Have you determined your level of English? English language levels according to international classifications

Or in the courses, you will definitely come across the concept of “levels of English language” or “English proficiency levels”, as well as with such obscure designations as A1, B2, and more understandable Beginner, Intermediate and so on. From this article, you will learn what these formulations mean and what levels of knowledge of the language distinguish, as well as how to determine your level of english.

The levels of English were invented so that language learners could be divided into groups with approximately similar knowledge and skills in reading, writing, speaking and writing, as well as to simplify testing procedures, exams, for various purposes related to emigration, study abroad and employment. This classification helps in recruiting students into a group and preparing teaching aids, methods, language teaching programs.

Of course, there is no clear boundary between the levels, this division is rather conditional, necessary not so much for students as for teachers. In total, there are 6 levels of language proficiency, there are two types of division:

• Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2,
• Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency levels.

In fact, these are just two different names for the same thing. These 6 levels are divided into three groups.

Table: English language proficiency levels

The classification was developed in the late eighties - early nineties of the last century, it is fully called the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (abbr. CERF).

English levels: detailed description

Beginner level (A1)

At this level you can:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and simple phrases aimed at solving specific problems.
• Introduce yourself, introduce other people, ask simple personal questions, such as “Where do you live?”, “Where are you from?”, be able to answer such questions.
• Maintain a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly, clearly, and helps you.

Many who studied English at school speak the language at about the Beginner level. From the vocabulary only elementary mother, father, help me, my name is, London is the capital. You can understand well-known words and expressions by ear if they speak very clearly and without an accent, as in audio lessons for a textbook. You understand texts like the “Exit” sign, and in a conversation with the help of gestures, using individual words, you can express the simplest thoughts.

Elementary level (A2)

At this level you can:

• Understand common expressions on general topics such as: family, shopping, work, etc.
• Talk about simple everyday topics, using simple phrases.
• Tell in simple terms about yourself, describe simple situations.

If at school you had 4 or 5 in English, but after some time did not use English, then most likely you speak the language at the Elementary level. TV shows in English will not be understood, except perhaps for individual words, but the interlocutor, if he speaks clearly, in simple phrases of 2-3 words, in general, you will understand. You can also incoherently and with long pauses for reflection tell the simplest information about yourself, say that the sky is blue and the weather is clear, express a simple wish, make an order at McDonald's.

Beginner - Elementary levels can be called "survival level", Survival English. It is enough to "survive" during a trip to a country where the main language is English.

Intermediate level (B1)

At this level you can:

• Understand the general meaning of distinct speech on general, familiar topics related to everyday life(work, study, etc.)
• Cope with the most typical situations on a trip, travel (at the airport, in a hotel, etc.)
• Write simple connected text on topics that are common or familiar to you personally.
• Retell events, describe hopes, dreams, ambitions, be able to briefly talk about plans and explain your point of view.

Vocabulary and knowledge of grammar is enough to write simple essays about yourself, describe cases from life, write a letter to a friend. But in most cases, oral speech lags behind written speech, you confuse tenses, think over a phrase, pause to pick up a preposition (to or for?), but you can more or less communicate, especially if there is no shyness or fear of making a mistake.

It is much more difficult to understand the interlocutor, and if it is a native speaker, and even with fast speech and a bizarre accent, then it is almost impossible. However, simple, clear speech is understood well, provided that the words and expressions are familiar. You generally understand if the text is not very complex, and with some difficulty understand the general meaning without subtitles.

Level Upper Intermediate (B2)

At this level you can:

• Understand the general meaning of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical (specialized) topics in your profile.
• Speak quickly enough so that communication with a native speaker occurs without long pauses.
• Compose clear, detailed text on various topics, explain the point of view, give arguments for and against various points of view on the topic.

Upper Intermediate is already a good, sound, confident command of the language. If you are talking on a well-known topic with a person whose pronunciation you understand well, then the conversation will go quickly, easily, naturally. An outside observer will say that you are fluent in English. However, you can be confused by words and expressions related to topics that are poorly understood by you, all sorts of jokes, sarcasm, allusions, slang.

