Levels of knowledge of foreign languages ​​in a resume: an example. How to write language proficiency on a resume

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) is an internationally recognized standard for describing levels of foreign language proficiency. The CEFR system is widely recognized throughout Europe and is most commonly used in other parts of the world. The EF SET is currently the only standardized English language test that accurately defines all CEFR skill levels from beginner to professional. Other standardized English tests measure some skill levels, but not the entire CEFR scale.

What you will find on this page

What is CEFR?

CEFR is a way of describing how well you speak and understand a foreign language. Among several similar systems with similar goals, there are: Teaching standards foreign languages, developed by the Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages ​​(ACTFL), the Canadian Language Assessment Criteria (CLB) and the Interagency Roundtable on Language Training (ILR). The CEFR system is not tied to any particular language test. CEFR is a pan-European system specifically designed to apply to any European language, so it can be used to assess your knowledge of English, German, and even your Estonian language skills (if any).

CEFR and EFSET

What is the CEFR system?

The CEFR criteria were drawn up by the Council of Europe in the 1990s as part of a larger initiative to develop cooperation between language school teachers from all European countries. Another goal of the Council of Europe was to provide managers and employees of educational institutions with clear criteria necessary for assessing the level of language proficiency of candidates. This system is intended to be used in the learning and assessment process.

CEFR is not tied to a specific test, and is a set of statements about what you can do using a foreign language at any level. For example, a B1 student might be said to "be able to produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or interesting to them." Teachers of any foreign language can use these statements to assess and fill gaps in your knowledge.

Who uses CEFR?

The CEFR system is widely used in language teaching in Europe, both in the public education sector and in private language schools. In many countries it has replaced previous assessment systems used in foreign language teaching. Most ministries of education in Europe include educational goals for all graduates high school, compliance of their knowledge with the CEFR system, for example, level B2 for the first foreign language and B1 for the second. Many European organizations use standardized tests such as the TOEIC to assess the level of English proficiency of adults applying for a job.

Outside of Europe, the CEFR system is used much less frequently, although some individual countries Asia and Latin America included it in their education systems.

Why is CEFR compliance important?

Today, in Europe, CEFR is increasingly used as a standard way of describing the level of knowledge of a foreign language, in particular in the academic environment. For those who, like most Europeans, have learned more than one language, the CEFR system offers a convenient, standardized way to present two or more languages ​​on a resume. In schools or universities, CEFR serves as the standard system throughout Europe and can be used without any restrictions.

However, CEFR is not widely used in a corporate environment. If you choose to use CEFR on your resume for professional purposes, it is best to include a level description, a standardized test result, and examples of times you have used your language skills (study abroad, work abroad, etc.)

How to find out your CEFR level?

The best way to find out your CEFR level is to take a properly designed standardized test. In English, EF SET is the best option to determine the level of English, as it is a free online text aligned with the CEFR system. It will take you 50 minutes to take the test and find out your CEFR level.

All the most common tests for assessing the levels of knowledge of other European languages ​​in the CEFR system are aligned with the CEFR system. The test is selected depending on the specific language. Information on such tests can be obtained from the official educational language associations in Europe, such as the Alliance Française for French, the Cervantes Institute for Spanish, or the Goethe Institute for German. The CEFR system is generally not used for level determination in non-European languages.

Criticism of the CEFR system

Many educators initially criticized CEFR for its breadth of levels. Each of the six levels contains a description of skills and abilities. The knowledge of a student who has just reached the B1 level is quite different from the knowledge of a student who has almost mastered the B2 level, but at the same time his level will be determined as the B1 level. As a practical matter, teachers should break down each of the six levels into smaller sub-levels to design lessons and evaluate students.

Many countries outside of Europe already have widespread tests of this kind. Bringing these tests into line with a common standardized system is considered inappropriate, so the available tests are used in their original form. For English in particular, the most widely used standardized level assessments differ from the CEFR system.

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The level of a foreign language must be filled in in an accessible form, both for the employer and for the manager who will select your resume for an interview.

Take care of it! Writing example:

Advanced(Highest degree of proficiency)

Upper Intermediate(Fluency)

intermediate(Intermediate knowledge)

Pre-Intermediate(A basic level of)

Beginning(First level)

To get a good higher education is not enough. It is difficult to pass successfully and get a long-awaited vacancy in a decent institution without having the skills of fluency in a foreign language.

