Levels of English proficiency in english first. Levels of English according to international classifications

To more accurately track your learning progress foreign languages a certain system was invented. This article will talk about what level B2 is (level of English - above average).

English language levels

There is a pan-European scale that assesses the level of proficiency in any foreign language. The English name is Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This is a certain system of standards that allows you to determine Conventionally, 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 relationship between levels of language proficiency in various assessment systems.

When can I start learning English at the Upper-Intermediate level?

The division between levels of knowledge of any foreign language is very arbitrary, but there are certain indicators by which current progress can be determined.

Levels of English proficiency B2 - C1 correspond to almost fluent proficiency in written and spoken language. A higher level requires an understanding of terminology in various highly specialized areas, the ability to speak on serious topics, conduct business meeting and read classic literature in the original. It is difficult to establish clear distinctions between the stages of knowledge. But, before deciding to overcome the B2 level of English, you need to make sure that you are fluent in reading level B1 literature, and also fluent in the basic rules of grammar, can express yourself more or less fluently in the language you are studying, 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 grasp the meaning and understand what is being said.

This system evaluates the linguistic skills of a student studying any foreign language, including English. Level B2, which means “advanced level,” is above average, but at this stage there may still be some shortcomings that require further elaboration.

Knowledge of grammar rules

Of course, grammar is important the most important place when learning any foreign language. The following are the main key topics, knowledge of which is necessary at the Upper-Intermediate level.

• Time. B2 - 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. Besides, you know the table irregular verbs and put it into practice.
• Understand the usage (Active voice).
• Know how to convert direct speech into indirect speech.
• Know modal verbs and know how to use them, understanding the subtle differences between words such as may, might, can, ought,
• You speak impersonal forms of the verb: participle, infinitive and gerund.

Vocabulary

Considering that a good knowledge of grammatical rules is achieved already at the B1 level, the B2 level of English involves developing 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 to phraseological units, phrasal verbs and more complex constructions.

One of the most common mistakes when learning any foreign language - the desire to memorize separate lists of words without subsequently using them in your written and spoken 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 whose equivalents you use in Everyday life, talking about yourself, your interests, hobbies, work, goals, loved ones and friends. Another common mistake is trying to memorize lists of words, most of which you may not use often.

One of the best ways is to keep a diary. From the point of view of vocabulary replenishment, this method is useful in that you learn to use vocabulary that is directly related to your life. By writing down your own observations, events, goals and dreams every day, you use exactly the 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 patterns characteristic only given language and not having 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 your 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 subsequently 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, due to which the meaning of the original word changes. These are unique 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 - to achieve something;
• be back - return;
• break out - unexpectedly begin, break out;
• bring up - to bring up;
• call for - to call for someone;
• clear up - put in order;
• come about - happen;
• come across - to meet unexpectedly;
• look for - search.

Phrasal verbs are quite common in English. However, they are used mainly in everyday speech.

Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms

Try to replace frequently used words with synonyms. This will help make speech more refined, beautiful and refined.

Reading

There is special adapted literature designed for gradual advancement from entry level (A1) to high level (C2).

This is predominantly works of art famous authors. The books are adapted in such a way that a specific set of grammatical structures and vocabulary corresponds to a specific level of foreign language proficiency. The best way to figure out what level you are currently at is to read two or three pages and count the number of words you don't know. If you have come across no more than 20-25 new lexical units, then you can 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 composing stories, dialogues, keeping a diary and writing essays. Otherwise, vocabulary is quickly forgotten. You can move to the next level when you feel that work at this level is becoming boring, and there are practically no new lexical units encountered.

However, level B2 is a level of English that allows you to read not only light books, but also entertaining literature by modern authors, newspapers, and magazines.

Listening comprehension

Like reading literature, there are many adapted audiobooks. If you are still experiencing some difficulties in listening, you can first take aids that correspond to a lower level. For example, if your grammar and vocabulary are approximately at the B1 level, but you find it difficult to understand English by ear, take A2 level books in audio format. Over time, you will get used to foreign speech.

Some tips:

• Listen to a chapter of a book without first reading the text. Take a deep dive and determine what you have been able to understand, how acceptable this rate of speech is for you, and whether there are 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.
• Play recording again.

