that you will later include in your speech.
Phrasal verbs
In English, there is such a thing as phrasal verbs. Most often, this is a combination of a verb with a preposition or adverb, in connection with which the meaning of the original word changes. These are peculiar stable phrases that do not obey any rules, exist only as indivisible semantic units and carry a semantic load only in this form.
- be about - to be nearby;
- be after - achieve something;
- be back - return;
- break out - suddenly start, break out;
- bring up - bring up;
- call for - call for someone;
- clear up - put in order;
- come about - happen;
- come across - meet unexpectedly;
- look for - look for.
Phrasal verbs are very common in English. However, they are mostly used in everyday speech.
Expanding vocabulary with synonyms
Try to replace frequently used words with synonyms. This will help to make the speech more refined, beautiful and refined.
| Word | Synonyms |
| beautiful (beautiful, beautiful) |
|
| ugly (ugly, ugly) |
|
| happy (happy) |
|
| unhappy (unhappy) |
|
Reading
There is a special adapted literature designed to gradually progress from the initial level (A1) to the advanced level (C2).
These are mostly works of art by well-known authors. The books are adapted in such a way that a certain set of grammatical structures and vocabulary corresponds to a specific level of foreign language proficiency. The best way to understand where you are right now is to read two or three pages and count the number of unfamiliar words. If you come across no more than 20-25 new lexical items, then you are quite ready to start reading this book. To get the most out of the reading process, it is advisable to write down all unfamiliar words and phrases, and then work on them further. That is, include them in your vocabulary when compiling stories, dialogues, keeping a diary and writing essays. Otherwise, the vocabulary is quickly forgotten. You can move on to the next level when you feel that work at this level is becoming boring, and there are practically no new lexical units.
However, level B2 is the level of English, which allows you to read not only lightweight books, but also entertaining literature by modern authors, newspapers, and magazines.
Hearing comprehension
Like reading literature, there are quite a few adapted audiobooks. If you are still experiencing some difficulty in listening, you can start with the manuals corresponding to a lower level. For example, if your grammar and vocabulary are around B1 level, but you have difficulty understanding English by ear, take A2 level books in audio format. Over time, you will get used to foreign speech.
A few tips:
- Listen to a chapter of a book without first reading the text. Understand, determine that you managed to understand how acceptable this rate of speech is for you, how many unfamiliar words.
- Write down from memory what you learned.
- Listen again.
- Read the text, write down unfamiliar words and determine their meaning in a dictionary.
- Turn recording back on.
Such a study will help you get used to English speech in the shortest possible time and increase your level of knowledge.
Levels of knowledge of English B2 - C1 allow you to expand opportunities. For a change, you can include films and series in your training. It is advisable to find films with subtitles. However, it is undesirable to use the language learning method by watching movies with subtitles for a long period of time. Otherwise, you will get used to reading the text, and not listening to the speech of the actors.
This is one of the best methods to help you learn English. Level B2 is quite sufficient for watching entertainment shows and series.
Development of written language
In order to learn how to write fluently in the target language, you need to devote time to this lesson every day. Only regular work will help you begin to speak English more fluently. Choose the most suitable method for you. This can be writing stories, essays, keeping a diary or blog, communicating on social networks. Try to enrich your vocabulary daily, including new expressions and constructions. B2 - the level of English, which corresponds to the level above the average, which means that you must have the following skills:
- you know how to build not only simple, but also complex and complex sentences;
- use different designs
- use set expressions, idioms, phrasal verbs;
- you can write an essay, story or article on a topic familiar to you;
- you communicate quite freely with native English speakers, discussing everyday issues.
Oral speech
Upper-Intermediate or B2 - the level of English corresponds to almost fluency in oral speech, provided that you discuss simple everyday topics.