Prestigious workplace, most likely, a candidate with knowledge of English will get it than an applicant who indicated in the “proficiency level” column - with a dictionary. Such an answer will finally convince the employer that he is an amateur and move the applicant's resume to the bottom rung of the career ladder.

What professions require knowledge of English

Today, everyone needs people with knowledge of foreign languages. They are waiting for them and want to see them among their employees. Almost all prestigious professions require language proficiency.

• In the first position is the position of a translator. This type of activity requires the possession of a foreign English language at the highest level.
• Second place went to the diplomat. His specialty involves not only knowledge of English, but also other languages ​​of international level.
• Language proficiency required. There is nothing to go into the IT sphere without these skills. In the computer world, everything is built in the language of the West.
• For the same reason, both the SMM manager and the Internet marketer will not do without it.
• , manager, scientist, pilot, stewardess, businessman, and even are simply required to speak foreign languages.
• Art professions such as musicians, artists, make-up artists, stylists, costume designers and painters must be able to communicate fluently in English.

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

The labor market is oversaturated with specialists every year. Former students today are in search of their place in life. It is possible to bypass many other newly minted engineers, accountants or even freelancers if there is a significant advantage in the reserve - the proper level of English proficiency.

How to correctly indicate the level of foreign language proficiency in a resume

Many candidates face the same problem: how to correctly indicate the level of English proficiency for a resume. The lack of a single generally accepted system, as well as the difference between Russian and international formulations, entails some difficulties in finding a job.

In Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries, the levels of language proficiency are described as follows:

• Applicants in the resume can indicate their specific skills: “I read and translate with a dictionary”, “proficiency at the household level”, “fluency”.
• You can apply another classification of assessment: "basic knowledge", "conversational", "good", "fluent", "excellent".

When compiling a resume, they allocate a whole block to indicate information about the level of their knowledge of foreign languages. If, in addition to English, in your arsenal, there is some other language, you need to specify it. Take a closer look at your English comprehension abilities. For large Russian employers, and international companies this aspect is of particular importance.

However, the most quoted was the international gradation of the level of English proficiency. Here are the following degrees:

• Level C 2 is considered the highest.
• Advanced level is considered C 1. (Advanced / Proficiency Level).
• Intermediate advanced - level B 2. Intermediate (Upper-intermediate Level).
• The average degree of understanding at level B 1. Threshold (Intermediate level).
• Knowledge is below average. – Level A 2. Basic (Basic / Pre-intermediate Level).
• Beginner level A 1. Elementary (Elementary / Beginning Level).

How to determine your level of English proficiency

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

For lack of time to pass tests, we offer to verbally determine skills in knowledge of foreign dialects. It's actually very simple! It is enough - to answer positively the points regarding the level, can you?

Below average (Pre-Intermediate). Applicant corresponding to the level must

• Be able to build complex sentences.
• Develop spoken language.
• Focus on what is being said in a simple conversation.
• Try to talk to foreigners without gestures.
• Correctly build interrogative, negative and declarative sentences.

The average level (Intermediate) involves

• Pretty fluent spoken English.
• The vocabulary should be sufficient for communication.
• Good writing and correct reading.
• Excellent understanding of what the interlocutor said.
• Perception of books and films in a native foreign language.

The high average level of knowledge (Upper-Intermediate) allows

• Freely carry on a conversation on various topics with clients, employees, foreign partners, friends and just strangers.
• Have a high level of writing
• Build conversational constructions with additions.

Advanced (Advanced). It is typical for him

• The ability to master speech, using complex turns and original idioms.
• Competently write letters, conduct business correspondence, negotiate, absolutely understand television programs, films, newspaper content.
• Perception and presentation at the carrier level.

How to indicate the level of language proficiency in the resume

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

If your knowledge of the language leaves much to be desired, then in the resume you should bypass this item altogether.

Of course, it is difficult to objectively assess your level of knowledge on your own. Taking free online tests will help shed light on this question. They are posted on the websites of language schools. It is better to take several tests, as their results may vary slightly. A more accurate assessment of language proficiency can be displayed in the resume by setting the average score.

German language proficiency levels

When describing other international languages ​​(German, French, Spanish), the same criteria for assessing the level of proficiency as in 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 at a normal pace . Level of language proficiency B1 allows you to take entrance exams to Russian universities and training 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?

The Intermediate level is a kind of key stage where the student really starts to "take off" 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 make English sentences not only colloquially, 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.