You are asked to answer 36 questions to test listening, writing, speaking and grammar.

It is noteworthy that to test listening comprehension, phrases like “London is the capital” recorded by the speaker are not used, but short excerpts from films (Puzzle English specializes in learning English from films and TV shows). In English-language films, the speech of the characters is close to how people speak in real life so the test may seem harsh.

Chandler from Friends doesn't have the best pronunciation.

To check the letter, you need to translate several phrases from English into Russian and from Russian into English. The program provides several translation options for each phrase. To test knowledge of grammar, a completely ordinary test is used, where you need to choose one option from several proposed ones.

But you are probably wondering how the program can test the skill of speaking? Of course, an online English proficiency test will not test your speech as a person, but the test developers came up with an original solution. In the task, you need to listen to a phrase from the movie and choose a cue that is suitable for continuing the dialogue.

Talking is not enough, you also need to understand the interlocutor!

The ability to speak English consists of two skills: to understand the speech of the interlocutor by ear and to express one's thoughts. This task, albeit in a simplified form, tests how you cope with both tasks.

At the end of the test you will be shown full list questions with correct answers, you will find out where you made mistakes. And of course, you will see a chart showing your level on a scale from Beginner to Upper Intermediate.

2. Test to determine the level of English with a teacher

To get a professional, “live” (not automated, as in tests) assessment of the level of English, you need English teacher who will test you with assignments and an interview in English.

This consultation is free of charge. Firstly, there may be a language school in your city that offers free language testing and even a trial lesson. Now this is a common practice.

In short, I signed up for a trial test lesson, got in touch on Skype at the appointed time, and the teacher Alexandra and I held a lesson, during which she “tortured” me in every possible way with various tasks. All communication was in English.

My trial lesson on SkyEng. Checking grammar knowledge.

At the end of the lesson, the teacher explained to me in detail in which direction I should develop my English, what problems I have, and a little later she sent a letter with detailed description level of language skills (with marks on a 5-point scale) and methodological recommendations.

This method took some time: three days passed from the application to the lesson, and the lesson itself lasted about 40 minutes. But it is much more interesting than any online test.

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

0. Zero (Full Beginner)

it perfect description those who have never encountered English in their lives. And even at school I studied German or French. In this case, a person does not know even the most elementary things, for example, the alphabet. If English was studied, even if once upon a time, something remains in the head.

1. Elementary level

Approximately with such knowledge, graduates-three students from high school go into life. This also includes those who once studied something, but have already thoroughly forgotten. There is a minimum vocabulary, which sometimes adds up to simple sentences. Separate lexical units, phrases or their parts 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 to be something like Danila Bagrov with a truck driver: separate words and active gestures. Such people have a very vague idea about grammar and the rules for using lexical units, and about pronunciation.

2. Upper elementary level (Upper-Elementary)

Diligent secondary school students come out with such knowledge. A person can talk on a familiar topic, however, their choice is very limited. Basically, these are conversations about oneself, family and simple everyday dialogues. Words are easily formed into simple sentences. I already have an idea of ​​the grammar. It is good to use so far only the simplest and most basic rules, but an idea has been formed, for example, of 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, it is still difficult for him to talk, the pace of speech is slow.

3. Lower middle level (Pre-Intermediate)

The person speaks fluently within the framework of familiar topics and within the limits of his active vocabulary. In speech, grammatical errors slip less and less. You can already tell not only about yourself, but also describe an event, a person, a place. Language Learner Gives Grade various activities, formulates an attitude towards them, clearly expresses his emotions. Conversations are supported not only household character 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, as well as help overcome internal barriers and self-doubt.

You can also try to pass a language test to check the level of knowledge of English, but so far there will be no practical benefit from this.

4. Intermediate

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

At this level, a person can communicate on everyday topics, express his ideas, attitude to something, argue his position. Written and spoken language contain few grammatical errors. When reading and listening, the student can understand the meaning from the context, 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 an incident, talk about a series of successive events, or even write a short story.

