Today, almost everyone strives or simply dreams of being fluent in a foreign language. It is for this reason that there are many courses and training lessons. If you still decide to use the help of specialists, then, first of all, you need to determine your level of knowledge. For what?
Know English proficiency levels very important. Based on your existing skills and abilities, you can choose the appropriate group so that the learning process is interesting, brings new knowledge, and you don’t spend your money on courses in vain. Specially designed tests to check the level of the English language cover its main aspects. The results are very useful and interesting to you. How? To choose directions, a group, set goals and determine desired results - this is why each of you needs a knowledge test.
What is it?
Like anyone test, You are given a task and several answer options. This may include:
— determination of the temporary form;
— insert a semantic or grammatical construction;
- finish the sentence;
- find an error, etc.
By using textbooks and reference books while taking the test, you are doing yourself a disservice. This result, whatever it may be, no one will know except you. Therefore, use only your existing knowledge.
Language proficiency levels can be divided into several groups. The first of them is Russified classification, which gives only a general idea of the existing knowledge:
1. Beginner
2. Medium
3. Tall.
The second of them is more extended. This classification involves 4 levels and helps to more fully reveal 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 determination is still not ideal.
1. With a dictionary;
2. Conversational level;
3. Average level;
4. Free use.
In this regard, the best classification is considered international. Let's take a closer look at all levels of knowledge of the English language, which allow us to most fully determine the existing skills and abilities.
1. Initial (A1 or Beginner) the level indicates an understanding of the basics of the language, the alphabet, sounds, and the ability to read the simplest sentences and words. At this stage, it is very difficult to perceive foreign language speech by ear.
2. Elementary (A2 or Elementary) .
Having this level, a student of English easily reads short texts and understands the main points. The same is true when perceiving speech aloud. Oral speech: presupposes the ability to briefly talk about oneself, about others, to talk about everyday topics, while presenting one’s 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, a notice, to make a brief description of something in the simplest phrases.
3. Weak average level (B1 or Lower (Pre) Intermediate).
Understanding the main idea and meaning of the text, reading simple works. Oral communication: clear pronunciation, the ability to easily communicate on personal and non-personal topics, understand the question and answer accordingly, clearly express your feelings, desires and intentions. Written speech at this level assumes that the student knows how to describe a situation, person, place, express his opinion, write an official letter or request, and construct a grammatically correct sentence.
4. Intermediate level is given by secondary school and assumes the ability to read books, watch films, write, while observing the phonetic and grammatical norms of the language. It is quite easy to perceive foreign language speech by ear. The basics of vocabulary help to build communication not only at the level of question and answer, but also to express a personal attitude, one’s own opinion, to distinguish the general meaning of the speech of foreigners, to distinguish official information from unofficial.
5. Above average (B2 or Upper Intermediate) This level assumes some knowledge, which helps you feel confident when communicating. Knowledge of grammatical rules, norms, the ability to easily perceive information out loud from the first listening, distinguish between accents, talk on the phone, read magazines and books in a foreign language. Oral speech is based on the use of idioms, phrasal verbs, colloquial and formal lexical units. Some mistakes are acceptable.
6. Advanced (C1 or Advanced 1): excellent command of the language, free communication on any topic, easy comprehension of speech, knowledge of the intricacies of grammar.
7. Perfectly (C2 or Advanced 2 (Proficiency)) It’s not enough to say - to communicate freely. This stage presupposes proficiency in English, almost like a native one.
Having considered all levels of the English language, determine yours. But remember that this is only a conditional description. It’s still better to test your knowledge in a test that you can take online.
Determine your level on our school’s website by taking our own English test →
Many people often hear the phrase: “My friend (brother, wife, etc.) speaks perfect English.” But, firstly, everyone’s concept of perfection is different, and secondly, a variety of tests will help you find out how perfect you really are in this matter. Determining your English level– this is where its study begins or continues. It is necessary to determine your language level, if only to find out how far you have progressed in this process. In addition, this will be needed if you decide to teach, so that the teacher can understand where to start learning.
