English test for beginner level. English Proficiency Test for Beginners
If you have ever studied English, you must have some residual knowledge left. Sometimes interest in the language wakes up a few years after graduation from school or university. In many cases, a person is forced to start learning a language by going to a job that requires communication with foreigners. The prospect of going abroad, both for work and study, also becomes an incentive to learn English.
How to evaluate yourself?
In order to find the most optimal course of study for yourself, you need to pass an English language proficiency test. This will save you both time and effort, and sometimes a lot of money. The most popular and effective is the lexico-grammatical test with multiple choice, in which the questions are arranged in order of increasing complexity.
We invite you to take the test in English for beginners
In the initial part of the test (the first 10 questions), it is determined whether the test subject knows the forms of the verb be, simple tense forms of the main verbs and modal verbs.
If a person answers at least the first eight questions out of these ten, then he has an elementary level of lexical and grammatical skills, and after repeating the material a little, he can take up exercises of this type from the upper-elementary section.
Having stepped over the upper-elementary level, you can take on the next 10 questions of the test. So, before you test in English for beginners. Your goal is to get 15 or more correct answers!
The test is over, what's next?
So you passed the English language proficiency test. Take a look at the results, and if you have scored more than 15 points, move on to the next Pre-intermediate level. But keep in mind that in order to overcome this barrier, you need to seriously engage in the so-called four types of speech activity:
- Listening - listening to texts with different degrees of perception of information. The main ones are: 1) listening with the assimilation of the main idea; 2) listening to the text in order to determine specific information and 3) mastering detailed information by listening to the text;
- Reading - performing tests with the same goals, only already having supporting speech materials in the form of printed texts.
- Writing - learn how to write letters of a personal nature and compose statements with elements of personal reasoning (in other words, write an essay)
- Speaking - which is the main goal of learning English.
You can practice all these exercises online. You will feel the effect of learning according to the method of Oleg Limansky very quickly and be sure to complete the test for 20 points!
By the way, if you like tests, on our website you will find a large number of English language tests online on a wide variety of topics: grammar, vocabulary, articles, prepositions, tests for pupils, students, the Unified State Examination and many others.
Friends, you already know what the initial level and the basic level of learning English are. If you have already passed these stages of learning English, then we sincerely congratulate you! Knowledge of the Elementary level is a huge plus for English learners, because it is a basic, basic level that allows you to navigate in everyday conversational situations, maintain a dialogue and communicate.
If you've passed this level, it's time to test yourself. We want to offer you tests in English. These tests will allow you to check and assess how well you speak English at the Elementary level. If you're ready, then go ahead!
Testing our knowledge of English
Take a look at the test below. It contains tasks of the Elementary level. Take your time with his decision, do not rush, think. Most importantly, be confident!
- A) didn't go B) didn't go C) didn't go
2.He had breakfast _______ ago.
- A) this morning B) three hours C) 7.30 a.m.
3.When _____ you last _______ football?
- A) did/play B) did/play C) did/played
4.______ you like _______ tea?
- A) do/any B) are/some C) would/some
5. There isn't ________ sugar in the cupboard.
- A) many B) much C) a
6. Have you got _________ sisters?
- A) some B) any C) the
7.The buildings in Rome are __________ the buildings in Washington.
- A) older than B) older than C) much older than
8.Paris is __________ city in France.
- A) the most beautiful B) the beautiful lest C) more beautiful than
9. This restaurant is very, very good. It's __________ restaurant in Moscow.
- A) the best B) the good C) the best
10.I ________ a sweater and a parka because it's cold today.
- A) wear B) "s wearing C) "m wearing
11.________ Tim _____ today?
- A) Do / work B) Is / working C) Does / works
12.Look, it's very cloudy. It __________.
- A) "s going to rain B) rainy C) raining
13. When _____ Alice _____ with her friend in Paris?
- A) does / going to stay B) - / is going to stay C) is / going to stay
14. I "m going to Egypt ___________ the pyramids.
- A) seeing B) to see C) going to see
15._________ did you buy your anorak?" "At a store in town."
- A) When B) Why C) Where
16. "How much did you pay for your book?" ___________
17.______ you ever _____ American food?
- A) Have / eat B) Have / ate C) Have / eaten
18. Jim __________ to Athens.
- A) has never been B) has ever been C) hasn't never been
19."I"ve met Leonardo Dicaprio.""When __________?"