5 - 6. Upper-Intermediate

The stock of vocabulary and grammar is enough not only to discuss specific incidents and everyday topics, but also for conversations on abstract, abstract topics. These levels of English knowledge allow you to notice not only other people's, but also your own speech errors. From now on, talking with a foreigner will not cause difficulties. A language learner can easily talk and write about their needs, thoughts and feelings, as well as criticize or support someone else's point of view, argue their positions, and even speak out on philosophical question. 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 various styles. The active vocabulary expands to 6000 words, and the passive one is 1.5-2 times more. The scope of the use of certain lexical units becomes clear, a person owns a large number of idioms, set expressions and cliché phrases. It will not be difficult to write texts in various styles.

Such levels of knowledge of English allow you to enter foreign colleges and universities. You can also get a job. The scope of activity, of course, will be limited. You can work only where you do not need to contact people often and a lot.

7 - 9. Advanced level (Advanced)

Here we can already talk about language proficiency at the level of a native speaker, but not very educated. There are also difficulties with understanding individual idioms or complex narrow professional vocabulary. But exactly the same difficulties can be experienced when speaking in their native language. The division inside into levels of knowledge of the English language is clear only to specialists.

Studying abroad will not cause difficulties, even the study of specialized literature and communication with specific terminology. It is also quite clear the use of jargon and other subtleties of the language.

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 there is any misunderstanding, it is only because of a small personal experience life in the chosen country. It is about this level that they say "fluent in the language." There is nowhere to go higher. it maximum levels knowledge of English. It remains only to practice and practice, so as not to lose the acquired skills.

Today, almost everyone aspires or simply dreams of being fluent in foreign language. It is for this reason that there are many courses, lessons on learning. If you still decide to use the help of specialists, then, first of all, you need to determine your level of knowledge. What for?

Know English proficiency levels very important. Based on the existing skills and abilities, you can choose the appropriate group so that the learning process is interesting, brings new knowledge, and you did not spend money on courses in vain. Specially designed tests to check the level of English cover its main aspects. The results are very useful and interesting for you. How? To select destinations, group, set goals and define desired results- that's why each of you needs a knowledge test.

What is it?

Like any test, You are given a task and several possible answers. It may include:

— determination of the temporary form;
- insert a semantic or grammatical construction;
- complete the sentence
- find a mistake, etc.

By using textbooks and reference books during the test, you are doing yourself a disservice. This result, whatever it is, no one except you will know. Therefore, use only existing knowledge.

Language proficiency levels can be divided into several groups. The first of these is Russified classification, which only gives general idea about existing knowledge:

1. Initial
2. Medium
3. High.

The second one is more extended. Such a classification involves 4 levels and more fully helps to reveal the existing knowledge. It is often used when filling out various forms, for example, in a marriage agency, when applying for a visa. But, nevertheless, this method of definition is still not ideal.

1. With dictionary;
2. Conversational level;
3. Average level;
4. Free use.

For this reason, the best classification is international. Let us consider in more detail all levels of knowledge of the English language, which allow us to most fully determine the available skills and abilities.

1. Beginner (A1 or Beginner) the level speaks of understanding the basics of the language, alphabet, sounds, the ability to read the simplest sentences and words. At this stage, it is very difficult to perceive foreign speech by ear.

2. Elementary (A2 or Elementary) .

With this level, an English learner can easily read small texts and understand the main points. The same is true of listening to speech. Oral speech: involves the ability to briefly talk about yourself, about others, talk on everyday topics, while presenting your speech and thoughts logically. It is important to note the phonetic side: not perfect pronunciation, but acceptable to be understood. Writing: the ability to write a request, notice, compose brief description anything in simple sentences.