It has not been a privilege of the propertied classes for a long time, but, nevertheless, it has not ceased to be an intellectual privilege. Almost everyone studies foreign languages ​​(at school, at a university, in graduate school, in various courses), but only a few speak them, and not always these units are professional philologists-translators.

There is a common opinion - everyone can decently learn foreign languages. The main argument is that at least one language, that is, our native language, we all know perfectly! This means that there will be no special problems with a foreigner ... All these maxims are well-established delusions.

Firstly, how can one perfectly study in one human life what millions of people have been creating for thousands of years?!

So this notorious “perfection” is complete amateurism, a common mistake of non-professionals.

... The author of these lines, at the very beginning of his translation career, had to fill out the "Questionnaire for a participant in the Battle of Kulikovo." So the wits called the document, which was mandatory filled out by employees of sensitive enterprises. Since deep Soviet times, it has retained a clause regarding participation in October revolution and/or

Civil War - hence the unofficial name. However, in this questionnaire, immediately after the paragraph on government awards, there was a paragraph regarding the knowledge of foreign languages:

1. I speak (such and such a foreign) language fluently.
2. I explain simple topics, read with a dictionary, etc.

That is, you can speak a foreign language free, and this is the top bar. With this ability, a person, as needed, is able to switch to a foreign language and continue to talk in it almost like in his native language, read literature without constantly looking into the dictionary, and correspond.

But is it really available to everyone? Unfortunately, not for everyone. Anyone who will argue otherwise either does not know the subject, or teaches a foreign language himself, and therefore is vitally interested in having the opportunity to come to him. more people, and they studied with him for as long as possible ... Albeit to no avail.

According to the author's personal observations, at most forty percent of people can decently learn 1-2 foreign languages ​​​​and use them both for personal and professional purposes. We note in brackets that there is a small stratum of people who are bilingual, trilingual from birth, but now we are not talking about them. The rest of the contingent will cramming and cramming the language, perhaps they will learn to understand signs, menus and inscriptions (which is useful when traveling), they will be able to say thanks or gracias on occasion, but things will not go further than this. Reading will not give pleasure, speech will not flow smoothly, although a person has been conscientiously taught almost the entire amount of necessary knowledge and explained how to use it.

Free possession does not work ... And why?

Let's use this association: a small one-room "apartment" is our cranium. It can comfortably accommodate only one tenant - the native language. Whether this apartment will be a dirty, half-empty kennel or a well-groomed, comfortable room for living depends on our upbringing and education, as a result of which we speak our native language to one degree or another.

But here's how, firstly, to shove a second set of furniture into this limited space, and how to live there after that, secondly?

But if a person by nature has additional intellectual volumes - well, lucky, he inherited a good “apartment” from his ancestors - it will not be difficult to furnish it. Such a person will learn both three and five languages. Here the main thing will be what he needs this knowledge for. If someone enters in ecstasy from Eastern philosophy, he longs to read in the original Mahavir and Laodse, then both Hindi and Chinese will be easier for him than for a European without motivation, very simple English.

But does everyone need knowledge of foreign languages? Many people live their lives calmly making do with 3-5 words and their derivatives...

That's where, ladies and gentlemen, the dog is buried! After all, language is a form that is impossible without content. There are no thoughts, and the words scatter about their deeds, disappear Irregular Verbs and uncontrollably, like a morning dream, the rules for using articles fade in memory.

There is no doubt that knowledge of languages ​​is a significant, valuable addition to many professions in every sense. Your position in the company will always be a little higher, earnings - more, prospects are wider. It should be noted that chirping in a foreign language adds an indescribable charm to girls, which cannot replace either expensive perfume or a fashionable outfit. It is known that there is nothing more sexual than intelligence... But rushing to expensive courses, perhaps even abroad, with complete immersion in the language environment, ask yourself - do you really have something to say to this world? In their native Russian, having exhausted everything means of expression Great and Mighty, have you already chirped absolutely everything? Yeah, and now you want to address the inhabitants of planet Earth with a lengthy chirp in one of the main languages ​​​​of the UN ... Or even several.

If so, good luck. We will gladly listen to you.

How to learn a foreign language faster to remember the necessary and useful information for life and work? ..

At what level do you need to speak English? Who needs it and why?

What does language proficiency say at one of these levels, and who even invented them? Where to go to study?

How to link language proficiency levels with the international certification system?

What are language certificates and where can I get them?

This year, my colleague decided to enter a master's program in finance. Like all perfectionists, he made life as difficult as possible for himself: a serious university and a course taught in English were chosen for admission.