Such study will help you get used to English speech in the shortest possible time and increase your level of knowledge.

Levels of English knowledge B2 - C1 allow you to expand your opportunities. For variety, you can include films and TV series in your training. It is advisable to find films with subtitles. However, it is not advisable to use the method of learning a language by watching films with subtitles over a long period of time. Otherwise, you will get used to reading the text rather than listening to the speech of the actors.

This is one of best methods which will help you master the English language. Level B2 is quite sufficient for watching entertainment shows and series.

Development of writing

In order to learn to write fluently in the language you are studying, you need to devote time to this activity every day. Only regular work will help you begin to speak English more fluently. Choose the most suitable method for yourself. This could 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 is a level of English that corresponds to an upper-intermediate level, which means you must have the following skills:

• know how to construct 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 correspond 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 communication, 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, you can use alternative methods:

• briefly retell books you’ve read, TV shows or movies you’ve watched;
• try to describe everything you see: the landscape outside the window, a painting, various objects;
• Make a list of questions, then try to give a detailed answer to each of them.

It is very difficult to establish clear distinctions between 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 learning.

There are several approaches to determining the level of foreign language proficiency. The ability to correctly determine your level allows you to set reasonable goals, select the right teaching aids, and objectively assess your capabilities when looking for a job or entering an educational institution.

When talking about the English language, the following classification is most often used:

0.Basic. This is not yet a level, it is still the absence of even an elementary level. The definition applies to those who have begun to learn a language, but practical use It’s too early to talk about language for any purpose.

1.Elementary. If the remainder school knowledge allow you to understand simple inscriptions and easily exchange some information with a foreigner - which means you speak English at this level. Sometimes they also allocate the Upper-Elementary level - the minimum for simple communication on a limited set of topics.

2. Pre-Intemediate. The average Russian school provides approximately this level of language proficiency, provided that you at least sometimes learned the rules and did your homework. It means the ability to explain simple topics, knowledge of basic grammar and vocabulary for everyday communication.

3.Intermediate. The level implies the ability to speak competently in a foreign language, read books and watch films with an understanding of the meaning, and write texts on various topics almost without errors. This is approximately this vocabulary plus good grammar and conversation practice.

4. Upper-Intermediate. Good knowledge of the language: a large vocabulary, a thorough knowledge of grammar (except for nuances), and the ability to communicate fluently, although not perfectly.

5. Advanced. Language proficiency is almost native-like. To achieve this level, it is necessary not only to study the language persistently, but also to use it for a long time.

This scale, although it is the most common in Russia, has a significant drawback - everyone understands it differently. The level of English that is considered Advanced by one teacher may be perceived as Upper Intermediate by another. Even the number of levels in this classification varies from three to eight in different sources (in the most detailed version, Native Speaker is added to the six levels considered, a native speaker, and the Elementary level, as previously said, is divided into two more).

More specific and intelligible is the modern European classification, used to determine the level of proficiency in English (and not only English). It was developed in 1991 at an international symposium in Switzerland with the aim of achieving mutual understanding and facilitating cooperation between language teachers. Now this scale is widely used in Europe when conducting exams and tests, compiling dictionaries and teaching aids. It includes three levels, each of which contains two sublevels.

A: Basic Speaker
A1: Breakthrough
A2: Waystage

B: Independent Speaker
B1: Threshold
B2: Vantage

C: Proficient Speaker
C1: Effective Operational Proficiency
C2: Mastery

A1. Can understand and use everyday expressions and general phrases to meet specific needs. Can introduce himself and others, ask and answer simple questions about his place of residence, people he knows, and things that belong to him. Can communicate a little provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.

A2. Can understand and use common expressions to communicate about common topics such as personal information, family, shopping, local geography, Job. Communication is simply a direct exchange of information on these topics.

IN 1. Understands the meaning of messages related to regularly occurring situations at work, school, leisure, and so on. Can be explained in most situations that may arise when traveling in the area where the language is spoken. Can compose simple, coherent text on a familiar topic. Can describe events, dreams, hopes, etc., justify his opinions and plans.

AT 2. Understands the meaning of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including in his professional field. Communicates quite fluently and naturally with native speakers without significant effort on either side. Can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of topics, express his point of view, indicating the disadvantages and advantages of other opinions.