The best way to improve your speaking skills is to communicate with a native English speaker. Levels of knowledge of English B2 - C1 already allow you to communicate quite freely on everyday topics with English speakers. The easiest way is to find friends on social networks or language exchange sites. However, if this is not possible, alternative methods can be applied:
- briefly retell the books you read, the TV shows or movies you watched;
- try to describe everything you see: the landscape outside the window, the picture, various objects;
- make a list of questions, then try to give a detailed answer to each of them.
It is very difficult to establish a clear distinction between the levels of foreign language proficiency. However, this article will allow you to form a general idea and give approximate answers to questions about what English B2 is, what level it is and what knowledge you need to have at this stage of training.
Learning English is like baking a cake. It doesn't always work the first time. Some do not get the cream; the latter cannot choose the right temperature for baking, so the biscuit often burns out in the process; and still others are just picking up the very right recipe. But no matter how long it takes, and no matter what methods are chosen, all these people are united by one goal - to bake a delicious cake.
Advanced level is not a crumbly dough or a layer of fresh fruit, but a sweet scarlet cherry with a slight sourness that appears on top of the cake at the last stage of preparation. Therefore, today we will discuss the last cherry-pick called Advanced (the highest level of English).
| LEVEL | Description | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | You don't speak English | ;) |
| Elementary | You can say and understand some words and phrases in English | A1 |
| Pre-Intermediate | You can communicate in "plain" English and understand the interlocutor in a familiar situation, but with difficulty | A2 |
| intermediate | You can speak and understand speech quite well. Express your thoughts in simple sentences but have difficulty with more complex grammar and vocabulary | B1 |
| Upper Intermediate | You speak and understand English well by ear, but still make mistakes | B2 |
| Advanced | You speak English fluently and have a complete listening comprehension | C1 |
| Proficiency | You speak English at the level of a native speaker | C2 |
Advanced is what level?
Knowledge of English at the Advanced level or C1 level means a high level of language proficiency, where the smoothness and ease of using it in live speech is already directly manifested.
Quite often, newcomers to English interchange two concepts: “Advanced” and “Proficiency”. In fact, these are 2 completely different levels of knowledge of the English language. The level of "Proficiency" (from the word "professional" - a professional, a specialist with extensive experience) or C2 stands head and shoulders above "Advanced", as it is equated to the lexical and grammatical amount of information that native speakers themselves own.
While “Advanced”, although it is considered a step below, the student will not have problems with expressing a point of view on any topic and understanding native speech by ear.
By the way, you can check your level of English proficiency on our website: a comprehensive test in English.
| Skill | your knowledge |
| Reading | You understand most of the information in articles and letters on technical and academic topics. You are familiar with a wide range of texts and understand the hidden meaning behind them. You can read non-adapted modern English-language literature. You can read unadapted classical English-language literature with occasional help from a dictionary. |
| Letter | You can create clear, well-structured, detailed text on controversial and debatable topics, while understanding the intricacies of using templates to distribute key information in the text. You know how and where to use a variety of introductory words and understand their style. You can write a letter of any complexity, subject and style: formal, semi-formal, informal. |
| Listening | You understand 90-95% of native British and American conversations. You understand the speech of natives with defects or poor quality. |
| speaking | You can use English fluently and spontaneously in a variety of situations and use a wide range of antonyms, synonyms and set phrases. You can use English flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. |
| Vocabulary | Your vocabulary is 4000-6000 English words. |
The Advanced level program includes the study of the following topics.
