English levels: from A1 to C2, from Beginner to Proficiency. What are the levels of knowledge of English

Do you want to know if your knowledge corresponds to the Intermediate level? Take our course and get recommendations to help you improve your English.

Intermediate is the level required by most employers

Intermediate - what level is it? How to determine if your knowledge is appropriate for this level?

English level Intermediate language, which is marked B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, comes next after Pre-Intermediate. The name of this step comes from the word intermediate, the translation of which is “medium”. So, Intermediate is the so-called "average" level of language proficiency, which allows you to speak English quite fluently, discuss many professional and everyday topics, understand by ear almost everything said in English language at a normal pace. B1 language proficiency level allows you to take entrance exams in Russian universities and preparatory courses abroad. However, the most important thing is that virtually all employers require that their potential or actual employees know English at a level not lower than Intermediate.

We recommend that you start learning English at the Intermediate level if you:

• speak fluently, able to keep up the conversation, but choose your words, so you want to “talk”;
• have a good vocabulary, but it is not always easy to operate with it, you often have to check with the dictionary;
• correctly understand the questions of a foreign interlocutor and English speech in the recording, but only if the speaker speaks clearly and measuredly;
• understand the basic grammar of the English language and operate different times English, but feel insecure in more complex grammar;
• studied English at this level for a long time, remember a lot and now you want to refresh your knowledge;
• recently completed an English course at the Pre-Intermediate level.

Material that people with knowledge of English at the Intermediate level should know

How to determine that you know English at level B1? The table shows what knowledge a person with the Intermediate level should have.

If you are not sure that you have all the knowledge required at this level, we recommend that you check if you have knowledge of the English language at the level.

The Intermediate level program involves the study of such topics in the curriculum

How will your speaking skills develop in the Intermediate course?

Intermediate level is a kind of key stage at which the student really begins to "get under way" in speaking skills (Speaking skills). At this stage, you become a "speaking" student. If you want to speak fluently, try to talk as much as possible in class. Do not be afraid to argue and express your point of view, try to use complex colloquial clichés.

Concerning vocabulary (Vocabulary), in addition to general vocabulary, at the Intermediate level you learn the so-called "general business" English - widely used words that are associated with communication in the business sphere. In addition, the "intermediate" level is rich in various phrases, idioms, turns of speech and set expressions. You memorize not just words, but whole phrases in context, learn to build new words using prefixes and suffixes. Much attention is paid to the ability to explain the meaning of a word in English, to name its synonyms and antonyms.

listening(listening) is still a problem for many students starting at the Intermediate level. The audio texts of this level are much longer than the texts for the Pre-Intermediate level, however, long tracks are divided into parts, to which different types assignments. An Intermediate student can understand factual information related to work, study and everyday life, distinguishing both general meaning and individual details; while speech can be with a slight accent.

Concerning reading(Reading), the Intermediate level allows you to understand rather complex, although still adapted texts, but you can try to read non-adapted literature. At level B1, a simple retelling of the read text is no longer enough, you need to be able to give your assessment, express an opinion for or against, imagine yourself in the place of heroes, etc. All texts for reading the Intermediate level are a kind of “context” for consolidating and automating the use of the studied vocabulary and grammar.

Another aspect that receives a lot of attention is letter (Writing). You will learn how to compose English sentences not only colloquial, but also official style. Level B1 usually includes the following writing assignments:

• Describing a person
• Telling a story
• An informal letter
• Describing a house or flat
• Formal letter and CV
• A film review
• An article for a magazine

Upon completion of the Intermediate level, the student will be able to use English quite successfully in a variety of standard situations, to clearly express his opinion. In addition, he will learn how to write letters, fill out declarations, questionnaires and other documents that require the provision of basic information about himself, take part in negotiations, make presentations and correspond with native speakers. Knowledge of English at the Intermediate level is a good achievement and provides a variety of opportunities, such as an advantage in employment. From this level, you can start preparing for exams and.