How to determine your English proficiency level
- Beginner
- Elementary
- Pre-Intermediate
- Intermediate
- Upper Intermediate
- Advanced
So, determining the level of English begins with the level “ Beginner ", or zero. This is exactly the level that those who have never studied English have. This is the level that will give you an idea of the English language and equip you with basic knowledge. By the way, many course teachers determine exactly how much time you will need to master the English language. If you hear exact deadlines, leave immediately. To master a language means to embrace the immensity. You can master a language to some extent, but you cannot acquire something that is beyond your control - a living organism. After all, language is a living organism that is constantly growing and constantly changing.
Elementary - you can explain yourself on the most basic topics, but, alas, with little. If you have received this level in testing after many months of study, do not despair. The rule applies: spend little, get little! And if this level is a reward, then you are getting closer to the next level...
There are certain difficulties in determining the level of English Pre-Intermediate . Like everything in the world, this level is relative. The reason for this is that the line between this level and the next is too thin, but, nevertheless, it is believed that students with this level should not only adequately use English in familiar situations, but also should not get lost in unfamiliar ones.
Intermediate . You can understand English and communicate effectively in real-life situations, but still sometimes have difficulty doing so.
Upper-Intermediate . You will be able to use English more or less successfully in different situations. This level of knowledge is for those who plan to start working or studying abroad.
Level Advanced involves using English almost to the same extent as Russian, but sometimes making minor errors.
On our website you can determine your level of language proficiency by passing the following tests:
- A comprehensive test to determine the level of English on our school website
To more accurately track progress in learning foreign languages, a certain system has been invented. This article will talk about what level B2 is (level of English - above average).
English language levels
There is a pan-European scale that assesses the level of proficiency in any foreign language. The English name is Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This is a certain system of standards that allows you to determine Conventionally, knowledge of the language is divided into 6 levels: from A1 to C2. Each of these levels also corresponds to certain indicators of other assessment systems. This table shows the relationship between levels of language proficiency in various assessment systems.
| CEFR | IH Level | IELTS | TOEFL | Cambridge Examination |
| A1 | Beginner | |||
| A2 | Elementary | |||
B1 | Pre-Intermediate | 3.5 - 4.0 | 32 - 42 | KET |
| Intermediate | 4.5 - 5.0 | 42 - 62 | PET | |
| B2 | Upper-Intermediate | 5.5 - 6.0 | 63 - 92 | FCE |
| C1 | Advanced | 6.5 - 7.0 | 93 - 112 | CAE |
| C2 | Proficiency | 7.5 - 9.0 | 113 + | CPE |
When can I start learning English at the Upper-Intermediate level?
The division between levels of knowledge of any foreign language is very arbitrary, but there are certain indicators by which current progress can be determined.
Levels of English proficiency B2 - C1 correspond to almost fluent proficiency in written and spoken language. A higher level requires an understanding of terminology in various highly specialized fields, the ability to speak on serious topics, conduct business negotiations and read classical literature in the original. It is difficult to establish clear distinctions between the stages of knowledge. But, before deciding to overcome the B2 level of English, you need to make sure that you are fluent in reading level B1 literature, and also fluent in the basic rules of grammar, can express yourself more or less fluently in the language you are studying, read the press and modern entertainment literature. And although there are still unfamiliar words, this does not affect the overall understanding of the text; you grasp the meaning and understand what is being said.
This system evaluates the linguistic skills of a student studying any foreign language, including English. Level B2, which means “advanced level,” is above average, but at this stage there may still be some shortcomings that require further elaboration.
Knowledge of grammar rules
Of course, grammar occupies the most important place when learning any foreign language. The following are the main key topics, knowledge of which is necessary at the Upper-Intermediate level.
- Time. B2 - level of English at which you are already fluent in all aspects and clearly understand in which case it is necessary to use Simple, Continuous, Perfect or Perfect Continuous. In addition, you know the table of irregular verbs and apply it in practice.
- Understand the usage (Active voice).
- Know how to convert direct speech into indirect speech.