The problem was that the university website clearly stated “TOEFL and professional interview”, and my colleague spoke English, according to my estimates, at the level of “Landon from the capital city of Great Britain”.

To determine the level, a teacher from a popular language school was invited, who, after two hours of testing and interviews, pronounced a verdict "confident Intermediate". At this point, I was very surprised and once again plunged into reflections on how deeply foreign languages ​​​​penetrate our lives, and not only now, and not only English. And how important it is to master at least it ... At what level do you need to master it? What are these levels and what does language proficiency say at each of them? And how to link the levels of language proficiency with the international certification system?

WHAT WILL WE MEASURE?

We measure the immeasurable. How can the degree of language proficiency be assessed? By the number of words? Of course, this is an important criterion. But Lev Shcherba and his "gloky kuzdra" almost a century ago proved to the whole world that the main thing in a language is grammar. It is the backbone and the foundation of the foundations. But to have a conversation, read a book, and watch a movie, the basics are not enough. If you do not know the vocabulary, the meaning of what is happening will still elude you. That is again vocabulary?

In fact, both are important, as well as knowledge of the history, culture and modern realities of the country whose language you are studying - this is what your competencies are made up of.

Each of us has heard something about the levels of language proficiency. For example, in English one of the initial levels is Elementary, in Hebrew the levels of study are called by the letters of the Hebrew alphabet (alef, bet, gimel, etc.), and in Polish they correspond to the common European classification (from A0 to C2).

In addition to the system of division into levels for each individual language, there is also a common European classification. It does not describe the amount of grammatical knowledge, but what knowledge and skills a person has, how well he reads, perceives speech by ear and speaks. It is impossible to formulate assessment criteria common to all languages, such as “he knows this from grammar, but knows how to handle vocabulary like this.” Although European languages ​​are close to each other, they have their own characteristics: the presence / absence of genders, cases and articles, the number of tenses, etc. On the other hand, the existing similarities are enough to create a common assessment system for the whole of Europe.

EUROPEAN LANGUAGES: STUDY AND PROFICIENCY LEVELS

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment(Common European Framework of Reference, CEFR) - a system of levels of foreign language proficiency used in the European Union. The relevant directive was developed by the Council of Europe as the main part of the Language Learning for European Citizenship project between 1989 and 1996. The main goal of the CEFR system is to provide an assessment and teaching method applicable to all European languages. In November 2001, a resolution of the Council of the European Union recommended that the CEFR be used to establish national language proficiency assessment systems.

To date, this classification offers us three levels, each of which has two sublevels:

■ Beginner (A1)

In the classroom. The student understands and uses phrases and expressions necessary to perform specific tasks. (Remember, in foreign lessons: "Sit down, open your textbooks"? That's it.) He can introduce himself and introduce another person, tell and answer simple questions about his family, home. Can maintain a simple dialogue - provided that the interlocutor speaks slowly, clearly and repeats three times.

In life. Yes, this is the level Where are you from and London is the capital city of Great Britain. If in a foreign country you can call yourself by name, tell the cafe that you want tea, poke your finger on the menu, ordering “this”, and ask a passerby where the Tower is, this is the level of survival. “To tickets to dublin,” so to speak.

■ Below average (A2)

In the classroom. The student understands individual sentences and frequency expressions related to the main areas of life (information about himself and family members, shopping in a store, general information about work), and can also talk about it and support a conversation on everyday topics.

In life. At this level, you can already answer the standard question of the seller in the store (Do you need a package?), withdraw money from an ATM if there is no menu in your native language, clearly tell the seller in the market how many kilograms of peaches you need, instead of expressively gesturing , you can get your bearings in the city, rent a bike and much more.

Free dialogue about Nietzsche is still very far away, but, as you have noticed, the key word in defining this level is the main ones. From now on, your knowledge will be enough to survive in a strange city.

■ Medium (B1)

In the classroom. The student understands the essence of the messages clearly formulated in the literary language. Topics of messages: everything that surrounds a person during work, study, leisure, etc. Being in the country of the studied language, he is able to communicate in most standard life situations. Can compose a simple message on an unfamiliar topic, describe impressions, talk about some events and plans for the future, justify his opinion on any issue.