3. Weak average level (B1 or Lower (Pre) Intermediate).

Understanding the main idea and meaning of the text, reading simple works. Oral speech: clear pronunciation, the ability to easily communicate on personal and non-personal topics, understand the question and answer accordingly, clearly express one's feelings, desires and intentions. Written speech at this level assumes that the student knows how to describe a situation, a person, a place, express his opinion, write official letter or query, grammatically correct to build a sentence.

4. Intermediate level gives a secondary school and assumes the ability to read books, watch films, write, while observing phonetic and grammatical norms language. It is quite easy to perceive foreign speech by ear. The basics of vocabulary help to build communication not only at the level of the question of the answer, but also to express a personal attitude, one's own opinion, to distinguish the general meaning of the speech of foreigners, to distinguish official information from informal.

5. Above average (B2 or Upper Intermediate) This level assumes the presence of some knowledge, which helps to feel confident when communicating. Knowledge of grammatical rules, norms, the ability to easily perceive information aloud from the first listening, distinguish between accents, talk on the phone, read magazines and books in a foreign language. Oral speech is built on the use of idioms, phrasal verbs, colloquial and official lexical units. Some mistakes are allowed.

6. Advanced (C1 or Advanced 1): excellent command of the language, free communication on any topic, easy speech perception, knowledge of the intricacies of grammar.

7. Perfection (C2 or Advanced 2 (Proficiency)) It is not enough to say - to communicate freely. This stage assumes knowledge of English, almost like a native.

After considering all levels of English, determine yours. But remember that this is only a conditional description. It is still better to test your knowledge in a test that can be taken online.

Level definition is first and very important step in learning English. After all, depending on it, the training program is selected. Despite this, many English tests will not only not help determine your level but they can also be misleading.

This can lead to the fact that you will be trained according to the wrong program, which will negatively affect the result. How to avoid it? How to determine your language level correctly? What tests should be used for this? Now you will know everything.

What tests to determine the level of English are there?

One has only to enter the query "English level test" in a search engine, and you will find many sites that offer you their own online test s. But not all of these tests will help you correctly identify it.

Consider a standard test.

You have seen or taken English tests more than once, where you have to choose one correct answer from several. They are very common, but such tests won't help you at all in definition proficiency level English. Perhaps you will answer all the questions perfectly, thereby showing that you know the theoretical part (grammar) very well.

Checking your level of language proficiency includes not only a test of knowledge, but also a test of skills. And the online test will not determine practical skills: writing, reading, speaking and listening.

I'm not talking about the fact that many people often answer some questions in such tests “with a finger to the sky”, that is, they choose an option at random. Of course it says that you don't know desired material but just trying to guess correct option. That is, there is no question of knowledge here at all.

Two types of tests can be distinguished:

1. Determining your knowledge (theory);

2. Determining the level of language proficiency (theory + practice).

Since option 1 is incomplete and will not help you determine the level of English proficiency, we will consider in detail the second option of the test. First, let's decide what levels of English are.

What are the levels of English proficiency?

Exists international system English language levels. According to her, there are 6 levels of English proficiency. You know them.

1.Beginner(First level).

This is the level of people who are just starting to learn the language, or have studied it a long time ago and at a low level. At this level, a person knows the alphabet, the basic rules of reading, and can answer simple questions.

2. Elementary(elementary level).

The name speaks for itself. At this level, you can use elementary constructions and phrases, simple tenses (Present Simple, past simple, Future Simple, Present Continuous, Past Continuous, Future Continuous), to communicate on topics familiar to you.

3. Pre-Intermediate(below the average).

You can communicate, carry on a conversation, build more complex sentences and use more complex tenses ( Present Perfect, Past Perfect, Future Perfect).

4. intermediate(average level).

At this level, you understand English, express yourself fluently, and know all tenses.

5. Upper Intermediate(level above average).

You easily communicate on everyday topics, calmly understand what they say to you, know all the nuances of using tenses.

6. Advanced(advanced level).

You understand English speech, you know grammar, you can think and speak it as if it were your native language.

