High level of English proficiency. How to determine the level of English proficiency

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, choose the right teaching aids, objectively assess your capabilities when looking for a job or entering an educational institution.

Speaking of English, the following classification is most often used:

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

1.Elementary. If the remnants of school knowledge allow you to understand simple inscriptions and share some information with a sin in half with a foreigner, then you speak English at this level. Sometimes they also distinguish the Upper-Elementary level - a minimum for simple communication on a limited set of topics.

2. Pre-Intermediate. Approximately this level of language proficiency is provided by the average Russian school, provided that you at least sometimes learned the rules and did your homework. It means the ability to explain on simple topics, knowledge of the basics of grammar and vocabulary for everyday communication.

3. Intermediate. The level implies the ability to correctly express yourself in a foreign language, read books and watch films with an understanding of the meaning, write texts on various topics with almost no errors. That's about the same vocabulary plus good grammar and conversational 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. Speaking almost like a native language. Achieving this level requires not only persistent study of the language, but also its continuous use.

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

More specific and intelligible is the modern European classification, which is 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 teachers of foreign languages. 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 for specific needs. Can introduce himself and others, ask and answer simple questions about where he lives, people he knows, things he owns. Can communicate a little, provided that the interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly and is ready to help him.

A2. Can understand and use common expressions to communicate on frequently occurring topics such as personal information, family, shopping, local geography, work. Communication consists of a simple direct exchange of information on these topics.

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

IN 2. Understands the meaning of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including those in his professional field. Communicates quite fluently and naturally with native speakers without significant effort from either side. Can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of topics, presenting a point of view, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages 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-formed, and detailed text on complex topics using organization patterns and language bindings.

C2. He understands almost everything he hears and reads. Speaks fluently, conveying various shades of meaning even in the most complex cases.

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

The best way to determine if your English language skills are B1 level is to take a quality standardized test. Below is a list of the main internationally recognized tests and their respective B1 scores:

What can you do with knowledge of English at level B1

Level B1 of English will be sufficient to communicate with native English speakers on familiar topics. In the workplace, the B1 level of English allows an employee to read simple reports on familiar topics and write simple emails in their professional area. However, B1 level is not enough to communicate in the workplace only in English.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, a student with B1 English proficiency:

1. Understands the main ideas of clear standard messages on familiar topics regularly encountered at work, school, leisure, etc.
2. Can communicate in most situations that may arise during a stay in a country where the target language is spoken.
3. Can write simple coherent text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest to him.
4. Can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and aspirations, state and justify opinions and plans.

More about knowledge of English at level B1

The official conclusions about the student's skills are broken down into smaller sub-items for educational purposes. Such a detailed classification will help you evaluate your own level of English proficiency or help the teacher assess the level of students. For example, a student who speaks English at level B1 will be able to do everything that a student at level A2 can do, as well as:

• to discuss dreams and hopes for the future in the personal and professional sphere. organize and pass an interview when applying for a job in your professional field.
• talk about your TV preferences and favorite programmes.
• describe your education and your plans for future studies.
• talk about your favorite pieces of music and musical trends. Be able to plan an evening of listening to live music.
• talk about leading a healthy lifestyle, give and receive advice on healthy habits.
• talk about relationships and acquaintances, including communication with people on social networks.
• visit a restaurant, order food, engage in small talk at dinner, and pay the bill.
• participate in negotiations in their area of ​​expertise, enlisting help in understanding some issues.
• discuss safety issues in the workplace.
• Discuss the norms of polite behavior and adequately respond to impolite behavior.

Of course, progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, but it can be predicted that the student will achieve a B1 English proficiency level in 400 hours of study (total).

So, what are the levels, what level of language proficiency do you personally need (depending on your goals), and how much time will it take to reach this level? For convenience, we will focus on English as the most demanded language, and in which there is the most developed system of various tests and international exams. We will conditionally assess the level of English proficiency on a twelve-point scale. In many English language courses abroad, and in decent courses in our country, the formation of study groups takes place precisely in accordance with these levels.