In life. The name of this level - self-sufficient possession - suggests that you will be able to be in a foreign country and act on your own in most situations. Here we mean not only and not so much shops (this is the previous level), but also going to the bank, to the post office, going to the hospital, communicating with colleagues at work, teachers at school, if your child is studying there. Having visited a performance in a foreign language, you are unlikely to be able to fully appreciate acting skills and the talent of the director, but you will already be able to tell your colleagues exactly where you went, what the play was about and whether you liked it.

■ Above average (B2)

In the classroom. The student understands the general content of complex texts on abstract and concrete topics, including highly specialized texts. He speaks quickly and spontaneously enough to communicate with native speakers effortlessly.

In life. In fact, this is already the level of language that most people use in Everyday life. After all, we do not discuss string theory with colleagues at lunch or the peculiarities of the architecture of Versailles. But we often discuss new films or popular books. And the most wonderful thing is that now they will become available to you: you do not need to look for films and publications adapted to your level - you can handle many works, and not only modern ones, yourself. But before reading special literature or fully understanding the terminology of the series "Doctor House", of course, is still far away.

■ Advanced (C1)

In the classroom. The student understands large, complex texts various themes, recognizes metaphors, hidden meanings. Can speak spontaneously fast pace without choosing words. Uses language effectively to communicate in professional activity. He knows all the ways of creating texts on complex topics (detailed descriptions, complex grammatical constructions, special vocabulary, etc.).

In life. At this level, you can participate in seminars, watch films and read books without restrictions, communicate with native speakers as freely as with your compatriots.

■ Professional (С2)

In the classroom. The student understands and can compose almost any written or oral communication.

In life. You can write a dissertation, give a lecture and participate, along with native speakers, in discussions on any general or professional topic.

ENGLISH: LEVELS OF LEARNING AND PROFICIENCY

The classification of English proficiency levels is somewhat different. It is not always clear what English course teachers mean when they promise you to achieve the Advanced level from scratch in a year, and what the employer wants if they indicate the Upper-Intermediate level in the vacancy announcement. To clarify, let's compare the levels of proficiency in European languages ​​and English (see table).

beginner

Yes, this level is not indicated in our table. This is the beginning of beginnings. There is no question of any language proficiency at this stage, but this is the foundation on which the house will be built - your proficiency in the language. And how strong this foundation will be, depends on how beautiful, large and reliable this house will turn out to be.

■ Knowledge and skills at Beginner level. At this level, you will begin by learning the alphabet, English phonetics, numbers, and basic

grammar features: three simple tenses, direct word order in sentences, absence of cases and genders.

Pay special attention to phonetics, try to understand the difference between intonation in interrogative and declarative sentences.

Practice your pronunciation. When you learn the language well, a terrible accent will not only spoil the impression, but also make it difficult to communicate. Then it will be much more difficult to fix it.

■ Training period. It usually takes about four months of group training to acquire such a wealth of knowledge. Working with a tutor, this result can be achieved much faster.

■ What is the result. If an Englishman turns to you on the street with a request to help him find an embassy, ​​you will be upset, because you will still make out the word "embassy", and he will pronounce everything else in such a way that you are unlikely to recognize him as an Englishman at all.

Elementary

This level corresponds to level A1 in the European classification and is called the level of survival. This means that if you get lost in a foreign country, you can ask and then follow the instructions to find the way (suddenly the phone with the navigator runs out of power), you will be able to check into a hotel, buy food not only in the supermarket, but also in the market, where you will have to deal with the seller albeit in a short, but quite lively dialogue. In general, from now on you will not be lost.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Elementary level. If you have reached this level, you already know much more.

■ Our recommendations. Do not try to jump over grammar in pursuit of vocabulary - it only seems simple at first, in fact, with an increase in the level of complexity, many nuances appear. If you do not pay attention to them, it will be difficult to eradicate errors in speech later.

Learn the numerals and how to form them to full automatism.

Write down the names of the objects that surround you in the dictionary and memorize them. So you can ask the hotel for a pen or a needle and thread, offer a guest a glass of water, buy an avocado at the market not “this is it”.

Training period: 6-9 months depending on the intensity of the classes and your abilities.

What is the result. Now our Englishman has a real chance to get to the embassy.

Pre-Intermediate

This is the "preliminary level". That is, you somehow climbed onto the porch. Now you are standing in front of the threshold, and your main task is to step over it. This is true in any language, not just English. At this level it suddenly becomes really difficult. A lot of new vocabulary appears, the amount of grammar knowledge that the teacher diligently puts into your head increases many times over. New information sweeps over you like a wave. But if you swim out now, you are almost guaranteed to learn this language.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Pre-Intermediate level. At this level, the list of your knowledge and skills is significantly replenished.