| Grammar Topics | Lexical Topics |
| - Temporal forms of the active and passive voice of the present and past tenses and the nuances of their use depending on the implicit meaning. - Indicators of the future tense: "will" / "be going to + infinitive" / "shall" / "Present Tenses" / "Future Continuous" / "Future Perfect" / "Future Perfect Continuous" / "be to + infinitive" / " Future in the past (future in the past with "would")". - Repetition of modal verbs and their equivalent variations: / "can & could" / "may & could & might" / "will & would" / "must" / "don "t need to & needn" t & don "t have to » / «ought to & should» / «dare & need» / «had better» / «be allowed to» / «be supposed to». - Other English verbs with a modal meaning: "have succeeded in" / "be required to" / "manage to" / "be prepared to" / "have refused to" / "it follows that". - Modal verbs with present participle (Participle I) and past participle (Participle II) tense. - Attributive forms in English and their types (e.g.: pink color). - Countable and uncountable nouns, exceptions to the rules. - Stylistic devices for using definite, indefinite and zero articles. - Words: "no" / "none" / "not a" / "not any" / "much" / "many" / "a lot of" / "lots of" / "all" / "both" / "whole " / "every" / "each" / "(a) few" / "(a) little" / "fewer (than)" / "much, many, both, all, each, none, few, little + of" . - The position of adjectives and adverbs in the sentence: "quite" / "rather" / "already" / "yet" / "still" / "even" / "only" / "really". - Word order of the verb with other parts of the sentence. - Variations of English verb forms. - Complex and compound sentences. - Conditional sentences and other conditional expressions: "if ... not and unless" / "even if and even so" / "if only and wish" / "so long as" / "as long as" / "provided (that) » / «providing (that)» / «in the event of» / «on condition that» / «supposing» / «in case of» / «otherwise» / «but for». - Sentences with turns: "whether" / "if". - Use of a substitute in a sentence. - The place of prepositions in phrasal verbs and expressions. |
- Powerful emotions. - Meaning of life. - Growing up and a quarter-life crisis. - Memory and historical events. - Fashion and art. - Life in another country. - Gender differences. - Types of tourism. - Voting right. - Forward to the future. - Work and discrimination. - Modern problems of society. - Bad behavior and crime. - Urbanization and megacities. - Globalization and ecology. - Types of escapism. - Diseases of the twenty-first century. - Science and advanced technologies. |
What does the Advanced English course include?
Imagine that when you first start the course at the Advanced level, you have a rough diamond in your hands. And in order for it to sparkle with all the colors of the rainbow, you first need to work on its four main faces. First, the cryptic grammar, replete with exceptions to the rules. Secondly, vocabulary, the potential of which sometimes seems inexhaustible. Thirdly, the test of the pen, namely all kinds and types of written works in the language. And, finally, fourthly, therefore, the most difficult grammatically correct use of the English vocabulary in live speech.
At the end of the course you will be able to:
- concisely express thoughts in any situation in English;
- understand the implicit meaning of idioms, phraseological units and use them in speech;
- engage in polemical English-language discussions on pressing topics;
- cope with a large volume of listening, paying attention to details;
- write complex texts using a rich vocabulary and grammatical phrases.
Term of study at the Advanced level
As we mentioned earlier, there are only six steps in the CEFR system (criteria for determining the level of English): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. At the moment we are at the fifth level C1. Accordingly, in order to fully master it, starting from Beginner, you will have to spend a little, a lot, about two and a half years (2 lessons with a teacher per week). If the level is higher, then it will take less time. Keep in mind that the duration of English language training is made up of many factors. An important role, of course, is played by the desire of the student himself. However, the Russian-speaking environment, which does not involve the frequent use of English, also has its effect. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to practice English while in an English-speaking country or with a native, then go for it.
Many people think that "Advanced" is a kind of finish that has been reached, and now you can do nothing. This is not entirely true. Language is a capricious thing, therefore, so that the skill does not disappear, it constantly needs to be constantly fed. So that you know how to do this, now we will talk about the main points (more information is located):
- pay special attention to popular and modern set phrases that you yourself would like to use 200% in speech;
- expand your vocabulary by watching movies and reading books;
- do not be lazy and look into the dictionary to find the right translation based on the context;
- communicate more in English with natives, here classes with a native speaker via Skype or conversation clubs will come in handy;
- spend time on grammar, if you feel that there is a gap or questions somewhere, be sure to study this aspect with the teacher, and then feel free to start enriching the language with new rules.
