Knowledge of a language is too broad a concept to be able to determine to what extent a person speaks one or another foreign language. Many self-confidently say that they speak the language, faintly recalling the residual knowledge given by high school. Others modestly mention that they speak a little language, in fact, having a level of knowledge many times higher than the level of others.
There is an objective international common scale of levels of foreign language proficiency , which was deduced by the Association for Testing Languages in Europe. It grades English levels in 6 steps: from basic to advanced . Famous Cambridge exams are accepted on this scale . 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 textbooks in the English language, except for basic courses.
Why do I need to know English levels? In order to understand at what stage you are at the moment, and what is necessary in order to develop your knowledge and improve it at a higher level. This will not allow you to stagnate or, for example, to waste energy on unsuccessful attempts to master the material of unbearable (for your level of knowledge) complexity.
So, let’s dwell on what levels of English are distinguished. For convenience, we will take the twelve-point scale as the basis, since it is in accordance with this scale that English courses abroad work, as well as the most progressive courses in our country. It is these levels of knowledge of the English language that underlie the selection of study groups.
0 - “zero level”
This level implies an absolute lack of knowledge of this language. This group can include themselves those who have not studied English at all and never even know the alphabet.
1 - elementary level
Now we are talking about a situation where there is absolutely no experience in using the English language. The level of knowledge is characterized by an understanding of the simplest and most common words, it is possible to guess some moments. Roughly speaking, this is the level of the tenth grader of the Soviet school. To achieve this level, 3-4 weeks of good English courses are enough.
2 - the highest elementary level
It is 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 the language is possible if you speak slowly and explain what was said with gestures.
To achieve this level will require another 80-100 academic hours (approximately 10 weeks).
3- lower middle level
A pretty good knowledge of grammar, the ability to maintain a conversation on a familiar topic, of which there are more. The pronunciation is already good, but for communication with foreigners the level is clearly low.
4 - intermediate level
This is already quite solid knowledge that allows you to freely communicate on everyday topics. The level of writing and reading is good, good grammar skills. The dictionary is still limited. This is a high school graduate level with some subjects taught in English.
5-6 - English proficiency levels above average
This level is characterized by the functional nature of English 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, you can enter any foreign university and get a skilled job.
10-12 - the highest level
Language proficiency at the level of a resident of England, so to speak, a native speaker, moreover cultural and educated. It is these levels of English that can be defined as "fluency in perfection."
Walking from 5 to 10-12 levels requires at least study abroad during the year.
The best way to find out at what level you are at a given time is to take an English level test. He will objectively demonstrate how much effort will still have to be put on the path to long-awaited excellence.