French proficiency levels CECRL. Everything you wanted to know about levels A1, A2 in English

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.

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 because 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 same 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.

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 complex 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 the English language 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.

(A1- A2 – B1 – B2 – C1 – C2)

Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues: apprendre, enseigner, évaluer (CECRL). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment.

Document Council of Europe entitled “Common European Framework of Reference: Learning, Teaching, Assessment”) is the result of the work of specialists from the Council of Europe countries, as well as representatives of Russia, who systematized approaches to teaching a foreign language and standardized assessments of language proficiency levels in order to prepare and conduct international exams according to one general rules. “Competencies” make it possible to determine what a language learner needs to learn in order to be able to communicate in it, as well as what knowledge and skills are needed to ensure successful communication.

The document defines a standard terminology, system of units, or commonly understood language for describing what constitutes a subject matter of study, and for describing levels of language proficiency, regardless of what language is being studied and in what educational context (country, educational institution, course or private way), and what techniques are used.

According to this document, two complexes were introduced: a system of language proficiency levels and a system of describing these levels using standard categories.

The following table represents the proficiency levels:

If you are learning Russian and want:

• test your own knowledge and motivate yourself to further study the Russian language;
• develop self-control and self-esteem skills;
• get a job where you will need knowledge of the Russian language,

We have been taking certification exams in Russian as a foreign language for everyday communication since 1995. Over 17 years, about 20,000 people from more than 45 countries have passed exams in the Russian language of everyday communication (all levels).

The system of RFL proficiency levels was developed under the auspices of the Council of Europe and in accordance with the recommendations of “Modern Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. A Common European Framework of reference. Council for Cultural co-operation, Educational committee, Strasbourg, 1996”, as well as taking into account the recommendations of ALTE.

The examinations, in content comparable to the levels of proficiency in foreign languages ​​adopted by the Council of Europe, and in form (test) correspond to similar examinations in foreign languages ​​in the European educational area.

The exams are conducted by specialists from the Institute, which guarantees you the most objective and impartial assessment of your level of Russian language proficiency.

System of certification levels
Russian language skills

A1 Level of Elementary Communication (Breakthrough Level)

The candidate can establish and maintain social contacts in standard situations of everyday life; speaks a minimum of linguistic resources. To pass the exam at this level, you need to study Russian for 60-80 hours.

A2 Pre-threshold (basic) Level (Waystage Level)

The candidate can solve practical problems in standard situations of everyday life, establish and maintain interpersonal contacts; speaks standard language means. To pass the exam at this level, you need to study Russian for 160-200 hours.

B1 Threshold Level

The candidate can solve practical problems in typical situations of everyday life (including in the professional and educational spheres), and maintain social and business interaction. The candidate knows the basics of the Russian language system. To pass the exam at this level, you need to study Russian for 400-480 hours.

B2 Vantage Level

The candidate can solve problems of social, business and interpersonal interaction, freely understand information from the media; use different language styles. To pass the exam at this level, you need to study Russian for 560-680 hours.

C1 Level of Competent Proficiency (Effective operational proficiency Level)

The candidate can freely solve problems in typical situations in the social, everyday, sociocultural and professional spheres of communication, using the means of the Russian language of different styles of speech and recognizing hidden components of meaning. The candidate can speak without preparation at a fast pace, without having difficulty choosing words and expressions, and actively participate in polemical communication. Use language flexibly and effectively in studies and professional activities.

C2 Native Speaker Level (Mastery Level)

The candidate can easily understand everything he hears and read, speak spontaneously on complex topics at a high rate and with a high degree of accuracy, emphasizing shades of meaning, and also write coherent texts, relying on several oral and written sources, including in his presentation justifications and explanations for the topic . Can conduct teaching and research activities in the field of the Russian language.

The exam for each level consists of five parts(Test 1. Reading. Test 2. Writing. Test 3. Vocabulary. Grammar. Test 4. Listening. Test 5. Speaking)

The duration of the exam depends on the level (from 3 to 6 hours). Exams at all levels are held in one day.

Passing score – 65 and more for each part of the test. If you do not score the required number of points, you will receive a certificate of participation in testing indicating the score for each part of the test. If you do not score the required points on only one part, you will be given the opportunity to retest only on this part of the certification exam within a year (but not earlier than one month after the first attempt). For other parts of the exam, the points obtained during the first test are counted.

Format of the exam in Russian language of everyday communication

I’ll say right away that I haven’t taken any of this yet and I’m trying to figure it out based on reviews and sample exams.

Why is it needed, since visa problems are solved at level B1? B2 level exams may be needed to study not at the university, but at educational institutions of a lower rank. Exam B2-C1 "Medicine" is needed for doctors. Exams for C1 are a more specific level, it is needed mainly only for admission to universities (or for some particularly corrosive employer who is trying to cut off unwanted applicants for jobs by demanding a piece of paper with C1). I would say that, even if the paper is not really needed, passing the exam is useful because the preparation structures the knowledge well.
In Germany, they mainly take tests from the Goethe Institute B2 or C1 or Telc tests. Those wishing to study at universities take either DSH or TestDaF - other certificates are usually not accepted. Recently, a new exam from Tels C1 Hochschule has been actively trying to join these two, but its “acceptance” by universities is in question.

