Everyone has different ideas about knowing a foreign language. For example, for someone, knowledge of English is enough for regular and unimpeded travel in Europe and someone wants more,than just read Byron in the original and watch TV series Without translation... Subjectively, each person determines for himself at what level he knows English, but when he needs to master it for living, working or studying abroad, you need to test your knowledge on the unified pan-European scale CEFR.
This grading is based not on knowledge of certain sets of words or language constructions, but on the capabilities that a person learning English may have. That is why the table of levels of the English language of the common European competence is applicable to any language.
Levels of knowledge of a foreign language
Common European Framework of Reference for Europe (CEFR) |
International levels of English |
Time required to reach each level |
What knowledge does the student have? |
| Beginner (base) |
2-3 months | 1) Knows the alphabet, simple phrases and words 2) Can build a simple sentence 3) Answers basic questions |
|
| Elementary (elementary) |
3-7 months | 1) Understands the simplest language constructions (tenses and forms) 2) Able to talk about himself, about interests, about family, about a pet, etc. 3) Knows and applies modal verbs 4) Vocabulary expanded with adjectives 5) Can maintain a dialogue on a familiar topic, but the interlocutor should speak clearly, slowly. |
|
| Pre-intermediate (below the average) |
7 - 9 months | 1) Finds familiar phrases and words in difficult speech 2) Can confidently, albeit with grammatical errors, support a conversation on an everyday topic 3) Fills in the questionnaire in English |
|
| Intermediate (average) |
1 - 1.5 years | 1) Reads English stories, watches films with subtitles, specially adapted for the intermediate level 2) Can write a short essay about himself 3) Communicates fluently on daily topics and can even support a more complex conversation |
|
| Upper-intermediate (above average) |
1.5 - 2 years | 1) Confident conversationalist in various topics 2) Understands speech in films and TV series 3) Can read literature of any complexity 4) Perfectly expresses his thoughts in a letter |
|
| Advanced (advanced) |
2 - 3 years | 1) Freely communicates on any topic 2) Fully understands many dialects |
|
| Proficiency (professional) |
3-5 years | 1) Fluent in English in all linguistic aspects, like a native speaker 2) Extensively uses professional vocabulary |
Why do you need to know your level of knowledge of the language?
- The levels of the English language allow you to correctly and accurately formulate future goals and objectives. Only in this way can you evaluate your own capabilities and plan further training.
- English proficiency levels determined by testing must be specified in resume or application form when applying for a job in transnational corporations. To have a good, high-paying position in such companies, your knowledge of English must be at a high level.
- It is also necessary to know the levels of English when applying to study at one of the prestigious European educational institutions. However, in order to confirm, in this case, the admissions committee may request a language certificate.
Can't figure out how well you speak the language? Go through
Today English is required not only for foreign, but also for Russian universities. Admissions committees establish a clear score on the exam, according to which a high school student passes or does not pass to the university. We decided to figure out what kind of English is needed for the USE, IELTS and TOEFL exams and what skills are required for successful university studies.
English language entrance exams
Unified State Exam results are accepted as entrance examinations in English to Moscow universities (the minimum threshold is 22 points out of 100). However, the bar is much higher for leading universities. So, at MGIMO, high school students must score 95-100 points in order to guarantee themselves a place. The Faculty of Economics at the Higher School of Economics (where tuition takes place in two languages) requires 70 points.
Universities in England accept only IELTS as entrance exams, and for admission to the Foundation, a graduate of a school needs to score IELTS 5.5-6.0 (out of a maximum of 9.0). In US universities, along with IELTS, the TOEFL certificate is considered. For preparatory programs, you need TOEFL iBT 60, and for direct admission to the undergraduate program - at least 92 points (out of 120 possible).
What level do the results on the exam correspond to?
For admission to a prestigious university in Russia or abroad, a high school student needs English at an above-intermediate level (B2). In order to qualify for a high score, it is important not only to know the language, but also to understand the exam format and possess academic skills.