C1. Understands a variety of complex voluminous texts, recognizing implicit information. He speaks so fluently that the search and selection of words is invisible to the interlocutor. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, scientific and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex topics using organizational patterns and cohesive language.

C2. Understands almost everything he hears and reads. Speaks fluently, conveying various shades values ​​even in the most difficult cases.

When learning a language, you often come across such a concept as levels of English proficiency. Accordingly, questions arise: “What is this? By what parameters is it determined? The conclusion about language proficiency is made on the basis of special tests. Descriptions of levels will help you determine your level of English proficiency approximately.

0. Zero (Full Beginner)

This is a perfect description for those who have never encountered the English language in their lives. And even at school I learned German or French. In this case, the person does not know even the most basic things, for example, the alphabet. If you studied English, even if it was a long time ago, something remains in your head.

1. Elementary level

With approximately the same knowledge, C-grade graduates from high school. This also includes those who once studied something, but have already completely forgotten. There is a minimum vocabulary, which sometimes adds up to simple sentences. Individual lexical units, phrases or parts thereof are understandable. But only the most basic and elementary. A person can introduce himself and tell a couple of standard phrases about himself, but in general the conversation turns out something like Danila Bagrov’s with a truck driver: individual words and active gestures. Such people have a very vague idea of ​​grammar and the rules for using lexical units, and even of pronunciation.

2. Highest elementary level (Upper-Elementary)

Diligent high school students emerge with such knowledge. A person can talk about a familiar topic, although the choice is very limited. Mostly these are conversations about oneself, family and simple everyday dialogues. Words are easily formed into simple sentences. Already have an idea of ​​grammar. So far it is possible to use only the simplest and most basic rules well, but an idea has been formed, for example, about complex tense forms that are little used in colloquial speech. Vocabulary expands, especially passive. A person can write a simple letter, business card or greeting card. However, he still finds it difficult to talk; his speech rate is slow.

3. Lower intermediate level (Pre-Intermediate)

A person speaks freely within the framework of familiar topics and within the limits of his active vocabulary. There are less and less grammatical errors in speech. You can already tell not only about yourself, but also describe an event, a person, a place. A language learner evaluates various actions, formulates an attitude towards them, and clearly expresses his emotions. Conversations not only of everyday nature are supported, but also on more abstract topics. When reading and listening, a person understands the main idea of ​​the text, the semantic message. At this level, you can and should communicate with native speakers. This will develop communication skills and also help overcome internal barriers and self-doubt.

You can also try to take a language test to check your level of English, but this will not be of practical use for now.

4. Intermediate level

This is where the practical benefits of knowing a language begin. And it lies not only in the fact that communication with foreigners reaches new level. You don’t have to be afraid to be alone in a foreign country, because finding your way, going to a restaurant and chatting with people and making new friends at this level is already quite possible. With such knowledge of the language, people are already accepted for preparatory courses at English and American universities. And even more so in Russian languages. Before this, it is better to determine your English language proficiency levels online and not spend money on expensive certificates.

At this level, a person can communicate on everyday topics, express his ideas, attitude towards something, and argue his position. Written and spoken language contain little grammatical errors. When reading and listening, the student can understand the meaning from the context and guess the meaning of new words. It will not be difficult to write a personal or official letter, fill out a questionnaire, petition, etc. A person will be able to comment on this or that incident, talk about a series of sequential events, or even write a short story.

5 - 6. Upper-Intermediate level

The stock of vocabulary and grammar is sufficient not only to discuss specific incidents and everyday topics, but also for conversations on abstract, abstract topics. These levels of knowledge of English allow you to notice not only other people’s, but also your own speech errors. From now on, talking with a foreigner will not be difficult. A language learner can easily talk and write about his needs, thoughts and feelings, as well as criticize or support someone else’s point of view, argue his position and even speak out on a philosophical issue. Telephone conversations will also not cause difficulties.

When reading and listening to non-adapted texts, a person understands the basic information the first time. It will not be difficult to write texts in different styles. The active vocabulary expands to 6000 words, and the passive vocabulary is 1.5-2 times larger. The scope of use of certain lexical units becomes clear; a person knows a large number of idioms, set expressions and cliche phrases. It will not be difficult to write texts in various styles.