Conclusion
Advanced (C1) is exactly the level to which you should strive. At this level, it is advisable to take a high bar in order to pass one of the international exams - CAE (a test for a high degree of English proficiency) and apply for a highly paid position, both in your native country and abroad. Don't forget that even after reaching "Advanced", the most important thing is to maintain this level, because "Proficiency" is already a stone's throw away!
Quite often on the forums devoted to the study of foreign languages, there are questions about the levels of English proficiency - “How to understand if I have Beginner or Elementary?”, “What you need to know to start with Pre-Intermediate?”, “How to correctly indicate the level of language proficiency on a resume? or “I once studied English at school, do I have an Intermediate?”. In order to avoid problems with your English, you need not only to choose the right school, but also to understand well at what level you should start learning the language. Let's try to figure it out together. Shall we?
English Proficiency Levels
If you have at least once been interested in the levels of knowledge of English, you may get the impression that there is complete confusion here. But actually it is not. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was specifically designed to describe levels of English proficiency and is an international standard. Consists of the following levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
And what then to do with the levels of Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate and Advanced, so well known to us and native from school? And besides, these names can be found with various additional words, such as False, Low, Very, etc. Why all these difficulties? We explain. This classification was invented by the creators of basic textbooks such as "Headway", "Cutting Edge", "Opportunities". What for? These levels divide the CEFR scale into sections for better language acquisition. And it is this division of levels that schools and language courses usually focus on.
You can't do without the help of a pivot table. We suggest that you carefully consider which widely known levels of English proficiency correspond to those on the CEFR scale.
| LEVEL | Description | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | You don't speak English | ;) |
| Elementary | You can say and understand some words and phrases in English | A1 |
| Pre-Intermediate | You can communicate in "plain" English and understand the interlocutor in a familiar situation, but with difficulty | A2 |
| intermediate | You can speak and understand speech quite well. Express your thoughts in simple sentences but have difficulty with more complex grammar and vocabulary | B1 |
| Upper Intermediate | You speak and understand English well by ear, but still make mistakes | B2 |
| Advanced | You speak English fluently and have a complete listening comprehension | C1 |
| Proficiency | You speak English at the level of a native speaker | C2 |
Two words about False, Low, Very and other prefixes to standard level names. Sometimes you can find such formulations as False Beginner, Low Intermediate or Very Advanced, etc. This can be called division into sublevels. For example, the False Beginner level corresponds to a person who previously studied English, but for a very short time, who remembers practically nothing. Such a person will take less time to complete the beginner's course and move to the next level, so he cannot be called a complete Beginner. A similar story with Low Intermediate and Very Advanced. In the first case, a person has already completed the full Pre-Intermediate course and began to study Intermediate, while mastering and using only a few grammatical structures and vocabulary of this level in speech. An English speaker with a Very Advanced level is already halfway to the coveted Proficiency. Well, you get the gist.
Now let's look at the specific skills and abilities of English learners at different levels.
Level of English Beginner, aka Starter
Initial, zero level. This course begins with a phonetic course and mastering the rules of reading. Vocabulary is studied, which makes it possible to communicate on everyday topics (“Acquaintance”, “Family”, “Work”, “Leisure”, “In the store”), and also understands basic grammar.
After completing the Beginner course:
- Vocabulary is about 500-600 words.
- Listening comprehension: phrases and sentences spoken slowly, with pauses, very clearly (for example, simple questions and instructions).
- Conversational speech: you can talk about yourself, your family, friends.
- Reading: simple texts with familiar words and previously encountered phrases, as well as studied grammar, simple instructions (for example, an assignment for an exercise).
- Writing: single words, simple sentences, fill out a questionnaire, write short descriptions.
English level Elementary
A basic level of. A student of this level has all the basic skills of the English language. We study such everyday topics as: "Family", "Rest", "Travel", "Transport", "Health".
After completing the Elementary course:
- Vocabulary is about 1000-1300 words.
- Listening comprehension: sentences that relate to the most common topics. When listening to the news, watching movies, there is an understanding of a common theme or plot, especially with visual support.