As already discussed Deusch Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ,), some of the exams for higher levels are also graded: depending on the results shown, you can get both level B2 and level C1 or something in between. The Goethe Institute tests are at separate levels, the Telc tests are both separate and stepwise (Beruf, Medizin), DSH and TestDaF are stepwise. Each exam has its own characteristics and easy/difficult tasks and its own grading system. Therefore, one person can pass one test and fail another at the same level.

The average opinion in the hospital is that at level B2 Telk is easier than Goethe (as well as at level B1), and at level C1 the difficulty is distributed in increasing order as follows: Goethe, Telk, DSH, DaF. In the Volkshochschul and courses from the Arbeitsamt they usually take Telk, but partly also Goethe.
Differences in levels (again average opinion across the hospital). B2 differs from B1 by doubling the required vocabulary; in terms of grammar, there are not many new topics - those topics that were previously covered “in general” and superficially are deepened (a lot of attention to different types of complex sentences, adjectives, passive). C1 is distinguished by delving into stylistics (you need to know synonyms for words), requirements for the use of formal expressions (typical phrases for discussions, descriptions of graphs and tables) and the need to use complex constructions of literary language (conjunctive, passive in different forms and alternative passive constructions, nominal constructions - the ability to convert them into verbs and vice versa, indirect speech).

Goethe B2 and Telk B2

Goethe B2 is changing from next year, 2019. The old exam will be accepted until the end of the year or until the middle of the next - depending on the place of delivery. Apparently, there will be problems with books for preparation, since publishing houses will not have time to react so quickly. Data on the new exam.
Telk can be retaken in parts, Goethe, perhaps, too.

Telk B2 and Telk B2 + Beruf

The parts come in different orders - see numbering. All texts and tasks of the second exam are related to business.

Telc B2-C1 Beruf

The texts and tasks of the test are focused on business (the word Beruf generally implies professional activity, but the tasks are such that not every working person can cope, since it has nothing to do with this at all, i.e. I would define the exam as intended for business - sales , marketing, etc.).

1. Listening 40 minutes

Ordinary situations at work, extended statements, work discussion - choosing the correct answers, correlating statements and people.

2. Reading 50 minutes

Match the statements with the people speaking (1 page of text). Understanding the text (2 pages), understanding the informative text (1 page) - choosing the correct answers.

3. Grammar 20 minutes

The first part is to insert words into the text (words are given). The second part is to insert expressions into the text (choose from those proposed).

4. Writing (after a break) 60 minutes

You need to write three texts: an informal email, a formal email (for example, to a client) and a formal letter within the organization.

5. Oral part

Small talk according to the picture - 4 minutes.
Presentation prepared at home, for work or study - 5 minutes.
Discussion (the picture shows two different opinions) - 6 minutes.

Goethe-Zertifikat C1 and Telc C1

According to reviews, C1 at the Goethe-Institut is easier to pass than B2 at the same place. Both tests can be retaken in parts (written and oral). The retake period is limited.

DHS (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)

This test is prepared and conducted by universities, focusing on the general structure and rules of the exam. Therefore, there may be universities that do not accept the results of a test taken at another university, although recently universities seem to have agreed on mutual recognition of test results. The difficulty of the test differs from university to university. In some places, the number of retakes is limited. Not everyone is allowed to take the exam - each university has its own access rules. Many universities post samples of their tests online. A convenient option is to enroll in a semester of test preparation, which makes it possible to be considered a student and the oral part can be counted.
The exam is considered easier than DaF in the speaking part, since you need to communicate with the examiner. On the other hand, it has a grammatical part that is not in DaF.
Test level - B2 - C1, to enter a university you need to obtain an average level of DHS 2. Points are calculated for the entire exam on average, and not separately in parts, but some universities do not allow you to take the second part of the exam if you have not passed the first part at level 2, or they do not issue a certificate if the second part is failed.

Test example.
1. Reading and grammar 90 minutes (60 and 30 minutes respectively)

Leseverstehen. This is a text on 3 A4 pages followed by a block of tasks (complete sentences, answer questions in complete sentences, choose a title).
Grammatik or Wissenschaftssprachliche Strukturen. Consists of 5 blocks, each with 2-3 questions. For example:

Formen Sie das erweiterte Partizip in einen Relativsatz um oder umgekehrt!
Formen Sie die direkte in die indirekte Rede um. Benutzen Sie den Konjunktiv!
Setzen Sie den Aktivsatz ins Passiv / Passiversatz oder umgekehrt!
Formen Sie die Nominalkonstruktion in einen Nebensatz um oder umgekehrt!
Ersetzen Sie das passende Modalverb!

2. Listening (after a pause) for about 70-80 minutes.
The text is read 2 times.

3. Writing (after a break) 70 minutes.

Description of a graph or diagram, explanation of a quote, essay using keywords (250 words).