Such levels of English knowledge allow you to enter foreign colleges and universities. You can also get a job. The scope of activity will, of course, be limited. You can only work in places where you don’t need to have a lot of contact with people.

7 - 9. Advanced level (Advanced)

Here we can already talk about language proficiency at the level of a native speaker, but not a very educated one. Difficulties also arise with understanding individual idioms or complex specialized vocabulary. But exactly the same difficulties can be experienced when speaking in native language. The internal division into levels of knowledge of the English language is understandable only to specialists.

Studying abroad will not cause any difficulties, even studying specialized literature and communicating with specific terminology. The use of jargon and other subtleties of language are also quite clear.

10-12. Upper advanced level

Language proficiency is not just at the level of an average resident, but an educated and highly cultured one. If any misunderstanding arises, it will only be due to small personal experience life in the chosen country. It is about this level that they say “perfect command of the language.” There is nowhere to strive higher. These are the maximum levels of English language proficiency. All that remains is to practice and practice so as not to lose the acquired skills.

How to improve your English level

1. Continue studying with the teacher

“I don’t know what to grab first” is one of the main reasons why a student finds it difficult to overcome the plateau effect. At the intermediate level, many paths are open to you: you can listen to podcasts, read books, watch movies, etc. Therefore, many English learners from this level quit classes with a teacher and start studying on their own. However, choose for yourself the right way learning English is difficult, because this is the first time you have found yourself at such a fork in the road. Therefore, in order to quickly improve your English level, we advise you to continue studying with your teacher, who has experienced the effect of the plateau effect on himself and his students and knows how to cope with it. In addition, lessons with a teacher discipline you: you will be less tempted to skip class or put something off “for later.”

2. Try lessons with a native speaker

Speaking is a skill that continuing students need to work hard on. And at the intermediate level, an effective way to develop this skill is to study with a native English speaker. He will teach you to communicate naturally, to use idioms, phrasal verbs, slang in your speech - those “highlights” of the language that distinguish the speech of a person with a high level of English proficiency from a person at an average level of knowledge. This is how you can move to the next level of foreign language proficiency. If you wish, you can combine lessons with a native speaker and lessons with a Russian-speaking teacher, this will also be effective.

3. Don't slow down

It would seem that upon reaching an intermediate level, the pace of learning can be slowed down: you seem to know quite a lot, and all that remains is to improve your knowledge. In fact, this is not so: the material at the middle and high levels of training is more complex and voluminous than at the previous levels. That is why we recommend not slowing down, or even better, speeding it up. Moreover, it is best to increase the intensity through independent study, and if you study in a group or with a teacher, you can also increase the duration of classes. During lessons with a teacher, devote maximum time to speaking practice so that you can be taught to speak competently and fluently.

4. Find people to talk to in English

This is the most difficult and at the same time the most important task, because we learn English primarily in order to speak it. Take every opportunity to communicate in the language you are learning: go to English language discussion clubs, attend group lessons and talk with classmates, find yourself a friend on a language exchange site, etc.

5. Prepare for the exam

Most the right way To find out whether you have reached the next level of the English language, take an international exam, in which case you will receive an independent assessment of your knowledge. For example, if your knowledge is at the Intermediate level, set yourself a goal to pass the FCE. In this case, during preparation you will solve various tasks corresponding to the next level - Upper-Intermediate, and you will be able to see what you need to know at this new level. And after you are given a certificate of successful completion exam, there will be no trace of the plateau.

6. Learn English grammar for intermediate students

It would seem that at the Intermediate level you have already become familiar with all tenses of English, but there are important grammatical structures that are required to move to the next level of knowledge.

Sources of knowledge:

• Without good textbook It will be difficult to study grammar, because everything in the book is systematized. We recommend those continuing the “blue Murphy” textbook “English Grammar in Use” at the Intermediate level (it is also suitable for Upper-Intermediate). You can also take Oxford Practice Grammar at Intermediate level. These books present the theory briefly and clearly and provide many practical exercises.
• To get acquainted with the theory and practice it with practical exercises, take a look at our blog, where it is presented, select the “Intermediate” tab.
• As you learn grammar test yourself to see how the plateau effect is gradually replaced by the effect of rising to the next level of knowledge. In the article "" you will find resources for checking your achievements

7. Keep learning new words

Your vocabulary is already quite large, but the more you expand it, the faster you can improve your English level.