- Colloquial speech: expression of opinion, requests provided that the context is familiar. When greeting and parting, talking on the phone, etc. "blanks" are used.
- Reading: short texts with a small amount of unfamiliar vocabulary, announcements and signs.
- Writing: Describing people and events, writing simple letters using familiar clichés.
English level Pre-Intermediate
Speaking level. A listener who is confident in everyday vocabulary and basic grammar is able to express opinions on everyday topics.
After completing the Pre-Intermediate course:
- Vocabulary has 1400-1800 words.
- Listening comprehension: a dialogue or monologue on everyday topics, when viewing, for example, the news, you can catch all the key points. When watching movies, a listener of this level may not understand certain phrases and sentences, but follows the plot. Understands movies with subtitles well.
- Conversation: you can evaluate and express your opinion on an event, maintain a fairly long conversation on familiar topics ("Art", "Appearance", "Personality", "Movies", "Entertainment", etc.).
- Reading: complex texts, including journalistic articles.
- Writing: a written expression of one's opinion or assessment of the situation, compiling one's biography, describing events.
English Intermediate level
Middle level. The listener is fluent in the language and can use it in a variety of situations. Usually the Intermediate level is enough to work in a foreign company. A person who speaks English at the level of English Intermediate can conduct negotiations and business correspondence in English, arrange presentations.
After completing the Intermediate course:
- Vocabulary of a listener of this level is about 2000-2500 words.
- Listening comprehension: captures not only the general meaning, but also specific details, understands films, interviews, videos without translation and subtitles.
- Colloquial speech: expresses a point of view, one’s agreement / disagreement on almost any non-isolated topic. Can take an active part in discussions or discussions on non-specific topics without preparation.
- Reading: understands complex texts that are not related to familiar topics and areas of life, non-adapted literature. Can understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context (fiction, information sites, dictionary entries).
- Writing: Can compose a letter in a formal and informal style, proficient in written English, can write lengthy descriptions of events and history, and provide personal commentary.
English Upper-Intermediate level
The level is above average. An Upper-Intermediate level listener knows and skillfully uses complex grammatical structures and a variety of vocabulary.
After completing the Upper-Intermediate course:
- Vocabulary has 3000-4000 words.
- Listening comprehension: well understands even linguistically complex speech on unfamiliar topics, almost completely understands videos without translation and subtitles.
- Spoken language: can freely evaluate any situations, make comparisons or contrasts, uses different speech styles.
- The conversation is both formal and informal. Speaks competently with a small number of errors, can catch and correct his mistakes.
- Reading: possesses a large vocabulary for understanding non-adapted English texts.
- Writing: can independently write an article, formal and informal letters. Can know and use different styles when creating written text.
English Advanced level
Advanced level. Advanced students are very confident in English and make only minor mistakes in speech, which in no way affect the effectiveness of communication. Students of this level can study special disciplines in English.
After completing the Advanced course:
- Vocabulary is about 4000-6000 words.
- Listening comprehension: understands indistinct speech (for example, announcements at the station or at the airport), perceives complex information in detail (for example, reports or lectures). Understands up to 95% of the information on the video without translation.
- Spoken language: uses English very effectively for spontaneous communication, uses colloquial and formal communication style depending on the speech situation. Uses phraseological units and idioms in speech.
- Reading: easily understands non-adapted fiction and non-fiction, complex articles on specific topics (physics, geography, etc.)
- Writing: can write formal and informal letters, narratives, articles, essays, scientific papers.
English Proficiency Level
Fluency in English. The last level of the CEFR C2 classification describes a person who speaks English at the level of an educated native speaker. The only problems that such a person can face are problems of a cultural nature. A person may, for example, not understand a quote if it refers to some popular program or book that is known to almost all native speakers, but may be unknown to a person who did not grow up in the environment.
Conclusion
It should be remembered that the level of language proficiency is assessed by the totality of skills and there is no universal recipe for achieving one or another level. You can't say, "You should learn 500 more words or 2 grammar topics and voila - you're already at the next level."