Important point: absolutely at any level you should be able to read and write, understand speech and speak English, but within the material of these levels. If your level is elementary, then you should be able to speak very basic English. If intermediate, then you should be great at it. The higher the level, the better your skills and more knowledge.

What does the English level test include?

We have determined that the correct tests are those that determine the level of language proficiency (knowledge and skills). Consider what items such a test should include:

1. Knowledge of grammar

Grammar is the rules by which words are linked into sentences. It includes: knowledge of all tenses in English and the ability to coordinate them, all parts of speech and the nuances associated with their use.

2. Vocabulary

This is how many words you have in your "baggage". Vocabulary consists of words that you can understand by listening and reading (passive), and which you yourself use when speaking (active).

4. Listening

This is the ability to understand English. You must be able not only to catch incoherent words, but to be able to understand the whole speech: in the right time and with meaning.

5. Ability to speak

Can you speak English? You may know grammar and vocabulary well, but not be able to use this knowledge in a conversation at all. It is this skill that is tested in this paragraph.

How to choose the right test to determine the level?

To correctly determine the level of English proficiency, the test should contain the following tasks:

1. Translation of Russian sentences into English.

Such a task will show the theoretical knowledge of grammar and knowledge of words. If you know the rules, you can easily translate a sentence.

2. Translation from English to Russian

This task will show how much you understand the meaning of what you read.

3. Small essay

It will let you know how fluently you can express your thoughts in writing and how big your vocabulary is.

4. Speaking part

This part is aimed at testing two skills at once: speaking and understanding skills English speech (listening). Of course, this part cannot be completed online, since live communication is required here.

During the dialogue, it is easy to understand at what level your spoken English and listening skills are. At the same time, the teacher (or a person with high level English) may ask additional questions, ask to translate sentences from Russian into English and vice versa (as in parts 1 and 2).

Completing these tasks will really reflect your level of knowledge. Therefore, we use just such a test. Of course, such a test is more difficult and longer than the one where you just need to choose the right option. But he will show not only the level of knowledge of English, but also its proficiency (practical part).

I sincerely wish you success in your studies, no matter what stage you are at now. After all, the most important thing is your desire to learn the language and develop the knowledge already gained.

In order to get a job in an international company or organization engaged in foreign economic activity, knowledge of a foreign language is required. To date, the most common and popular are - English, German, French, Chinese.

Language proficiency on resume

In order to get a job in an international company, you must indicate the level of proficiency in a particular language when filling out your resume. To do this, specify the level in a separate section. Most often, standard options are used, from which it is necessary to choose the most suitable one.

Russified classification:

• base,
• colloquial,
• "I'm fluent"
• "I am fluent."

European classification:

• beginner,
• advanced,
• pre-intermediate,
• intermediate,
• basic,
• elementary level
• Upper Intermediate.

How should I indicate the level of language proficiency in the resume?

Naturally, in the summary it is necessary to indicate your real level of knowledge of foreign languages. Another question is how to define it correctly.

For example, Intermediate assumes that a person can not only clearly and clearly express his thoughts and understand the interlocutor, but also write informational articles, conduct business correspondence, fill out declarations and other important documents.

To find out your level of English proficiency, you can use one of the following methods:

1. When passing training, the level of knowledge is usually indicated, which should be shown by the practitioner.
2. Take an online test.
3. To confirm the level, from Intermediate and above, the following relevant tests must be passed.

Levels of knowledge of the language (Russified classification)

On the this moment, there is the most accurate and official classification of different levels of English proficiency.