- A) have you met B) did you meet him C) did you meet him
- A) yet B) just C) ever
21.Has Ann cooked lunch _____?
- A) yet B) ever C) just
22.________ "s the weather like in London City?
- A) low B) what C) which
23.My grandfather started work _______1960.
- A) in B) by C) on
24. It "s wet - please drive _____.
- A) carefully B) easily C) carefully
- Let's go for a ______ swim.
- A) quick B) badly C) good
The next test in English is to test the knowledge of the Elementary level. This test will help you determine your level of English - Elementary or Beginner:
1. My favorite sport … handball.
is be 2.Carlo is Italian. He's...Italy.
to at 3… will you help me, please?
4. Moscow is the … of Russia.
5.I leave for work … quarter past seven.
6.My friend told that I … smoke.
7… that boy in the red cap?
8.Is …your new car? It's wonderful!
9.This postcard is for Jim. Give it to…
10. They … to school every day.
go 11. He often … fish because it’s good for him.
12. She … a letter now.
13. What … on Sundays?
do you do 14.Look at Alice! She … a green dress today!
15.Yesterday we … to the cinema and saw a great film.
16. When … Prague? Last summer or last winter?
are you visiting
17.London is … than Boston.
18. Paris is the … city I've ever seen.
19…your homework yet?
Have you finished
Are you finishing
20… you help me with my homework, please?
The next test of the Elementary level is to check grammar knowledge. This test is designed for tenses of verbs:
1.I "m afraid he __________ (do) his homework now. Call again at about 6.30 p.m.
2.Why __________ (they arrive) late for every lesson?
3.Miss anders __________ (teach) us this year. She's got a different class.
4. My brother __________ (have to) wear a uniform at his school. He wears what he wants.
5.______________ (you go) to Italy for your holiday every year?
6.We _________ (go) for a walk in the forest. Do you want to come?
7.I ____________ (go) out with my friends on Saturday nights.
8.Where ___________(they have) the chess club on Tuesdays?
9.____________ (he have to) walk to University every day?
10. There _________ (be) some stockings on the floor.
You can also find basic tests on the Internet and solve them for yourself to test your knowledge. We hope that you have passed all our tests and have reached the basic level of English language proficiency. Do not stop at the achieved results, conquer the next peaks! We wish you good luck!
The level of knowledge of Elementary is the key to the English language, as it covers the basic rules, thanks to which it will then be possible to build more complex structures.
This test is suitable for those who have decided to learn English in courses and want to know which level of English teaching they can apply for: Beginner or Elementary. At the level beginner
At the level Elementary
The test will help you determine your level of English proficiency (mainly in terms of grammar). If you want a more “correct” diagnosis, do not use dictionaries, Internet search engines, etc. (you can do this after the diagnosis).
In sentences, instead of ellipsis, you need to select and mark the proposed word or phrase. After answering all the questions, click the "Show result" button. The program will evaluate your knowledge and give an answer with recommendations. Try to complete the answers in no more than 15 minutes.
Well, are you ready? Do not be distracted, close the door of the room, turn off the TV, and - let's get started!
Elementary Test
You are taking a level test. Elementary- elementary or basic level.
1. Anna and Kate _________ to the cinema last Sunday.
A) d> b) don't go c) didn't go
2. I had breakfast _______ ago.
A) this morning b) three hours c) 7.30 a.m.
3. When _____ you last _______ tennis?
A) d> b) do/play c) did/played
4. ______ you like _______ coffee?
A) do/any b) are/some c) would/some
5. There isn't ________milk in the fr >
A) many b) much c) a
6. Have you got _________ brothers?
A) some b) any c) the
7. The buildings in Venice are __________ the buildings in New York.
A) older than b) older than c) much older than
8. Vienna is __________ city in Austria.
A) the most beautiful b) the beautiful lest c) more beautiful than
9. This restaurant is very, very good. It's __________ restaurant in London.
A) the better b) the good c) the best
10. I ________ a jumper and a jacket because it's cold today.
A) wear b)‘s wearing c)'m wearing
11. ________ Jim _____ today?
A) Do / work b) Is/working c) Does/works
12. Look, it's very cloudy. It __________ .
A)‘s going to rain b) rainy c) raining
13.When _____ Polly _____ with her friend in Madr >
A) does / going to stay b)- / is going to stay c) is / going to stay
14. I'm going to Egypt ___________ the pyram >
A) seeing b) to see c) going to see
15. _________ d >
A) When b) why c) Where
17. ______ you ever _____ Mexican food?