By the way, you can check your level of English proficiency on our website: a comprehensive test in English.
There are a great many ways to achieve this or that level - these are all kinds of courses and language schools, tutors, tutorials, mailing lists, online lessons, and of course English via Skype. Which of them to go - you choose. The main thing is that it should be useful.
There are also many additional services to improve the language. These are social networks created specifically for learning foreign languages, and various discussion clubs, and resources that provide films with and without subtitles in the original language, audio recordings, adapted and non-adapted literature. About all these aids and how exactly and at what levels to use them, you can find in the blog on our website. Stay tuned for new articles.
By the way, while you are reading this article, 700 million people around the world are learning English. Join now!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Determine the level on the website of our school by completing the author's English proficiency test →
From many people you often hear the phrase: "My friend (brother, wife, etc.) is fluent in English." But, firstly, the concept of perfection is different for everyone, and secondly, a variety of tests will help you find out how perfect you really are in this matter. Determining the level of English- this is where the study begins or continues. It is necessary to determine the level of the language, if only to find out how far you have progressed in this process. In addition, this will be needed if you decide to teach, so that the teacher can understand where to start learning.
How to determine the level of English proficiency
- beginner
- Elementary
- Pre-Intermediate
- intermediate
- Upper Intermediate
- Advanced
So, the definition of the level of English begins with the level of " beginner ", or zero. This is exactly the level that those who have never studied English have. This is the level that will give you an idea of the English language and equip you with basic knowledge. By the way, many course teachers determine exactly how long it will take you to master English. If you hear exact dates, leave immediately. To master a language means to grasp the immensity. You can master the language to some extent, but you cannot acquire something that is beyond your control - a living organism. After all, language is a living organism that is constantly growing, constantly changing.
Elementary - you can explain yourself on the most elementary topics, but, alas, with little. If you got this level in testing after many months of study, do not despair. There is a rule - spent little - received little! And if this level is a reward, then you are approaching the next level ...
There are certain difficulties with determining the level of English Pre-Intermediate . Like everything in the world, this level is relative. The reason for this is that the line between this level and the next is too thin, but, nevertheless, it is believed that students at this level should not only use English adequately in familiar situations, but should not get lost in unfamiliar ones.
intermediate . You can understand English speech and communicate effectively in life situations, yet sometimes have difficulty doing so.
Upper Intermediate . You will be able to use English more or less successfully in different situations. This level of knowledge is for those who expect to start working or studying abroad.
Level Advanced involves the use of English almost to the same extent as Russian, but sometimes with minor errors.
On our site you can determine your level of language proficiency by passing the following tests:
- A comprehensive test to determine the level of English on the website of our school
Any experienced teacher will tell you that before you start learning a foreign language, you need to determine your level.
This is necessary, first of all, in order not to waste too much time on already familiar material, but to immediately move on in mastering the language. Everyone knows that there is no “ultimate” level of English proficiency unless you live in a language environment.
Any language is a living organism that is constantly changing over time, new words are added to it, and some words, on the contrary, become obsolete. Even grammar rules change. What was considered indisputable 15-20 years ago may no longer be relevant in modern grammar.
That is why the knowledge of a foreign language is never completely complete. Any knowledge requires constant practice. Otherwise, the level you have reached is quickly lost.
What is the "level of knowledge of the English language"?
But what is it, and what are the levels of knowledge of the English language? Let's figure it out.
The level of knowledge is understood as the degree of proficiency in four aspects of languages: speaking, reading and understanding texts, listening to information and writing. In addition, this includes knowledge of grammar and vocabulary and the ability to correctly use lexical and grammatical units in speech.
Testing for the level of English proficiency is usually carried out in one form or another, wherever you go to study the language. On any training site, in courses, in private classes with a teacher - everywhere, before determining further actions and selecting the necessary training materials, you will be tested for the level of knowledge. Moreover, these levels are very conditional, their boundaries are blurred, the names and number of levels differ in different sources, but, of course, there are common features in all types of classifications.