According to her, they are divided into the following, which we will now analyze in more detail:

• Advanced is the highest level of English proficiency. Moreover, both oral speech and writing are taken into account.
• Upper-intermediate(in modern texts, TOEFL can be achieved with a set of 550 - up to 600 points). At the same time, a person at this level can easily communicate, watch movies and fully understand them. With such a level of knowledge of the language, it is possible to freely find a job in any company - both in a large and in a relatively small organization.
• intermediate- in order to get this level, you need to score from 400 to 550 points on the TOEFL text. This indicates that a person can communicate as competently and freely as possible on certain topics. Knows all the basic rules and features of the English language. Can conduct business negotiations at the proper level.
• Pre-intermediate represents the level of knowledge of a person who can freely perceive what is said (read) and delve into the essence.
• Elementary is an elementary or basic level of knowledge of the English language. Knowing English at this level, a person can freely quickly read various texts in English, as well as pronounce words most correctly. In addition, knowledge of the most basic and simple grammatical and spelling structures should also be present.
• beginner- Beginner level of English proficiency. It represents the easiest level of language proficiency. A person receives the most initial level at school. A person with these English language skills can talk about himself and at the same time, talk on various topics.

Level of language proficiency according to the European scale

In most countries of the world, the common European system (CEFR) has been adopted, which is used to determine the level of English proficiency. Thanks to this scale, standards have been established that are applied throughout the world for the most comprehensive definition of language competence.

This system is used to recognize their qualifications, which have been obtained in a variety of educational systems and have a direct impact on academic and labor migration, not only in European countries but all over the world.

This rating scale can be applied to any language. This is due to the fact that the association "ALTE" developed and implemented a special formula "Sai Mo". The division goes into general educational and working moments.

According to the common European scale, the level of foreign language proficiency is divided into the following:

• A1 - initial - Breakshowge.
• A2 - 1 level (Pre-intermediate and Elementary).
• B1 - Intermediate.
• B2 - Upper-intermediate.
• C1 - Advanced.
• C2 - "Pro"

Each level is confirmed by passing the corresponding exam (Cambridge).

Valuable addition to the resume:

When filling out your resume, you must indicate not only the level of English proficiency, but also the availability of an appropriate certificate, as well as information about passing certain exams: B1, B2, C1 and C2.

It is also useful to indicate the full name of the detailed institution.

Certificates confirming the level of English

International certificates are issued to candidates on hand and are documentary evidence of the level of knowledge of the English language.

They are subdivided:

1. IELTS. This certificate is recognized in almost 130 countries around the world. First of all, these are most countries of the European continent, as well as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA. This certificate is issued for two years, after which it must be re-validated.
2. TOEFL. Required for applicants upon admission to educational establishments, where teaching is conducted under the MBA program, as well as in employment. This certificate is recognized in Canada and the USA (over 2400 colleges), the TOEFL certificate is recognized in 150 countries. Its validity period is 2 years.
3. GMAT. This international certificate is required for admission to western universities, business schools, educational institutions where training is conducted under the MBA program, as well as in employment in large international companies. The validity of this certificate is currently 5 years.
4. GRE. This international certificate is required for admission to graduate school at most American universities. Its validity period is 5 years.
5. TOEIK.This certificate is required for applicants and students, including linguistic universities. Often a TOEIK certificate is required when applying for a job in a variety of English-speaking companies. The validity period is 2 years. But you can rent immediately for five years. But for this, you need to pay 50 dollars (standard fee).

Exams confirming language skills and the level of English (international scale)

Today, all over the world, the most common are the Cambridge tests (exams that are taken annually by tens of millions of people from different regions the globe— Cambridge COP).

This system is designed for different levels of English proficiency and provides an opportunity to get a preliminary assessment of your own knowledge. Each test confirms the level of knowledge and makes an assessment.

CAM (pr CEFR at Intermediate) with access to Elementary (A1 and A2), PET (Intermediate B1), FSE - Upper-intermediate (B2), CAE - Advanced (C1), CPE - Pre-intermediate (C2). In addition, there are a number of others - highly specialized exams.

English proficiency test

A huge number of a wide variety of tests have now appeared on the Internet, which make it possible to test your level of knowledge of the language. But here it is important to remember that not all of them are reliable, since most of them are just dummies that have nothing to do with official tests and counting criteria.

It is easier to call them simulators or applications. The most popular and popular is http://www.cambridgeenglish.org.ru/test-your-english/. This is due to the fact that it was released by Cambridge specialists and all the data obtained in it are reliable.