A) Have/eat b) have/ate c) have / eaten
18. Olivia __________ to Rome.
A) has never been b) has ever been c) hasn't never been
19. ‘I’ve met Robbie Williams.’ ‘When __________ ?’
A) have you met b) d> c) did you meet him
20. Raquel and James have _______ had a baby.
A) yet b) just c) ever
21. Has Nigel cooked dinner _____ ?
A) yet b) ever c) just
22. ________ ‘s the weather like in Mexico City?
A) low b) What c) Which
23. My grandmother started work _______1960.
A) in b) by c) on
24. It's snowy - please drive _____.
A) carefully b) easily c) careful
25. Let's go for a ______ swim.
A) quick b) badly c) well
Result:
You scored.
Level Test: Beginner or Elementary?
This test is for those who decide learn english via skype or in courses, and wants to know which level of English education to apply for: beginner or Elementary.
At the level beginner learning starts from scratch. This is a stage that can be reached by someone who has never learned a language or has been learning for a very long time and without results, that is, there is almost no knowledge left.
At the level Elementary grammar also starts from the very basics, but still it is designed for those who have at least a superficial acquaintance with the language, know a certain number of words and have an idea of \u200b\u200bsimple grammatical phenomena. From this level, those who studied English at school or tried to study it themselves usually begin their studies.
Key to the test
If you scored less than 10 correct answers - your level beginner We recommend starting from scratch.
If you scored more than 10 correct answers - your level Elementary . The foundation of knowledge is laid, keep learning.
If you answered 19-20 questions correctly - perhaps your level of knowledge is higher, take the test Elementary or Pre-Intermediate .
Take the Level Test: Beginner or Elementary?
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
My favorite sport …… tennis.
Roberto is Italian. He's……Italy.
…… you help me, please?
Moscow is the …… of Russia.
- country
- nationality
- capital
I leave for work…… quarter past eight.
The doctor told me that I …… smoke.
- won't
- mustn't
- doesn't
…… that man in the red hat?
- Whose
- Who's
Is……your new car? It's great!
- these
- there
This letter is for Tom. Give it to……
We …… to school every day.
She often…… fish because it’s good for her.
- eates
She…… a letter at the moment.
- write
- is writing
- writes
What…… on Saturdays?
- are you doing
- do you
- do you do
Look at Jane! She…… a red dress today!
- wearing
- wear
- is wearing
Yesterday we …… to the cinema and saw a great film.
- have gone
When…… Rome? Last summer or last winter?
- are you visiting
- do you visit
- did you visit
London is …… than New York.
- nosiest
- noisy
- noisier
Paris is the …… city I’ve ever seen.
- beautiful
- more beautiful
- most beautiful
…… your homework yet?
- Do you finish
- Are you finishing
- Have you finished
…… you help me with my project, please?
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Elementary level - first steps in English
The Elementary English level is the foundation on which your knowledge of the English language will rest
In the European system of levels of foreign language proficiency, the A1 Elementary level has the same letter designation as Beginner. However, it is the Elementary level of English that is considered the survival level. That is, the knowledge gained at this stage is enough to communicate in English at the everyday level. For example, if you are abroad, you can check the direction of travel with local residents, make purchases, book a hotel room, etc.
As a rule, students come to the Elementary level already with a small amount of knowledge gained on the Beginner course, at a school or other educational institution. If you have previously studied English, it means that you already have at least some basic knowledge, even if it seems to you that you studied for a long time and do not remember anything. In fact, you have already “get acquainted” with the English language, you know the letters and sounds, you can read, you can introduce yourself and say simple phrases about yourself, your friends, family, home. This is enough to start studying at the Elementary level.
We recommend that you start learning English at the Elementary level if you:
- have studied English a little or for a short time, received elementary knowledge;
- almost do not speak English, although you know elementary grammar and about 300-500 words;
- have a vague idea of English grammar and would like to understand all tenses and constructions;
- have basic knowledge, but do not understand English at all by ear;
- completed the Beginner level in English courses or with a personal teacher.
