ENGLISH LEVELS EXPLAINED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ENGLISH LEVELS OVERVIEW

BASIC USERS (A1 & A2)

INDEPENDENT USERS (B1 & B2)

PROFICIENT USERS (C1 & C2)

ENGLISH LEVELSEXPLAINED

CEFR - "Common European Framework of Referencefor Language"IELTS bandsCambridge ScaleCorresponding levels in the Cambridge Exams.

In the adjacent diagram “English level scales” the mostcommon English levels are visualized side by side:

This chart can give you a first orientation regarding yourcurrent knowledge and your desired target level.

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Breakthrough Waystage

BASIC USERS

A1 A2

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A1 LEVEL Introduce oneselfunderstand familiar day-to-day expressionsanswer personal questions (Where are you from/What things do you have?)interact when someone speaks slowly and clearly

A1 means basic user. The language learner can

EXAMS Cambridge Bulats 10-19, Young Learners English (YLE)Movers

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A2 LEVELunderstand frequently used expressionsanswer questions about background (family,employment, geographical location, shopping)react to questions when a native speaker speaksslowly and clearly.

A2 means basic user. The language learner can

EXAMSCambridge KEY (KET) certificate, Bulats 20-39, YLEFlyers

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Threshold Vantage

INDEPENDENT USERS

B1 B2

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B1 LEVEL

EXAMS

understand real life situations with native speakersproduce simple textExpress dreams, experiences, hopes and ambitions

B1 means independent user. The language learner can

Cambridge Preliminary (PET), BEC Preliminary , IELTSBand 4, Bulats 40-59, TOEFL 57-86

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B2 LEVEL

EXAMS

B2 means independent user. The language learner can

Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), BEC Vantage, IELTSBand 5-6, Bulats 60-74, TOEFL 87-109

understand more complicated texts (both technical& abstract)respond to situations fluently and spontaneouslyproduce clear, detailed text on a wide range oftopics and express opinions

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Effective operationalproficiency

Mastery

PROFICIENT USERS

C1 C2

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C1 LEVEL

EXAMS

understand longer, more detailed textsexpress oneself fluently and spontaneously withouthaving to search for expressionsproduce complicated , well-structured texts withcohesive devices and connectors

C1 means proficient user. The language learner can

Cambridge Advanced (CAE), BEC Higher IELTS Band 7, Bulats 75-89, TOEFL 110-120, TOEIC 880

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C2 LEVEL

EXAMS

C2 means proficient user. The language learner can

Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE), IELTS Band 8-9 ,Bulats 90-100

understand everything they hear and readexpress oneself clearly & preciselysummarize, contrast with fine detail, developarguments in complex situations

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