The term of study at the Intermediate level

The term for studying English at the Intermediate level may vary, it depends on the initial knowledge and personal characteristics of the student. On average, the training period is 6-9 months. It is the Intermediate level that is considered a strong base, the final stage in the formation of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. Further levels are the deepening and expansion of the active and passive vocabulary, immersion in the subtleties and shades of the language.

To finally make sure that this course of study is right for you, we recommend that you take our course, which tests basic English skills. And if you want to not only accurately know your level of knowledge of the English language, but also improve it, we suggest enrolling in our school. The teacher will determine your level, weaknesses and strengths and help you improve your knowledge.

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: 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, 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 This level assumes that the student knows how to describe a situation, person, 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.

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.

Do you want to know if your knowledge is at the Upper-Intermediate level? Take our course and get recommendations to help you improve your English.

Upper-Intermediate - a level sufficient for life and communication in a country where English is the official language

The Upper-Intermediate level is designated B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). The Upper-Intermediate stage is a serious level of knowledge sufficient to communicate in English in almost all areas. As you remember, the translation of the word intermediate sounds like “middle”, and upper means “top”, so the Upper-Intermediate level means a step above the average. Upper-Intermediate English learners can start preparing for the international TOEFL or IELTS exams. Certificates of these exams will be useful for admission to foreign universities and employment abroad, as well as for emigration. In addition, upon completion of the course, you can take the FCE exam and receive an international certificate that will confirm your English proficiency at the Upper-Intermediate level.

Upper-Intermediate is figuratively called the level at which “all tails are pulled up”. And this is true, because, having reached this point, it is enough high level, students should be familiar with all the basic grammatical structures of the English language. Thus, their knowledge at this level is consolidated, systematized and supplemented by more complex cases of using all the same modal verbs, tenses, conditional sentences, and so on.

The Upper-Intermediate level program includes the study of such topics in the curriculum

How will your speaking skills develop in the Upper-Intermediate course?

At the Upper-Intermediate level, special attention is paid to the development speaking skill (Speaking). The speech of an English learner becomes “complex”: you will not only know in theory, but actively use in practice all aspects of the tenses of the English language, conditional sentences, phrases in passive voice etc. At this stage, you will be able to maintain a conversation with several interlocutors or express your point of view on almost any topic in a long monologue. You stop speaking in short, abrupt sentences: at the end of stage B2, you will build long sentences, linking them together with words and expressing your thoughts clearly.

On the English Upper-Intermediate course, you significantly expand your vocabulary (Vocabulary). At the end of the course, you will know about 3000-4000 words, which will allow you to freely express your thoughts in any environment. At the same time, your speech will be replenished with various synonyms and antonyms of words already familiar to you, phrasal verbs and set expressions, as well as vocabulary business style. This will allow you to communicate in English both at work and at home.

Listening to the speech of native speakers (listening) will gradually improve: you will learn to understand the meaning of what was said, even if the English speaker speaks with a slight accent or in fast pace. At this stage, you learn to listen to long texts in both standard English, also called the language of the BBC, and variable, that is, with various local features and accents.

Reading skill (Reading) is also actively developing on the Upper-Intermediate course. At this stage, you will read feature articles, journalistic texts and works fiction in non-adapted English with almost complete reading comprehension. On average, the text will contain no more than 10% of unfamiliar vocabulary that will not interfere with the general understanding of the text.

You will be able to spontaneously express your thoughts and in writing (Writing). At the Upper-Intermediate level, you learn to write in certain formats: formal and informal letters, articles, reports, essays, etc.

At the end of the Upper-Intermediate course, you can take the FCE, IELTS or TOEFL exam to document English language skills at B2 level. With such a certificate, you can go to study or live abroad, and you can also present it at an interview in an international company, which requires knowledge of English at a level not lower than Upper-Intermediate.