In this article, we will present the levels of English on the international scale, comparing it with the British version of the classification.
English Proficiency Levels
There are two main classifications of English proficiency levels.
The first belongs British Council is an international organization that provides assistance in learning the language and in establishing intercultural communication. This distribution of competencies in language could be found most often in textbooks produced at Cambridge and Oxford.
The second and main one is called CEFR or The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is translated into Russian as "The Common European Scale of Language Competence". It was created by the Council of Europe in the second half of the 90s.
Below is CEFR:
The gradation of English levels in the table differs from the British version in the following:
- the British Council does not have a designation for Pre-Intermediate as such, it is at the A2/B1 junction;
- there is everything here 6 levels of English: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2;
- the first two levels are elementary, the second two are sufficient, the last two are considered levels of fluency in the language.
Correspondence table of levels for different assessment systems
International exams
To obtain a place in a foreign university, to work abroad or to successfully find employment in Russia, certain certificates are required. Consider two of the most popular and well-known of them.
TOEFL exam
Upon successful completion, you can enroll in educational institutions in the United States and Canada. The certificate of completion is valid in 150 countries for 2 years. There are several versions of the test - paper, computer, Internet version. All types of skills are tested - writing and speaking, reading and listening.
The main feature is that it is impossible not to pass it, the student who completed the tasks still receives some score that corresponds to a certain level:
- 0-39 in the Internet version and 310-434 in the paper version shows the degree of knowledge of English on the bar A1 or "Beginner".
- When getting a result in the range 40-56 (433-486) you can be sure - you have Elementary (A2), that is, basic English.
- Intermediate (translated as "intermediate, transitional") - these are TOEFL scores in the region of 57-86 (487-566). Do you want to know what level it is, "Intermediate"? It corresponds to B1. You can talk on familiar topics and catch the essence of the monologue / dialogue, you can even watch films in the original, but the material is not always completely captured (sometimes the meaning is guessed from the plot and from individual phrases). You are already able to write short letters and essays in the language.
- Upper, pre-intermediate would require the following scores: 87-109 (567-636). It means "medium-advanced" in translation. What level is this, Upper intermediate? For the owner, a relaxed, detailed conversation on a specific or abstract topic is available, including with a native speaker. Movies are watched in the original, talk shows and news are also well received.
- An order of magnitude higher, namely 110-120 for the Internet version and 637-677 for the paper version, required if Advanced English is required.
IELTS exam
The certificate for its passage is quite popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Also relevant in case of professional migration to these countries. The test is valid for 2 years. The range of grades that can be obtained for the test is from 0.0 to 9.0. AT A1 scores from 2.0 to 2.5 are included. AT A2- from 3.0 to 3.5. step B assumes scores from 4.0 to 6.5, and for the level C1- 7.0 - 8.0. Language in perfection - these are marks 8.5 - 9.0.
What level of proficiency should be indicated in the resume?
When writing a resume, you must correctly indicate at what stage in learning the language you are now. The main thing is to choose the correct designation of the level of English (english level). The following are usually used: Basic(basic knowledge), intermediate(middle stage), Advanced(proficiency at an advanced level), Fluent (fluency).
If there was an exam, be sure to indicate its name and the number of points received.
Tip: No need to overestimate your level, because any inaccuracy can be revealed quickly enough.
Why is it important to determine your level of language proficiency?
Why does a non-specialist need information about the level of language proficiency, and is it needed at all? If you are planning to start or resume learning a foreign language, then it is simply necessary to determine your level of knowledge, of course, if you are not an absolute beginner and have previously studied English. Only in this way will you be able to understand at what stage you stopped and where to move on.
Choosing a course of study, you will need to focus on your level. So, for example, on the site you can take various courses: from a course for beginners - Beginner, to a course for students with an Intermediate level.
In order to navigate which course to choose for training, the site provides. The system will accurately determine your level of language proficiency and suggest the appropriate course to make learning as effective as possible.