What words should beginners learn:

• Vocabulary from special textbooks. Textbooks for learning English vocabulary - best helpers for those who continue. Their value is that they give you thematic selections of words presented in texts, dialogues and practical exercises. Such manuals teach you not just new words, but the rules for using them. We recommend the following textbooks for those continuing: “English Vocabulary in Use” at the Pre-Intermediate - Intermediate or Upper-Intermediate - Advanced level, “Oxford Word Skills” at the Intermediate or Advanced level, and the “4000 Essential English Words” series of manuals. These books have answers to all tasks, so you can even study from them on your own.
• Unfamiliar words from texts. Books or articles in English are a valuable source of new vocabulary. Write down unfamiliar words that often appear in the text or play important role to understand the meaning of what they read, and teach them. At the same time, give preference modern literature, books and articles on the Internet in English adapted for your level of knowledge.
• Synonyms and antonyms of words you already know. The words good and bad are good to use at beginner levels. At the middle stage, you need to expand your vocabulary with synonyms and antonyms of similar words. Fortunately, you don’t even have to look for them yourself; you can always find this information in electronic dictionaries. For example, enter the word good into the search bar on the site, and under the heading “Related to GOOD” you will see a fairly extensive list of synonyms and antonyms for it.
• Phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are just as widely used and just as difficult to learn as idioms. We recommend studying such vocabulary using a special textbook “Phrasal Verbs in Use”, and also take note of the application “The Phrasal Verbs Machine” (,).
• Collocations. Collocations are stable phrases. They need to be taught in order to make it easier for you to correctly select words for each other and make sentences. In addition, phrases are easier to remember than individual words. It is best to learn such phrases using the textbook “English Collocations in Use Intermediate”. In addition, you can use a special dictionary “”.
• Idioms. This vocabulary will embellish your speech, make it more natural and expressive. Native speakers use idioms everywhere, even in formal speech. We recommend using the special textbook “English Idioms in Use Intermediate”, it presents various practical exercises to help you remember set expressions and the rules for their use. Learning proverbs and idioms is not always easy, so we have written several useful articles: “”, “”. In addition, you can install applications for learning idioms “English Idioms and Phrases” () and “English Idioms Illustrated” () on your gadget.
• Slang. Slang words and expressions will be found in almost all books, films and TV series. Therefore, it is important to take time to memorize such vocabulary to improve your English proficiency. The meaning of slang expressions can be found in a specialized dictionary.
• Lists of words from learning blogs. Pay attention to the articles in the “ ” series on the Macmillan online dictionary website. Each of these small notes provides examples of sentences with useful vocabulary on a specific topic.
• Words on special electronic resources . Special sites for learning words for intermediate students will help you learn new vocabulary using various tests. We recommend using or, they are specifically aimed at people with an average level of English.

8. Listen to audio and watch video

It is important for those continuing to develop the skill of listening to English speech. Moreover, if earlier you needed to understand at least something of what was said on a simple recording, now you need to complicate your task - try to understand 70-80% of what you heard. Also, listen to more complex audio recordings and watch videos of people speaking with different accents, and then try to explain the idea of ​​​​the video in your own words, at the same time practicing your speaking.

• Podcasts- an excellent “trainer” for English language learners. In addition, it is also a portable exercise machine: you can save files to your smartphone or tablet and exercise whenever it is convenient for you. We recommend where you will find many free educational materials. Also pay attention to the resource, where you will find fascinating video lectures on any topic that interests you.
• Watching movies and TV series- the most pleasant and exciting technique that helps improve your listening comprehension of English speech. You can just watch them in free time for your own pleasure, but it is better to use the techniques from the article “”.
• Online dictations will help you develop both listening and spelling skills. We suggest you visit, where you will find short tasks of different difficulty levels. Such training will not take much time and will be beneficial.

9. Read in English

Reading texts in English is a great opportunity to see how the grammar and vocabulary being studied “works” in practice, and to learn new words, and it’s also just a fun activity.