In fact, we can say that language proficiency begins at this level. You will not only survive in an unfamiliar city and be able to make friends, but also begin to independently improve your level of knowledge of the language. An understanding of what vocabulary is missing in the first place will begin to come to you, you will clearly see your weaknesses and will already know what needs to be done to tighten them.

In addition, here we can already talk about the use of the language in the work. A secretary who speaks English at the Pre-Intermediate level may not be able to call the hotel to clarify the details of the reservation, but he will definitely be able to write a letter there. He will also be able to write a message about the meeting, receive guests and start small talk with them, which is so popular in the English environment.

■ Our recommendations. Never give up! You can do it. If you realize that some topic is not given to you, do not be too lazy to deal with it - by contacting a teacher, or on your own, or with the help of many Internet resources. Without any tests, you will suddenly discover how much you already know and how much you already get. At this moment, you can safely step through the threshold - go to the next level.

■ Training period: six to nine months. And here it is better not to rush.

■ What is the result. Our Englishman is guaranteed to get to the embassy thanks to your recommendations. You, too, will be extremely pleased with yourself.

intermediate

This is the first self-sufficient level. Congratulations if you speak the language at this level. This means you are logged in. new world where you will find many amazing discoveries. Now the boundaries for you are a convention. You can make friends in all corners the globe, read online news, understand jokes in English, comment on photos of US friends on Facebook, chat with friends in China and Peru while watching the World Cup. You have found a voice.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Intermediate level. In addition to those listed at the previous levels, you know and are able to:

The Intermediate level is not in vain required by many employers. In fact, this is the level of free communication in the office (unless, of course, you are in the habit of discussing the principle of operation of the power steering over coffee). This is the level of working with documents and maintaining a free conversation on general and general professional topics.

Yes, as long as it's not freehold. You still pick up words in your mind, use a dictionary when reading books - in a word, until you can "think in a language." And no, it won't get any easier. But you will be really interested. You won't be able to stop anymore.

■ Our recommendations. At this level, you can increase the stock of professional vocabulary. A solid vocabulary on the topic of discussion automatically and very noticeably increases your level of language proficiency in the eyes of the interlocutor. If you have a place to apply knowledge (work, study, hobby), do not neglect this opportunity. Remember also that language is alive, it is constantly evolving.

Read not only adapted classics, but also books by modern authors in English, watch videos on topics that interest you, listen to songs.

■ Training period: 6-9 months.

■ What is the result. Perhaps you have half an hour - why not see this nice English gentleman to the embassy.

Upper Intermediate

This is the first level of language proficiency, sufficient for trouble-free living in another country. You can chat with your neighbors, go to a party, and even to the theater. Not to mention work. Most professionals who receive job offers in another country speak the language at least at this level.

■ Knowledge and skills at the Upper-Intermediate level. So what do you know and can do:

In fact, B2 is already free possession. No, of course there are limits. It is unlikely that you can do House Doctor or The Big Bang Theory - they have a lot of special vocabulary, and even puns. But after watching a classic performance, you will not only understand what it is about, but you will also be able to enjoy the performance of the actors.

You will stop listening to half of your favorite songs because you will realize what nonsense there is in the lyrics. Your world will become much bigger, not to mention the fact that with such a level there is a chance to go to work abroad and enter a foreign university.

Read as many literary texts as possible to make your speech rich and imaginative. This will also help you make fewer mistakes in writing - constantly meeting a word in a text, we remember how it is spelled.

Spend a holiday in the country of the language you are learning and speak as much as possible there. It is best to take some kind of intensive language course, for example in Malta. But this is a very costly undertaking. On the other hand, it is in such places that you can make useful business contacts. So consider spending on such a trip as an investment in a happy future.

■ Training period depends on so many factors: your efforts and abilities, as well as how intensively you study and how good your teacher is. You can take a year.

■ What is the result. While walking with the Englishman to the embassy, ​​we chatted casually and even giggled a couple of times.

Advanced

This is the level of fluency in English. Above it is only the carrier level. That is, around you, when you master the language at this level, there will be almost no one who knows the language better. Indeed, 80% of your communication in English is not with native speakers, but with those who, like you, have learned it. As a rule, graduates of the philological faculty with a degree in English speak the language at this level. What does freehold mean? The fact that you can talk about any topic, even if you have little knowledge of the subject. Yes, like in Russian. Having reached this level, you can get one of the certificates: CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), IELTS - for 7-7.5 points, TOEFL - for 96-109 points.

