Levels of English

Language knowledge is a concept too broad to be able to determine to what extent a person owns one or another foreign language. Many self-confidently declare that they know the language, weakly recalling the residual knowledge given by the secondary school. Others modestly mention that they speak a little of the language, in reality possessing a level of knowledge many times higher than the level of those around them.

There is an objective international common scale of levels of knowledge of foreign languages , which led the Association for Testing Languages in Europe. It grades levels of knowledge of English in 6 steps: from basic to perfect . On this scale, the famous Cambridge exams are accepted. In accordance with it, British dictionaries, reference books and collections of grammar exercises are published. By and large, it is used for almost all types of teaching aids in English, except for basic courses.

Why do you need to know the levels of English? In order to understand, at what stage you are at the moment, and what is necessary in order to develop your knowledge and improve them at a higher level. This will not allow you to stumble on the spot or, for example, to waste energy on unsuccessful attempts to master the material that is unbearable (for your level of knowledge) complexity.

So, let us dwell on the difference between the levels of the English language. For convenience, let's take as a basis a twelve-point scale, since it is in accordance with this scale that English courses abroad are working, as well as the most progressive courses in our country. It is these levels of knowledge of English that underlie the selection of training groups.

0 - "zero level"

This level implies an absolute lack of knowledge of the language. To this group can include those who have not studied English at all, and do not even know the alphabet.

1 - elementary level

Now we are talking about a situation where there is absolutely no experience of using English. The level of knowledge is characterized by an understanding of the simplest and most common words, it is possible to guess about some points. Roughly speaking, this is the level of the tenth grade of the Soviet school. To achieve this level, 3-4 weeks of good English courses are enough.

2 - the highest elementary level

Characterized by knowledge of the basics of grammar, the ability to maintain a conversation on a familiar topic, the number of which is very limited. Understanding of the language is possible if you speak slowly and explain what you said by gestures.

To reach this level, another 80-100 academic hours (approximately 10 weeks) will be required.

3- lower middle level

Quite good knowledge of grammar, the ability to maintain a conversation on a familiar topic, which has become more. The pronunciation is already good, but for communication with foreigners the level is clearly low.

4 - medium level

This is already a fairly thorough knowledge that allows you to freely communicate on everyday topics. The level of writing and reading is good, a good command of grammar. The dictionary is still limited. This is the level of a high school graduate with the teaching of some subjects in English.

5-6 - English levels above average

This level is characterized by the functional nature of English language proficiency. With such knowledge it is already possible to get a job abroad or enter some Western universities.

7-9 - advanced level

The difference between these levels is clear only to specialists. With such knowledge it is possible to enter any foreign universities and get a qualified job.

10-12 - the highest level

Language proficiency at the level of a resident of England, so to speak, a native speaker, and cultural and educated. It is these levels of English that can be defined as "mastery in perfection."

Passing the path from 5 to 10-12 levels requires at least training abroad during the year.

The best way to find out at what level you are finding at this time is to pass the test to determine the level of English. He will objectively demonstrate how much effort will still have to be made on the way to long-awaited perfection.