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)

This is an old, stable test that has plenty of reviews, prep books, and examples. Test results are accepted at all universities. Compared to the DSH test, many consider this test to be more difficult because the oral portion is spoken into a computer microphone at the same time as other test takers in the same room, and each portion of the exam is scored separately rather than given an average score. Some universities in Germany are guided by the average score of this test, others do not accept its results if at least one part has a grade of 3. On the other hand, the test is standard, taken more often than the DHS, is not tied to a specific university and is taken not only in Germany , but also beyond.
The test covers material from levels B2 - C1. A person who receives TDN3 (TestDaF-Niveaustufe 3) is considered to have level B2, TDN4 - between B2 and C1, TDN5 - full C1.
The test can be repeated any number of times. The certificate is not limited in validity, but universities may have their own opinion on this matter if the student does not live in a German-speaking country.

1. Reading 60 minutes

2. Listening 40 minutes

Listen to the text once (taking notes), write answers to the questions. Listen to the second task 1 time, answer “yes/no”. Third text - write answers to questions twice.

3. Writing 60 minutes

Description of a graph or diagram, expressing your opinion on this issue.

4. Oral part 30 minutes

Answers to questions on situations are dictated into the microphone (7 situations, from everyday situations (recording somewhere, answering a friend on a certain topic) to the need to speak out on a debatable topic).

Telc C1 Hochschule

A new exam that claims to be recognized for university studies (which must be checked at each individual university). The structure is the same as the Telk C1 exam, but scientific topics and topics related to student life are selected. In the “Writing” part you need to comment on the quotes. The oral part includes a short report (preparation on one of the proposed topics - 20 minutes) and a discussion on the quote.

Friends, if you want to learn more about levels A1 and A2 in learning English, we suggest you read this material carefully; Perhaps you will learn a lot of interesting and useful things for yourself.

As you already know, learning English is divided into stages or levels, each level has a certain degree of difficulty, specific tasks and exercises, reading, grammar, etc. Today we are taking a closer look at the initial or survival levels, that is, Beginner and Elementary , as well as the Pre-Intermediate threshold level.

It would seem that the Beginner and Elementary stages of English proficiency are in many ways similar. However, significant differences can be observed here. You cannot proceed to the Elementary level without first preparing Beginner.

Everything starts with the basics, and learning a language even more so. The Beginner level is perfect for those who have never studied English before and don’t have the slightest idea about it. This stage of English language proficiency allows you to construct several simple sentences, master the basics of grammar and reading rules, and acquire a small vocabulary. Also, it makes it possible to move on to the next level - Elementary.

The knowledge that the initial level provides is very extensive for this stage of learning English: mastering three simple tenses of verbs (present, past, future), the concept of articles, the ability to compose several simple sentences, the ability to characterize an object in simple words; vocabulary ranges from 500 to 700 words, ability to get acquainted, answer simple questions, write short text from simple sentences.

The Elementary level is a more serious level of knowledge and proficiency in English. And the range of opportunities and skills it provides is much wider. When approaching this level, a person learning English must have basic knowledge of the Beginner stage.

The knowledge acquired at this stage is sufficient to communicate in English at an everyday level. For example, while abroad, you can ask for directions, rent a hotel room, do some shopping, etc.

Your knowledge of grammar, speaking, reading, your vocabulary at this level is much wider and deeper. Of course, such proficiency in English cannot be called professional, but you are no longer a beginner in mastering the language.

What skills does this stage of training provide? Here they are: a clear understanding of the verb to be, mastering the tenses of verbs, including continuous and perfect ones; use of articles and modal verbs, pronouns and possessive case; expansion of vocabulary from 1000 to 1500, the ability to communicate on simple everyday topics, the ability to write a short story about yourself, family, hobbies, work, etc.

As we have already said, these levels belong to the category of Survival Levels or survival levels. This means that these levels of knowledge of the English language will help you navigate various everyday situations where English is needed.

We believe that in modern life it is not only useful, but also very important to speak English at least at these two levels, because such knowledge of English is required by modern technologies, the Internet, travel, etc.

Category A2 or pre-threshold level

Pre-threshold or intermediate level (Pre-Intermediate) is like a bridge between the basic stages and more advanced levels of English proficiency. Why is this so? The fact is that this English language course begins with simple constructions learned during the training at the two previous levels. The Pre-Intermediate stage is an excellent opportunity to repeat, consolidate and systematize previous levels and acquired skills, as well as move on to a more complex stage of learning English Language.

By studying English at the Pre-Intermediate level, you gain even greater skills in the language: a clear understanding of verb tenses and the ability to distinguish them, understanding the conditional mood, replenishing your vocabulary with modal verbs that were not previously known; understanding of the passive verb, the ability to transform direct speech into indirect speech, understanding of pronouns and degrees of comparison of adjectives; vocabulary ranges from 1500 to 2000 words; the ability to speak in English on various topics and talk about yourself; understanding the main idea of ​​the text; ability to write essays, essays, letters.

All this suggests that at this level you are ready to perceive and master a more complex English language than at the previous two.

This stage of training allows you to work on the gaps and weak points in your English, improve it, and move on to a more complex level.

Friends, we want to wish you good luck in learning English Language. Don't give up, boldly move forward, and, step by step, level by level, you won't notice how English will become your second native language! See you again!