Learning skills
Experience shows that entering a good university is half of the success, and the most difficult thing is in the learning process. Overseas universities require a range of academic skills from students:
- ability to write essays and term papers
- take notes of lectures in English
- carry out investigations
- make a presentation
- participate in debates
- analyze large amounts of information
All this is necessary in order to become an independent student. After all, studying at a foreign university is 30% of classes in the classroom and 70% of independent work.
Training
Summer schools in England offer intensive programs for high school students, where they can prepare for the English language exam and at the same time develop academic skills. As a rule, courses are designed for 3 weeks and include three blocks of classes:
- General skills. Speaking, writing, listening, reading and grammar
- Practical skills. Role-playing games, discussions, debates, presentations, story reading
- Academic skills. IELTS or TOEFL preparation, research, note-taking, note-taking and essay writing
At StudyLab, we select programs for each student individually - we rely on his current language level and on the goals that the child and his parents set for this summer.
Or on courses, you will surely come across the concept of “levels of English” or “levels of English proficiency”, as well as such incomprehensible designations as A1, B2, and more understandable Beginner, Intermediate, and so on. In this article, you will learn what these phrases mean and which levels of language proficiency stand out, as well as how to determine your level of English.
The levels of English are designed so that language learners can be divided into groups with approximately similar knowledge and skills in reading, writing, speaking and writing, as well as to simplify testing procedures, conduct exams, for various purposes related to emigration, study abroad and employment. This classification helps in recruiting students into a group and preparing textbooks, techniques, language teaching programs.
Of course, there is no clear boundary between the levels, this division is rather conditional, needed not so much by students as by 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 essence, they are just two different names for the same thing. These 6 levels are divided into three groups.
Table: Levels of English Proficiency
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 (abbreviated CERF).
English levels: detailed description
Beginner level (A1)
At this level, you can:
- Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and simple phrases to solve specific problems.
- Introduce yourself, introduce others, ask simple questions of a personal nature, for example, "Where do you live?", "Where are you from?", Be able to answer such questions.
- Maintain the simplest conversation if the other person speaks slowly, clearly, and helps you.
Many who have studied English at school have a command of the language at about the Beginner level. Only elementary vocabulary 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 the audio lessons for the textbook. You understand texts like the "Exit" sign, but 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 in simple phrases.
- Tell in simple expressions 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 broadcasts in English will not be understandable, except for individual words, but the interlocutor, if he speaks clearly, in simple phrases of 2-3 words in general, will understand. You will also be able to tell the simplest information about yourself, incoherently and with long pauses for thinking, say that the sky is blue and the weather is clear, express a simple wish, and place an order at McDonald's.
Beginner - Elementary levels can be called "level for survival", 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 clear speech on general, familiar topics related to everyday life (work, study, etc.)
- Cope with the most common situations on a trip, travel (at the airport, hotel, etc.)
- Write a simple, coherent text on topics that are common or familiar to you.
- Retell events, describe hopes, dreams, ambitions, be able to briefly talk about plans and explain your point of view.
The vocabulary and knowledge of grammar are enough to write simple essays about yourself, describe life events, write a letter to a friend. But in most cases, oral speech lags behind written, you confuse tenses, think over a phrase, pause to pick up a preposition (to or for?), But you can communicate more or less, 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 a quick speech and a fancy accent, then it is almost impossible. However, simple, clear speech is well understood, provided the words and phrases are familiar. You generally understand if the text is not very complicated, and with some difficulty you understand the general meaning without subtitles.
Upper Intermediate (B2)
At this level, you can:
- Understand the general meaning of complex text on specific and abstract topics, including technical (specialized) topics in your profile.
- Speak fast enough so that communication with a native speaker occurs without long pauses.
- Write clear, detailed text on different topics, explain a point of view, argue for and against different points of view on a topic.
Upper Intermediate is already a good, solid, confident command of the language. If you are talking about a well-known topic with a person whose pronunciation you understand well, then the conversation will go quickly, easily, naturally. An outside observer will tell you that you are fluent in English. However, you can be confused by words and expressions related to topics that you do not understand well, all sorts of jokes, sarcasm, hints, slang.
You are asked to answer 36 questions to test your listening, writing, speaking and grammar skills.