- Know modal verbs and know how to use them, understanding the subtle differences between words such as may, might, can, ought,
- You speak impersonal forms of the verb: participle, infinitive and gerund.
Vocabulary
Considering that a good knowledge of grammatical rules is achieved already at the B1 level, the B2 level of English involves developing other skills: fluency, listening, reading literature and, of course, increasing vocabulary. At this level, attention should be paid not only to individual words, but also to phraseological units, phrasal verbs and more complex constructions.
One of the most common mistakes when learning any foreign language is the desire to memorize separate lists of words without subsequently using them in your written and spoken speech.
Any new words and phrases should be included in your speech. Those lexical units that are not used will soon be simply forgotten. When reading, write down unfamiliar words and try to make sentences, dialogues, stories or articles with them.
First of all, you should learn those foreign words whose equivalents you use in everyday life, talking about yourself, your interests, hobbies, work, goals, loved ones and friends. Another common mistake is trying to memorize lists of words, most of which you may not use often.
One of the best ways is to keep a diary. From the point of view of vocabulary replenishment, this method is useful in that you learn to use vocabulary that is directly related to your life. By writing down your own observations, events, goals and dreams every day, you use exactly the words that you use in your native speech.
Idioms and phraseological units
B2 is the level of English, which assumes that you know not only simple words and constructions, but also understand and know how to use a number of idioms. These are figures of speech that are unique to a given language and do not have a literal translation. The meaning of these phraseological units is conveyed by equivalent phrases acceptable for the target language.
Knowing these set expressions will help make your speech more figurative and colorful. The table shows only a small part of all possible phraseological units. You can make your own list of phrases that you will subsequently include in your speech.
Phrasal verbs
In English there is such a thing as phrasal verbs. Most often, this is a combination of a verb with a preposition or adverb, due to which the meaning of the original word changes. These are unique stable phrases that do not obey any rules, exist only as indivisible semantic units and carry a semantic load only in this form.
- be about - to be nearby;
- be after - to achieve something;
- be back - return;
- break out - unexpectedly begin, break out;
- bring up - to bring up;
- call for - to call for someone;
- clear up - put in order;
- come about - happen;
- come across - to meet unexpectedly;
- look for - search.
Phrasal verbs are quite common in English. However, they are used mainly in everyday speech.
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms
Try to replace frequently used words with synonyms. This will help make speech more refined, beautiful and refined.
| Word | Synonyms |
| beautiful (beautiful, wonderful) |
|
| ugly (ugly, ugly) |
|
| happy (happy) |
|
| unhappy (unhappy) |
|
Reading
There is special adapted literature designed for gradual advancement from entry level (A1) to high level (C2).
These are mainly works of art by famous authors. The books are adapted in such a way that a specific set of grammatical structures and vocabulary corresponds to a specific level of foreign language proficiency. The best way to figure out what level you are currently at is to read two or three pages and count the number of words you don't know. If you have come across no more than 20-25 new lexical units, then you can start reading this book. To get the most out of the reading process, it is advisable to write down all unfamiliar words and phrases, and then work on them further. That is, include them in your vocabulary when composing stories, dialogues, keeping a diary and writing essays. Otherwise, vocabulary is quickly forgotten. You can move to the next level when you feel that work at this level is becoming boring, and there are practically no new lexical units encountered.
However, level B2 is a level of English that allows you to read not only light books, but also entertaining literature by modern authors, newspapers, and magazines.
Listening comprehension
Like reading literature, there are many adapted audiobooks. If you are still experiencing some difficulties in listening, you can first take aids that correspond to a lower level. For example, if your grammar and vocabulary are approximately at the B1 level, but you find it difficult to understand English by ear, take A2 level books in audio format. Over time, you will get used to foreign speech.
Some tips:
- Listen to a chapter of a book without first reading the text. Take a deep dive, determine what you have been able to understand, how acceptable this rate of speech is for you, and whether there are many unfamiliar words.
- Write down from memory what you learned.
- Listen again.
- Read the text, write down unfamiliar words and determine their meaning in a dictionary.
- Play recording again.
Such study will help you get used to English speech in the shortest possible time and increase your level of knowledge.