■ Knowledge and skills at Advanced level

Congratulations, you have gained freedom! For everyday life and office work, this level is quite enough. You will clearly explain to your boss why you need a pay rise, and to your English husband why you think he does not love you.

■ Our recommendations. Having reached this level, you not only speak the language, you can think in it. Even if for some reason you will not use it for a long time, then in a short time you will completely restore all knowledge on your own.

■ What is the result. You had a pleasant time walking the Englishman to the embassy and chatting with him on the way. And they didn’t even notice that he was lisping.

Proficiency

This is the level of an educated native speaker. Educated is the key word. That is, this is a person who graduated from the university and has a bachelor's degree. The level of proficiency is close to the level of language proficiency of a native speaker. As a rule, only people who graduated from the university in the country of the language being studied know it this way (and even then not always).

■ Proficiency level knowledge and skills. If you know the language so well, it means that you can take part in scientific conferences, write scientific work, you can get a degree in the country of the language being studied.

Yes, this is exactly the level of "Doctor House" and "The Big Bang Theory". This is the level at which you will not have any difficulties in communication: you will equally well understand a grandmother from Brooklyn, and a professor from the University of Massachusetts, and an Englishman who, on the way to the embassy, ​​will tell you why he considers insolvent

big bang theory. Knowing the language at this level, you can get a certificate CPE, IELTS (8-9 points), TOEFL (110-120 points).

■ Job prospects. As you can see, if you write “fluency” on your resume, then the employer will decide that you have at least an Upper-Intermediate level. The funny thing is that your level may be lower, but he will not notice it, because most often the employer needs an employee with English at the level of “Good afternoon. Do you want tea or coffee?”, but at the same time, in the requirements for the applicant, he writes “fluency”.

Fluency in the language is required when working as an expat or in a foreign company. Or if you are entrusted with the duties of not only a personal assistant, but also an interpreter. In all other cases

for the quality performance of their duties and a comfortable stay in the office of the Intermediate level is quite enough.

It is also very important to remember that even if you know English at the Upper-Intermediate (B2) level and above, then when preparing for negotiations, a speech, a conversation on a specialized topic, you need to compile a glossary.

Maybe you've ever noticed that some interpreters don't translate some phrases during negotiations. Most often these are irresponsible translators who were too lazy to prepare and teach new vocabulary. They just don't understand what is at stake.

But some mining engineer at the same negotiations, who is only familiar with Present Simple, can be much more useful than a professional translator. Because he works with technology, knows all the words, draws a diagram on a piece of paper with a pencil - and now everyone understands each other. And if they have AutoCAD, they don’t need a translator, or even Present Simple: they will understand each other perfectly.

LANGUAGE CERTIFICATES

What certificates are we talking about here all the time? This refers to official documents confirming your knowledge of the English language.

■ CAE(Certificate in advanced English) is an English language exam developed and administered by the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) division of the University of Cambridge.

Developed and first introduced in 1991. The certificate corresponds to level C1 of the Common European Classification of Languages. The validity period of the certificate is not limited. Needed for admission to universities where education is taught in English, and employment.

Where to get a certificate: in Moscow, the CAE exam is taken by Education First Moscow, Language Link, BKC-IH, Center for Language Studies. Accepted by others educational organizations but they only work with their students. A complete list of centers where you can take the exam is available at: www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre.

■ CPE(Certificate of Proficiency in English) is an English language exam developed and administered by the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) division of the University of Cambridge. The certificate corresponds to the level C2 of the common European classification of languages ​​and confirms the highest level of English proficiency. The validity period of the certificate is not limited.

Where to get a certificate: The Moscow Institute of Foreign Languages ​​offers to take courses and pass an exam: www.mosinyaz.com.

Testing and exam preparation centers in other cities of Russia and the world can be found at: www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre.

■ IELTS(International English Language Testing System) - international system testing to determine the level of knowledge in the field of English. The system is good in that it tests knowledge in four aspects: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Needed for admission to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland. And also for those who plan to leave for one of these countries for permanent residence.

See www.ielts.org/book-a-test/find-atest-location for where to get certified.

■ TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language, Test for knowledge of English as a foreign language) - a standardized test for knowledge of English (in its North American version), the delivery of which is required for non-English-speaking foreigners when entering universities in the USA and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia . Test results are also accepted in a number of other English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries for admission to English-medium universities. In addition, the test results can be claimed when recruiting to foreign companies. The test results are stored in the company's database for 2 years, after which they are deleted.