It is noteworthy that to test the listening comprehension, not recorded phrases like “London is the capital” are used, but short excerpts from films (Puzzle English specializes in learning English from films and TV shows). In English-language films, the characters speak close to how people speak in real life, so the test can seem harsh.
Chandler from Friends doesn't have the most understandable 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 the knowledge of grammar, a quite ordinary test is used, where you need to choose one option from several offered.
But you're probably wondering how a program can test your speaking skills? Of course, an online English proficiency test will not test your speech as a person, but the test developers have come up with an original solution. In the assignment, you need to listen to a phrase from the film and choose a line 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 your thoughts. This assignment, albeit in a simplified form, tests how you do both tasks.
At the end of the test, you will be shown a complete list of questions with correct answers, you will find out where you made mistakes. And of course, you will see a chart showing your level score on a scale from Beginner to Upper Intermediate. 
2. Test to determine the level of English with a teacher
To get a professional, “live” (and not automated, as in tests) assessment of the level of the English language, you need English teacher who will test you with assignments and interviews in English.
This consultation is free of charge. Firstly, there may be a language school in your city that offers free language proficiency tests and even a trial lesson. This is a common practice now.
In short, I signed up for a trial lesson-test, got in touch on Skype at the appointed time, and my teacher Alexandra and I held a lesson, during which she “tortured” me with various tasks in every possible way. All communication was in English.
My test-and-test lesson on SkyEng. We check the knowledge of grammar. At the end of the lesson, the teacher explained in detail to me in which direction I should develop my English, what problems I have, and a little later sent a letter with a detailed description of the level of language skills (with grades on a 5-point scale) and guidelines.
This method took some time: three days passed from the application to the lesson, and the lesson itself lasted about 40 minutes. But this is much more interesting than any online test.
Friends! I am often asked, but I am not in tutoring now. If you need a teacher, I recommend this wonderful site ... Here you will find a teacher, native speaker😛 or non-native speaker, for any occasion and pocket😄 I myself have taken more than 100 lessons there, I recommend you try it too!
Already in 2020, the USE in English will become a mandatory exam for Russian schoolchildren. Therefore, we decided to interview Mikhail Lancman, the director of the USE and OGE courses at Lancman School. He told us about his attitude to the USE system, about the difficulties faced by schoolchildren and gave advice on how to properly prepare for the USE in English in order to eventually get the coveted 100 points.
“We miss a lot in life simply because we are afraid of the level of our requests. Firmly decide for yourself that no other option, except for the 100 points you need, will work. "
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Mikhail Lantsman, director of USE and OGE courses at Lancman School.
I studied at the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of Moscow State University and from the first year I was engaged in tutoring in mathematics. My brother was also a tutor, and quite quickly we organized a small tutoring center, where since 2008 we have been preparing high school students for state exams, including telling them how to prepare for the Unified State Exam in English.
What exams, besides the compulsory ones (Russian and mathematics), do schoolchildren prepare most often?
The social studies exam has long been the most popular elective subject. More than half of the graduates take it. This is due to the fact that it is this subject that is asked in all economic universities, where most of the applicants go, according to the statistics for 2017 of the Higher School of Economics.
The next most popular subjects are physics and history. Physics is required for admission to most technical universities, and history is required for many humanitarian departments. Then comes the English language, biology, chemistry and computer science.
What level of English is required to pass the exam for a good score?
Not lower than B1 - Intermediate.
“The idea of the Unified State Exam is very correct. The knowledge of schoolchildren should really be assessed according to a unified system. "
Where to start preparing for the exam in English?
Preparation for the exam in English - oral part
Try to talk as much as possible and whenever possible. As a rule, on the oral part, students have several problems:
- the student forgets all grammar while speaking
- falls into a stupor and forgets words
- poorly constructs sentences and confuses constructions
There are two reasons for this - excitement and language barrier. It is very difficult to deal with anxiety, but it is possible to “talk” your English: read more, watch films with subtitles, travel to English speaking countries. Preparing for the Unified State Exam in English is a labor-intensive, but interesting and educational process. Do not be afraid to communicate with native speakers: this will help you achieve fluency faster.