• Adapted books convenient because you won’t need to consult the dictionary often. The text contains no more than 3-10 unfamiliar words per page, and at the end of each publication there is a dictionary. Adapted literature can be found on the website and.
• Literature in the original is a good challenge for an average level of knowledge. Reading the book may be difficult at first, but you will learn many new words and enjoy reading the work as the author created it. You can find many books in English on the website.
• Modern articles on the Internet are a convenient alternative for those who do not have the time or desire to read a long work. Small articles on various topics can be found on. And you can read more serious and complex material in the online newspapers “The Guardian”, “The Washington Post”, “The Daily Telegraph”.

10. Write in English

When you write something in English, you learn to formulate your thoughts in the target language, you can use the words you just learned and consolidate them in your memory. If you later need to say a similar phrase in a conversation, it will be easier for you to formulate it, so writing skills also need to be improved for those who want to cross the plateau and improve their level of English.

How to improve your writing skill:

• Translation exercises will teach you how to correctly construct sentences in English. And this is useful for both written and oral speech. Read our article “”, from it you will learn why and how to perform such exercises. And read about the 2 best manuals with translation exercises.
• Online dictations. We have already written about them in the previous paragraph, so we can say that this is a universal exercise that will kill two birds with one stone.
• Essay. By writing an essay on different topics you will achieve two goals: learn to express your thoughts in English and learn new words. Replenishing your vocabulary occurs if you do not limit yourself to using vocabulary you already know, but look for new words in the dictionary and use them in your essay. Thus, you immediately use the new word in context, and when writing you also use mechanical memory, which also makes memorization easier. However, one should take into account the fact that such work makes sense when it is checked by a person who knows English well. So for maximum benefit, try to find a teacher or someone else to proofread your essays.
• Groups on social networks. On Facebook and Vkontakte you can count hundreds of groups for learning English. In such public pages, correspondence in English is welcome: you can comment on posts you like or communicate in one of open topics. Take a look at our English learning groups

Quite often on forums dedicated to learning foreign languages, there are questions about levels of English proficiency - “How can I tell if I have Beginner or Elementary?”, “What do you need to know to start with Pre-Intermediate?”, “How to correctly indicate the level of language proficiency on your resume? or “I once studied English at school, am I Intermediate?” To avoid problems with your English, you need not only to choose the right school, but also to have a good understanding of what level you should start learning the language at. Let's try to figure it out together. Shall we?

English proficiency levels

If you have ever wondered about the levels of English proficiency, 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 developed to describe levels of English proficiency and is an international standard. Consists of the following levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

What then should we do with the Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate and Advanced levels that are so well known to us and dear to us from school? And besides, these names can be found with various additional words, such as False, Low, Very, etc. Why all these difficulties? Let's explain. This classification was invented by the creators of basic textbooks such as “Headway”, “Cutting Edge”, “Opportunities”. For what? These levels divide the CEFR scale into passages for better language acquisition. And it is precisely this division of levels that schools and language classes.

You can't do this without the help of a pivot table. We invite you to carefully consider which widely known levels of English proficiency correspond to those on the CEFR scale.

A few 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, and who remembers practically nothing. Such a person will need less time to complete the beginner course and move to the next level, so he cannot be called a full Beginner. It's a similar story with Low Intermediate and Very Advanced. In the first case, the person has already passed full course Pre-Intermediate and began to study Intermediate, but at the same time he mastered and uses in speech only a few grammatical structures and vocabulary of this level. A speaker in English with a Very Advanced level is already halfway to the coveted Proficiency. Well, you get the idea.

Now let's look at the specific skills of English learners at different levels.

Beginner level of English, also known as Starter

Elementary, zero level. This course begins with a phonetics course and learning the rules of reading. Vocabulary is studied, which makes it possible to communicate on everyday topics (“Acquaintance”, “Family”, “Work”, “Leisure”, “In the store”), and basic grammar is also analyzed.

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 directions).
• 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 form, write short descriptions.

English level Elementary

A basic level of. A student at this level has all the basic skills of the English language. Such everyday topics as: “Family”, “Recreation”, “Travel”, “Transport”, “Health” are studied.