The term of study at the Upper-Intermediate level

The term for studying English at the Upper-Intermediate level depends on the individual characteristics of the student and the regularity of classes. The average duration of study on the Upper-Intermediate course is 6-9 months.

Learning at the Upper-Intermediate level is a rather complex process that requires serious efforts from both the teacher and the student. But your efforts will not be in vain, as knowing English at this level will allow you to get a well-paid job or enter a prestigious foreign university where teaching is conducted in English. In addition, you can not stop there: if you have already successfully completed the previous steps, then you must continue to develop your skills. It is necessary to repeat the material covered so as not to forget it, and to use the acquired knowledge in practice.

If you want to improve your knowledge of the English language, we offer you to improve your level at our school. A competent teacher will determine your level, weaknesses and strengths and help you reach the heights of the English language.

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 is added to the considered six levels - a native speaker, and elementary level, as mentioned earlier, 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. Talks fluently, passing various shades values ​​even in the most difficult cases.

Knowledge of English opens the door to the world of international communication, foreign culture, education and a successful career, and conquering it is a real victory. The deeper you dive into the language, the more interesting, easier and more enjoyable it is to learn it. Unfortunately, for many students, instead of joy and satisfaction, the learning process brings disappointment: they study languages ​​for years, but hardly move from the starting point.

No matter how great the temptation to justify a low language level by the lack of natural abilities, often the reason lies not at all in the student's talents. Much more often the problem lies in the insufficiently effective organization of the educational process.

CEFR English Levels – The Basis for Effective Language Learning

In Western education, the project approach to learning activities. It is especially effective in the field of practical training, the main purpose of which is the development of skills. Why does a month of study in foreign language schools often give more than a whole semester in Russia? Of course, immersion in the language environment is a powerful support, but the decisive factor is the approach to learning languages ​​as a project.

It is the project approach, which is used by the leading foreign language schools, that the Capital School Center also practices.

Our task is to make learning languages ​​in Russia as effective as abroad, and at the same time as accessible as possible. more of people.

An important tool for project-based language learning is the European CEFR scale of language levels, which regulates the volume and quality of basic language skills. Let's take a closer look at the CEFR scale and the benefits that a student can derive from it.

European Language Scale for English Proficiency

CEFR, Common European Framework of Reference, is a pan-European standard for language levels created by the Association of European Language Schools. The CEFR scale describes in detail the amount of knowledge and the level of development of students' fundamental language skills.

The main skills of language proficiency include: knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, reading (reading), writing (writing), understanding speech by ear (listening), the ability to speak (speaking).

The convenience of the standard scale of levels of knowledge of English as a foreign language is that at all language levels it:

1. clearly fixes the required amount of knowledge and skills, minimizes discrepancies that may arise in determining the level of knowledge and interaction between the student and the school;
2. at all levels of teaching English allows you to evaluate the content of the curriculum offered by a particular school;
3. helps to roughly calculate the time required to reach the desired level;
   helps to form an effective curriculum for each level and, on its basis, a personal development plan for the student;
4. makes it possible to monitor the progress of training and adjust the curriculum as difficult moments are identified.

Thanks to common standard educational establishments achieve consistency of programs and language levels and improve the overall quality of the education offered to students foreign languages. The standard is actively used by those schools that are interested in responsible and, importantly, productive work with students.

The program offered by the Capital School Center is created in accordance with the CEFR scale, the innovative 4-D teaching methodology has been approved by major international language schools and educational technology developers, and teaching activity licensed by the Moscow Department of Education (License No. 039270 dated April 9, 2018).

English Proficiency Levels

The table provides basic information about grammar, vocabulary and skills that students have at each level of English. This information will help you estimate your current level and estimate the time it takes to learn English.

Please note that the time required to complete one level indicated in the table assumes training in a standard program.

At our school, you can customize the language program as much as possible for yourself and, if necessary, reduce the duration of study by taking an intensive English course - individually or in a group.