And of course, it will never be superfluous to insure yourself and remember a few formulaic phrases that will help you not get lost in thought:
To describe the photo:
I’ve chosen picture №1 ...
While traveling I always take lots of photos and today I’m going to tell you about one of them ...
Look at this photo ...
In the photo you can see
For photo comparison:
Both of the photos are related to… (work)
In both of them there are some people who are ...
However, the photos have certain differences too.
"Only those students who want to pass the exam well are involved in additional courses."
How do you feel about the USE system in general?
The idea of the exam is very correct. The knowledge of schoolchildren should really be assessed according to a single system. Universities must also admit applicants in a transparent and understandable manner, so that everyone has equal conditions in the first stages of education. But the implementation of this idea turned out to be not entirely successful.
Why do you consider the USE implementation unsuccessful? What would you change?
Firstly, for many years there was a problem with the "leaking" of tasks to the Internet or to third parties who made very good money on this.
In addition, the tests in some subjects were not compiled very correctly - you could just guess the answer. Some tasks turned out to be so ambiguous that, for example, preparation for the Unified State Exam in English caused controversy even among teachers. Nevertheless, all these shortcomings are gradually being eliminated.
At the moment, the main problem, in addition to the qualitative compilation of kims (assignments) in individual subjects, I see the psychological aspect. Many schoolchildren are not prepared for this level of stress: the media, metal detectors and cameras only add excitement and do not help solve the problem. I think that the organizers of testing should think over not only academic, but also psychological preparation for schoolchildren.
Where to start preparing for the exams?
Answer yourself two questions: "Which university and which faculty do I want to enter?"... Unfortunately, most high school students are unable to provide a clear answer. But the set of additional exams depends on him. It often happens that in the middle of the school year, a student changes the subject, because he understands that he wants to be not an economist, but a writer, for example. It turns out that an unconscious choice takes six months of diligent preparation.
This does not mean that you immediately choose your destiny and one particular profession. It can be a whole area with many professions. It is important at least to choose a direction that is close to you.
There is also another way - you can get a quality education, and then choose from a wide range of professions. So it was with me. Graduates of the Mechanics and Mathematics Department become whoever they are: someone goes to work in banks and insurance companies, someone in programming. I myself went to work in the field of education, but this is my own business, that is, I am more of an entrepreneur. We were not taught this.
Fundamental education is needed first of all in order to form the skill to learn. And this skill is much more important than practical skills.
There are more than 20 international exams in the world that test knowledge of the English language. Have you decided to get an objective assessment of your knowledge, but do not know which English exam is better to pass? Among all the variety of exams, we will help you choose the one that suits your goals.
The day has come when you seriously thought about passing the international exam. There are several main reasons why a certificate might be useful to you:
- want to get a new prestigious job;
- dream of moving up the career ladder;
- firmly decided to leave for permanent residence abroad;
- intend to enter a university abroad;
- you need a certificate to get an objective assessment of your knowledge of the English language.
More than 15,000 universities, companies and government agencies around the world recognize international exam certificates. In employment, having an international certificate in English is a significant competitive advantage that will help you get a position in one of the large companies: Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM, Sony, Bosch, DHL, Credit Suisse, Motorola, Siemens AG, American Express, Procter & Gamble etc.
The tests test the candidates' knowledge of the following skills:
- Reading - Reading.
- Listening - Listening.
- Writing - Writing.
- Speaking - Speaking.
In addition, the exams test how well the candidate is proficient in aspects of the language such as grammar (Grammar), vocabulary (Vocabulary) and pronunciation (Pronunciation).
In recent years, the structure of many exams has undergone changes. Some of them have changed their names, but they are still searched on the Internet under the old names and abbreviations. We decided to collect old and current exam names into a table.
| Old name | Actual name |
|---|---|
| Yle starters | Pre A1 Starters |
| Yle movers | A1 Movers |
| Yle flyers | A2 Flyers |
| KET for Schools | A2 Key for Schools |
| PET for Schools | B1 Preliminary for Schools |
| Cambridge English: First for Schools | B2 First for Schools |
| Cambridge English: First (FCE) | B2 First |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | C1 Advanced |
| Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | C2 Proficiency |
| Business English Certificate Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) | B1 Business Preliminary |
| Business English Certificate Vantage (BEC Vantage) | B2 Business Vantage |
| Business English Certificate Higher (BEC Higher) | C1 Business Higher |
All those dreaming of a certificate ask themselves the question: "What exam in English to take?" And here the choice is very large (the sky is the limit)! So that you don't get confused, we have compiled an author's infographic of all international exams in English (to enlarge the image, click on it).