Levels of English knowledge B2 - C1 allow you to expand your opportunities. For variety, you can include films and TV series in your training. It is advisable to find films with subtitles. However, it is not advisable to use the method of learning a language by watching films with subtitles over a long period of time. Otherwise, you will get used to reading the text rather than listening to the speech of the actors.
This is one of the best methods to help you master the English language. Level B2 is quite sufficient for watching entertainment shows and series.
Development of writing
In order to learn to write fluently in the language you are studying, you need to devote time to this activity every day. Only regular work will help you begin to speak English more fluently. Choose the most suitable method for yourself. This could be writing stories, essays, keeping a diary or blog, communicating on social networks. Try to enrich your vocabulary daily, including new expressions and constructions. B2 is a level of English that corresponds to an upper-intermediate level, which means you must have the following skills:
- know how to construct not only simple, but also complex and compound sentences;
- use different designs;
- use set expressions, idioms, phrasal verbs;
- you can write an essay, story or article on a topic familiar to you;
- You correspond quite freely with native English speakers, discussing everyday issues.
Oral speech
Upper-Intermediate or B2 - the level of English corresponds to almost fluency in oral communication, provided that you discuss simple everyday topics.
The best way to improve your speaking skills is to communicate with a native English speaker. Levels of knowledge of English B2 - C1 already allow you to communicate quite freely on everyday topics with English speakers. The easiest way is to find friends on social networks or language exchange sites. However, if this is not possible, you can use alternative methods:
- briefly retell books you’ve read, TV shows or movies you’ve watched;
- try to describe everything you see: the landscape outside the window, a painting, various objects;
- Make a list of questions, then try to give a detailed answer to each of them.
It is very difficult to establish clear distinctions between levels of foreign language proficiency. However, this article will allow you to form a general idea and give approximate answers to questions about what English B2 is, what level it is and what knowledge you need to have at this stage of learning.
Surely many have heard about the international system of English language levels, but not everyone knows what it means and how to classify it. The need to find out your level of English proficiency may arise in some life situations. For example, if you need to pass an interview at work or at the embassy, if you need to pass some kind of international exam (IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CPE, BEC, etc.), when entering a foreign educational institution, when getting a job in another country, and also for personal purposes.
The international system for determining knowledge of the English language can be divided into 7 levels:
1. Beginner – Initial (zero). At this level, the student knows practically nothing in English and begins to study the subject from scratch, including the alphabet, basic reading rules, standard greeting phrases and other tasks of this stage. At the Beginner level, students can usually answer questions easily when meeting new people. For example: What is your name? How old are you? Do you have brothers and sisters? Where are you from and where do you live? etc. They can also count to one hundred and spell out their name and personal information. The latter in English is called spelling (pronouncing words by letter).
2. Elementary. This level immediately follows zero and implies knowledge of some basics of the English language. The Elementary level gives students the opportunity to use previously learned phrases in a more free form, and also instills a whole range of new knowledge. At this stage, students learn to briefly talk about themselves, their favorite colors, dishes and seasons, weather and time, daily routine, countries and customs, etc. In terms of grammar, at this level there is an initial introduction to the following tenses: Present Simple, Present Continuous, Past Simple, Future Simple (will, to be going to) and Present Perfect. Some modal verbs (can, must), different types of pronouns, adjectives and their degrees of comparison, categories of nouns, and forms of simple questions are also considered. Having firmly mastered the Elementary level, you can already take part in the KET (Key English test).
3. Pre-Intermediate – Below average. The level following Elementary is called Pre-Intermediate, literally translated as Pre-Intermediate. Having reached this level, students already have an idea of how many sentences and phrases are constructed and can speak briefly on many topics. The Pre-Intermediate level adds confidence and expands learning potential. There are longer texts, more practical exercises, new grammar topics and more complex sentence structures. Topics encountered at this level may include complex questions, the Past Continuous, different forms of the future tense, conditionals, modals, infinitives and gerunds, repetition and consolidation of the Past Simple (regular and irregular verbs) and the Present Perfect, and some others. In terms of oral skills, having completed the Pre-Intermediate level, you can safely go on a journey and look for every opportunity to use your knowledge in practice. Also, a solid command of English at the Pre-Intermediate level makes it possible to participate in the PET (Preliminary English Test) test and the BEC (Business English Certificate) Preliminary exam.