After completing the Elementary course:

• The 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 the overall theme or plot, especially with visual support.
• Colloquial speech: expressing opinions, requests, provided that the context is familiar. When greeting and goodbye, talking on the phone, etc. "blanks" are used.
• Reading: short texts with a small amount of unfamiliar vocabulary, advertisements and signs.
• Writing: describing people and events, composing 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:

• The vocabulary is 1400-1800 words.
• Listening comprehension: dialogue or monologue on everyday topics; when watching, for example, the news, you can catch all the key points. When watching films, a listener at this level may not understand individual phrases and sentences, but follows the plot. He understands films with subtitles well.
• Conversation: you can evaluate and express your opinion regarding any event, maintain a fairly long conversation on familiar topics (“Art”, “Appearance”, “Personality”, “Movies”, “Entertainment”, etc.).
• Reading: complex texts, including journalistic articles.
• Letter: written expression of one’s opinion or assessment of a situation, compilation of one’s biography, description of events.

English Intermediate level

Average level. The listener is confident in the language and can use it in a variety of situations. Usually the Intermediate level is sufficient to work in foreign company. A person who speaks English at the Intermediate level can conduct negotiations and business correspondence in English, and give presentations.

After completing the Intermediate course:

• The vocabulary of a listener at this level is about 2000-2500 words.
• Listening comprehension: grasps not only the general meaning, but also specific details, understands films, interviews, videos without translation and subtitles.
• Conversational speech: expresses a point of view, agreement/disagreement on almost any non-isolated topic. Can actively participate in discussion or debate on non-specific topics without preparation.
• Reading: understands complex texts not related to familiar topics and areas of life, unadapted literature. Can understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context (fiction, information sites, dictionary entries).
• Writing: can compose a letter in formal and informal style, can use written English proficiently, can compose long descriptions events and history, give personal comments.

English level Upper-Intermediate

Above average level. An Upper-Intermediate level listener knows and skillfully uses complex grammatical structures and a variety of vocabulary.

After completing the Upper-Intermediate course:

• The vocabulary consists of 3000-4000 words.
• Listening comprehension: understands well even linguistically complex speech on unfamiliar topics, almost completely understands videos without translation or subtitles.
• Conversational speech: can freely give his assessment of any situation, make comparisons or contrasts, uses different speech styles.
• The conversation is conducted in both formal and informal style. Speaks competently with a small number of errors, can catch and correct his mistakes.
• Reading: proficient vocabulary for understanding unadapted English texts.
• Writing: Can independently write articles, formal and informal letters. Can know and use different styles when creating written text.

English Advanced level

Advanced level. Students at the Advanced level have a very confident command of the English language and make only minor mistakes in their speech, which do not in any way affect the effectiveness of communication. Students of this level can study special disciplines in English.

After completing the Advanced course:

• The vocabulary is about 4000-6000 words.
• Listening comprehension: understands speech that is not clearly pronounced (for example, announcements at a train station or at the airport), perceives complex information in detail (for example, reports or lectures). Understands up to 95% of information on video without translation.
• Spoken Language: Uses English very effectively for spontaneous communication, using conversational and formal communication styles depending on the speaking situation. Uses phraseological units and idioms in speech.
• Reading: easily understands non-adapted fiction and non-fiction literature, complex articles on specific topics (physics, geography, etc.)
• Writing: Can write formal and informal letters, narratives, articles, essays, scientific papers.

Level of English Proficiency

Fluency in English. The last level according to the CEFR classification C2 describes a person who speaks English at the level of an educated native speaker. The only problems such a person may encounter are cultural problems. 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 a set of skills and there is no universal recipe for achieving a particular level. You can't say, "You should learn 500 more words or 2 more grammar topics and voila, you're at the next level."

By the way, you can check your level of English on our website: comprehensive English language test.

There are a great many ways to achieve one level or another - these are all kinds of courses and language schools, tutors, tutorials, newsletters, online lessons, and of course English via Skype. Which one to go with is up to you. The main thing is that it is useful.

There are also many additional services to improve the language. These include 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. You can find out about all these aids and how exactly and at what levels to use them in the blog on our website. Stay tuned for new articles.

By the way, as you read this article, 700 million people around the world are learning English. Join us!

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