Choose an exam depending on your goals and help.
Exams for Study Abroad
How many tempting prospects are opening up for us studying abroad! Have you already chosen where to enter the magistracy? The only thing left to do is to pass the exam. European countries and the United Kingdom most often require a certificate from the University of Cambridge in the list of documents for admission. If you are applying to a university in the United States or Canada, then most likely you will have to present an American exam certificate. You can read more about choosing an exam in our article ""
In many ways, these exams are similar. They confirm your current level of knowledge and do not imply any passing score. The question is, will you be satisfied with a certificate that indicates the Pre-Intermediate level? Most likely not, because universities require Upper-Intermediate and higher. TOEFL and IELTS certificates are valid for two years after passing. And this is logical. First, the level of knowledge of the language changes. Secondly, such a certificate helps to solve the problem here and now: go to university, get a job, etc.
There are two types of IELTS exam: General and Academic. For study, you need Academic. It is more difficult than General: the writing and reading sections are based on complex texts with topical vocabulary and advanced grammar. And General will come in handy for any purpose other than education (immigration, work).
Exams for emigration and self-development
Have you been studying English for a long time and would like to prove that you have a decent level of knowledge? Then select the exam among,.
The main advantage is that the certificates of these exams are valid for life. Only not everyone will receive it. Unfortunately, if the examinee is unable to achieve a passing grade, then he will be given a certificate at a lower level. It's simple: if you passed the CAE and did not score the required minimum points, you will receive a document with the Upper-Intermediate level. Strictly but fair.
Exams for work
Have you been offered an interesting job in an international company? Great news! One thing: you need a certificate that confirms your high level of English proficiency. What is the best English exam to take for work? Choose: TOEIC, IELTS (General), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE).
Business English exams
If you need to confirm your knowledge of business English vocabulary, pay attention to: B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) corresponds to the Intermediate level, B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) - Upper-Intermediate, C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) - Advanced. Looking to impress potential employers when applying for a job? Choose BEC. Are you planning to study business disciplines in a foreign language? Also BEC. Are you planning to conduct seminars and trainings on business topics yourself? Again BEC.
The Business English exams comprehensively test students' skills. The BEC series is distinguished by its emotional vocabulary, advanced grammar, long texts and audio recordings, graphics and presentations, topics from the fields of marketing and management.
English teacher exams
Recently, English teachers are increasingly thinking about certificates confirming their qualifications - this is a strong competitive advantage in the labor market. TKT, CELTA or DELTA will work for them.
The TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) certificate confirms that its holder is proficient in the methodology and theory of teaching a foreign language. The exam consists of three theoretical modules, each of which can be taken separately.
CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are needed to show that the teacher can apply their knowledge in practice. The CELTA exam is chosen by novice teachers, and the DELTA exam is chosen by more experienced teachers.
Exams for children
The smallest English lovers need to start somewhere. What is the best English test for a child? The University of Cambridge offers three exams for children 7-12 years old: Pre A1 Starters (YLE Starters), A1 Movers (YLE Movers), A2 Flyers (YLE Flyers). These are the simplest exams, but they are very important for the child.
The A2 Key for Schools (KET for Schools) exam is a great start for a high school student. Key, like other exams, tests knowledge of four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. The exam is quite easy, but your child will be very pleased with himself, because not many peers can boast of such a confident start in English!
Upon successful passing of the B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) exam, the child will receive an Intermediate level certificate, and B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools) - Upper-Intermediate.
In conclusion, I would like to say that there is definitely an exam for every taste and color. We hope that after reading our article you will know exactly which English test is best to take. Whatever you choose, the main thing is to reach the end, receive the coveted international certificate and prove to yourself that you speak English at a decent level.