At the end of each level, the Capital School Center provides exams that include tasks in writing, reading, speaking, listening. After successfully passing the exam, students receive an official school certificate with a license number. The solemn ceremony, including the presentation of certificates and a photo shoot in a mantle and a master's cap, is a pleasant reward for work.

How to reach the right level of English in a given time frame

Students who do not reach the required level of English over the years of study often find themselves oriented towards the process, not the result. But in fact, it is very difficult to achieve a goal if it is formulated vaguely.

Clearly formulated goals, following a well-designed curriculum and a methodology for teaching English that uses the maximum of the student's internal capabilities will help to achieve the desired level by the deadline.

We formulate goals

With goals, it would seem that everything is simple - every student understands why he is going to learn a language. However, the amount of learned material, the effectiveness of teaching English and satisfaction with the result directly depend on how accurately the goal is formulated. For goals to work, they must be specific, measurable, achievable, meaningful, time-bound.

1. Determine why you plan to learn English: for example, business correspondence on general topics (Intermediate level) or on special topics (Upper-Intermediate), interpreting and participating in negotiations, passing an interview, entering a university with an IELTS score of 6.5.
2. How important is this goal to you? What will change in life if you achieve it, and what will happen if you back off? How significant this goal is for you directly affects your motivation, which means the time and effort that you are willing to invest in your studies.
3. Estimate the time period in which you need to reach the desired level and the time you have during the week for classes and homework. Remember that a significant amount of independent work helps to master the language confidently - about twice as much as you do in the classroom.
4. Is the target – in this case, the desired language level – achievable within the specified time frame? If you start at the Intermediate level for half a year of even super-intensive classes, you are unlikely to be able to count on fluency.
5. Determine your current level of English with this

A thoughtful, realistic and clearly formulated goal, with which the student internally agrees, is the most important source of motivation and a way to control the effectiveness of learning. The administration and teachers of the Capital School Center are interested in leading students to the result, and therefore we always begin our acquaintance with clarifying the goals and objectives that you face.

We create a personal study plan

Once you have clearly formulated the desired result, estimated your current language level, the time and budget that you are ready to allocate for language classes, it's time to start creating an effective curriculum. You do not need to do this on your own - just contact the Capital School Center managers, describe your situation and answer the questions.

At this stage, you will need to understand where, in what format, what textbooks you will study from. Consider whether it would be more convenient for you to study in a group, a mini-group of 2-4 people, or individually. Decide whether you want to attend school in person or study remotely via Skype, with Russian-speaking teachers or with native speakers.

Remember that at any level of study, you have the opportunity to combine formats and build a flexible, most convenient study schedule that will organically fit into your current schedule. The task of the manager is to help you with this, so be sure to discuss the details that are important to you. A convenient solution must be found.

Choosing the most effective method of teaching English

With the development of digital technology, one of the most important trends modern education became game learning which is great not only for children, but also for adults. Interactive interaction with educational material helps to maintain concentration and brings dynamics to English classes, beautiful graphics turns abstractions into bright visual images that are easy to remember.

The innovative 4-D teaching methodology developed at the Capital School Center uses the main channels for acquiring new knowledge - visual, auditory, tactile and filmy. During full-time or remote classes at all levels, students work with SMART panels, under the format of which the teacher, at the request of the student, adapts the material from any textbook. Each exercise on the SMART-panel is aimed at practicing and improving the level of proficiency in several language skills at once, which ensures rapid progress.

The experience of our students confirms that the 4-D technique is effective at any level of language proficiency. It makes learning interesting - and what arouses interest remains in the memory naturally, without special efforts. Thanks to the innovative methodology and project-based approach to learning at the Capital School Center, you will be able to improve your level of English in the shortest possible time.

Of course, it is better to evaluate the advantages of the 4-D technique on your own experience, and we provide you with this opportunity - sign up and come to us for a trial lesson!

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