0 - "zero level" of English

Full beginner. Many immediately begin to say: “Yes, yes, this is just about me! I learned something at school, but I don’t remember anything at all! Complete zero!" Not! If you learned something at school, then it has nothing to do with you. Zero level for those who have never learned English and do not even know the alphabet. Well, if, for example, he studied German or French at school, but never came across English.

1 elementary. Elementary level of English

There is no experience of using English. Separate simple words and expressions are clear, something can be guessed with great difficulty. Grammar is the most vague idea. In general, this is a typical level for a graduate of a post-Soviet school who pretended to study some “topics” twice a week, but in fact cheated mathematics under his desk. In case of urgent need, some words still pop up in my head - “passport, taxi, how mach”, but a coherent conversation does not work. To reach this level from scratch, it is enough to study at decent English courses abroad for 3-4 weeks, approximately 80-100 hours of study. By the way, about all the calculations (weeks, hours, etc.) - these are averages for the bulk of students with normal abilities (which are about 80%), ten percent of linguistically gifted students will learn everything much faster, and ten percent will need more time and efforts to achieve the same result. There are no people who are generally incapable of learning languages ​​- I declare this categorically. If you speak Russian, you can speak any other language, you just need to make some effort and spend some time. So, I wrote it, and I felt sad myself: whatever one may say, a month and a half in language courses abroad successfully replace a five-year study of the language in our ordinary secondary school ... well, this, of course, if it’s a three. If you diligently do your homework for all five years, then you can achieve much more significant success and rise to a higher level.

2 - Upper-Elementary. Highest elementary level

There is knowledge of simple grammatical constructions of the English language. It is possible to maintain a conversation on a familiar topic - but, unfortunately, the number of familiar topics is very limited. There is an understanding of simple sentences and speech constructions - especially if they speak slowly and explain what was said with gestures.

You can call this level the "living wage" for a relatively independent tourist from guides and interpreters. Add 80-100 hours of study to the previous level. By the way, in most decent language courses in Russia, one level is just about 80 hours, that is, if you study twice a week for 4 academic hours, then this is about 10 weeks, two to three months. Abroad, you can meet three weeks of intensive training.

3 - Pre-Intermediate. Lower Intermediate

You can keep up the conversation on a familiar topic. Knowledge of English grammar is quite good, although vocabulary is limited. You can pronounce fairly coherent sentences with virtually no errors if you have studied this topic in class. This sometimes leads to a paradoxical situation if you have to communicate with foreigners - it seems to them that you speak English quite tolerably, and they happily begin to explain something to you at a normal pace, waving their arms excitedly. But you, having laid out everything you knew, realize that you don’t understand a damn thing anymore, and you feel out of place.

At this level, you can already try to pass some language test, although there will be no practical benefit from this. This level roughly corresponds to the result of 3-4 when passing the IELTS exam, 39-56 points when passing the TOEFL iBT, you can try to pass the Cambridge exam PET (Preliminary English Test).

If you need advice on how to most effectively and quickly improve your level of foreign language proficiency, please contact us! We help everyone, regardless of region or country of residence.
Please contact in advance: !

From mobile devices, you can contact us through

Today, almost everyone strives or simply dreams of becoming fluent in a 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 choose directions, a group, set goals and determine the desired results - this is what each of you needs a knowledge test for.

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 gives only a general idea of ​​the available 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. Intermediate 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: implies 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, write a brief description of something in simple phrases.

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 of this level assumes that the student knows how to describe a situation, a person, a place, express his opinion, write a formal letter or request, construct a sentence grammatically correctly.

4. Intermediate level gives a secondary school and involves the ability to read books, watch movies, write, while observing the phonetic and grammatical norms of the 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 a question of an answer, but also to express a personal attitude, one's own opinion, to distinguish the general meaning of foreigners' speech, to distinguish official information from unofficial information.

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.