4. Intermediate - Average. At the Intermediate level, the knowledge acquired at the previous stage is consolidated, and a lot of new vocabulary, including complex ones, is added. For example, personal characteristics of people, scientific terms, professional vocabulary and even slang. The object of study is the active and passive voices, direct and indirect speech, participial and participial phrases, phrasal verbs and prepositions, word order in complex sentences, types of articles, etc. From grammatical tenses, the difference between Present Simple and Present Continuous, Past Simple and Present Perfect, Past Simple and Past Continuous, as well as between various forms of expressing the future tense is examined in more detail. Texts at the Intermediate level become longer and more meaningful, and communication becomes easier and freer. The advantage of this stage is that in many modern companies employees with knowledge of the Intermediate level are highly valued. This level is also ideal for avid travelers, as it makes it possible to freely understand the interlocutor and express himself in response. Among the international exams, after successfully passing the intermediate level, you can take the following exams and tests: FCE (First Certificate in English) grade B/C, PET Level 3, BULATS (Business Language Testing Service), BEC Vantage, TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for 4.5-5.5 points and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for 80-85 points.
5. Upper Intermediate - Above average. If students reach this level, it means that they can understand fluent English and communicate easily using the vocabulary they have already acquired. At the Upper-Intermediate level, it becomes possible to use English much more in practice, since there is a little less theory, and if there is, it basically repeats and consolidates the Intermediate level. Among the innovations, we can note Narrative Tenses, which includes such difficult tenses as Past Continuous, Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous. Also covered are the Future Continuous and Future Perfect, the use of articles, modal verbs of assumption, verbs of indirect speech, hypothetical sentences, abstract nouns, causative voice and much more. The Upper-Intermediate level is one of the most in demand both in business and in the educational sphere. People who are fluent in English at this level can easily pass any interviews and even enter foreign universities. At the end of the Upper-Intermediate course, you can take exams such as FCE A/B, BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage or Higher, TOEFL 100 points and IELTS 5.5-6.5 points.
6. Advanced 1 – Advanced. Advanced 1 level is required for professionals and students who want to achieve high fluency in English. Unlike the Upper-Intermediate level, many interesting phrases appear here, including idioms. Knowledge of tenses and other grammatical aspects previously studied only deepens and is viewed from other unexpected angles. Topics of discussion become more specific and professional, for example: the environment and natural disasters, legal processes, genres of literature, computer terms, etc. After the Advanced level, you can take the special academic exam CAE (Cambridge Advanced English), as well as IELTS with 7 and TOEFL with 110 points, and you can apply for a prestigious job in foreign companies or a place in Western universities.
7. Advanced 2 – Super advanced (native speaker level). The name speaks for itself. We can say that there is nothing higher than Advanced 2, because this is the level of a native speaker, i.e. a person born and raised in an English-speaking environment. With this level you can pass any interviews, including highly specialized ones, and pass any exams. In particular, the highest test of English proficiency is the academic exam CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam), and as for the IELTS test, with this level you can pass it with the highest score of 8.5-9.
This gradation is called the ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) level classification and is used by the ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) association. The level system may vary depending on the country, school or organization. For example, some organizations reduce the 7 levels presented to 5 and call them a little differently: Beginner (Elementary), Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Lower Advanced, Upper Advanced. However, this does not change the meaning and content of the levels.
Another similar system of international examinations under the acronym CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) divides the levels into 6 and has other names:
1. A1 (Breakthrough)=Beginner
2. A2 (Waystage)=Pre-Intermediate – Below average
3. B1 (Threshold)=Intermediate – Average
4. B2 (Vantage)=Upper-Intermediate – Above average
5. C1 (Proficiency)=Advanced 1 – Advanced
6. C2 (Mastery)=Advanced 2 – Super advanced