The certificate also assesses language proficiency in four aspects.

Where to get a certificate: www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=TOEFL.

WHERE TO GO TO STUDY?

This is the most important question. Of course, if you have graduated from the English department of the philological faculty, it is not in front of you. In all other cases, you will have to make this difficult choice.

■ Tutor. Courses or tutor? I'm for the tutor. And for classes in a group of two people. Three is a lot, but one is expensive and not as effective.

Why individual training? Because in this case the teacher sees all your strengths and weak sides, he does not have the task of bringing the course to an “acceptable” level for the exam and forget about the group, he has the task of really teaching you the language, because then, thanks to word of mouth, he will have more students and, therefore, earnings.

In addition, the specifics of the profession of a tutor is that every minute of his working time is paid. And when a person works in such conditions, he cannot afford to hack.

Working in pairs is better because it disciplines. You can cancel a lesson due to bad weather or an attack of laziness - you pay the tutor where he goes. But to disrupt the lesson, which is planned for two, conscience will not allow.

Where to find and how to choose a tutor? First of all, on the recommendation of friends whose successes inspire you.

If there are no such acquaintances, you need to find courses with a solid educational institution: university, institute, consulate. They try to take good teachers there - they keep the brand. And teachers go there because they see such courses as a free advertising platform for recruiting individual students. You can go there to the level you need, and there you will already agree with the teacher. By the way, now language schools often present on their websites Teaching Staff, and you can search the Internet for expert reviews.

■language schools. If you decide to take courses at a language school, choose accredited centers where you can take an exam for one of the certificates. As a rule, such schools have a good level of teaching, there are various exchange programs, study abroad, teachers in them are native speakers.

■ Skype. Another option is to learn English via Skype. Why not?

You can do this at work, if conditions allow, and at home. Of the international well-established schools, we advise you to pay attention to Glasha: www.glasha.biz.

■ Courses of study abroad.

If you have the opportunity (financial) and knowledge of the language is not lower than the Intermediate level, then you can choose language courses abroad. For example, here: www.staracademy.ru. Yes, there is training in Australia. And there is summer camps for adults. In Malta. And in Ireland. And in many other places. It's expensive, but very effective.

TIPS AND UTILITIES IN LEARNING A LANGUAGE

■ Learn grammar. Reading adapted literature is boring. Helpful but unbearable. Learning grammar is a nightmare. But grammar in language is like formulas in mathematics. Learned them - you can move on and take new heights. No - it will only get worse further, and with each step there is less and less chance of reaching the top.

■ Use all available resources. In the pursuit of knowledge, all means are good: interactive Internet resources, comics, video games, tabloid literature, beauty blogs - anything.

The more interesting the topic is for you, the easier it will be for you to learn. Also, try to find or organize a conversation club (you can even create a group in WhatsApp) and discuss topics that concern you there. No, not what books you liked from the ones you read this year, but what qualities infuriate you in your partner, for which you are still offended by your mother and when the stadium on Krestovsky Island is finally completed. When a person is interested in a subject, he will find a way to say it.

■ Read books. Starting from the Intermediate level, you can safely read:

Books by Sophie Kinsella;

Her own works under the name of Madeleine Wickham;

Series about Bridget Jones;

Jane Austen;

Somerset Maugham.

Choose books by modern authors, where there is no twisted detective story, complex allegoricalness, excessive philosophizing, a large number special vocabulary. You need a simple narrative text: she wanted to marry him, and he wanted to become an astronaut. And so three hundred pages. You will get used to modern British / American / other English, willy-nilly learn new words and at the same time you will not get confused in the twists and turns of the plot and the high feelings of the main character.

■ Watch movies and series:

Any action movies, especially those with subtitles - there are few dialogues, the video sequence is beautiful;

Comedies in the spirit of "Home Alone", "We are the Millers", "Beethoven" - no reasoning about Nietzsche's philosophy, a simple and understandable plot, a lot of everyday vocabulary;

Melodramas of the "Eat, Pray, Love" format;

The series "Sex in big city”,“ Friends ”,“ The Simpsons ”, etc.

Learning a language is a long and difficult journey. And he's also very interesting. In addition to knowing the language, you will receive nice bonus- you will begin to understand how its carriers think. And it will open up a different world for you. And if you lack motivation, just remember that you have no choice. Modern man must know English. And point.