Material that a person at the Elementary level should know
If you think your English is a little better than in the categories above, you may already be able to speak English at the Elementary level. To verify this, check out the table below. It is considered that you know English at the Elementary level and can move to the Pre-Intermediate level if you have the following knowledge:
| Skill | your knowledge | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar (Grammar) |
You understand how the verb to be is used (I am a student, It is cold). You know the three simple tenses (Present, Future and Past Simple), the present continuous tense (Present Continuous), and you have an idea of the present perfect tense (Present Perfect). You understand the difference between sentences in the future tense: I'm going to bake a cake (to be going to construction), I'll bake a cake (Future Simple), I'm baking a cake (Present Continuous to indicate future action) . You know three forms of irregular verbs (drive-drove-driven). You can ask questions to your interlocutor (Word order in questions). You understand the difference between a cat and the cat (the indefinite and definite articles). You are not surprised that you can say a cookie, but not a toast (toast, a toasted piece of bread) (Countable and uncountable nouns). You understand what lady's dress, James' house (Possessive Case) means. You know the degrees of comparison of adjectives (big-bigger-the biggest). You understand the difference between that cup, this cup, these cups, those cups (Demonstrative pronouns). You know object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) and how to use them. You know some adverbs of frequency (often, usually, always, sometimes) and mode of action (well, quickly, hard). You know what There is no snow on the ground (There is/are/was/were) means. You know what the sentences I can read, I can't swim, You should work (Modal verbs can/can't/should) mean. You understand what I like reading, I hate shopping means (Construction like/love/hate + -ing). |
Lexicon (Vocabulary) |
Your vocabulary is between 1000 and 1500 words and phrases. You know commonly used words and phrases in English. |
speaking (Speaking) |
You can describe yourself, your family and home in a few simple sentences. You know how to talk about your preferences and hobbies. You can easily describe your working day and weekend rest. You can make purchases in a store abroad or communicate with the staff at the hotel in terms of vocabulary familiar to you. You can talk about simple everyday topics. You can answer simple questions within topics that are familiar to you. |
Reading (Reading) |
You understand adapted literature at your level. You can understand signs and announcements in public places or on the street. You can understand the essence of general news. |
listening (Listening) |
You understand audio recordings adapted to your level. You understand what native speakers are saying to you if they speak slowly and use familiar vocabulary. |
Letter (Writing) |
You can write a simple personal letter to a friend. You can write a short text about yourself, your hobby, family, home. You can fill in simple personal data. |
If you are still unsure about which level of study to choose, we recommend that you check your knowledge with our English level test.
The Elementary level program includes the study of such topics in the curriculum
| Grammar Topics | Conversational Topics |
|---|---|
|
|
How will your speaking skills develop in the Elementary course?
In the Elementary course, as in the other levels, you will work on four core skills: speaking, by listening, By reading, letter. You will get acquainted with simple grammatical constructions of the English language, replenish your vocabulary with the most necessary words and phrases, and develop the correct pronunciation and intonation.
Your main task at any level is to learn speak (Speaking). At the Elementary level, you will already be able to take part in a small dialogue, ask questions within the framework of the topics you have studied and understand the answers to them, especially if the interlocutor does not use words you do not know. You will be able to tell a monologue of 5-10 sentences about yourself, your family, hobbies.
At A1 Elementary level you will learn understand by ear (listening) individual familiar words and simple phrases that sound rather slow and clear. Simple texts and dialogues are used as listening material, which will be completely clear to you after the second listening.
Concerning reading (Reading), new texts in English will be present in almost every lesson. Each of these texts is a source of new words and expressions that you have to learn at this level. On the Elementary course, the basic vocabulary is studied: you learn the most necessary words and phrases in everyday life. Also at this stage, you will fix the reading rules in memory. You will learn to read correctly "on the machine" all the letter combinations you meet, without checking the dictionary. And you will do this in the process of reading an interesting text.
Concerning letters (Writing), then the training will begin with the simplest actions. You will learn how to sign postcards, fill out small questionnaires, where you need to indicate your name, surname, nationality, and so on. By the end of the level, you will be able to write short essays and personal letters.
At the level of English Elementary lexicon (Vocabulary) will expand to 1000-1500 words. Level A1 is saturated with the most useful words and phrases that are often used in all typical communication situations (shop, airport, on the street, etc.). Most of the words at this level are universal and can be used in written and spoken language, regardless of style. However, the amount of material to study will be quite large, because even for simple dialogues we need to know a lot of words. But do not be afraid that you will be forced to learn lists of words by heart. The communicative technique is aimed at mastering the language in the process of communication, so you will memorize new words with the help of dialogues on the topic under study.
Term of study at the Elementary level
The term for studying English at the Elementary level depends on the individual characteristics of the student and his initial knowledge. The average duration of study on the Elementary course is 6-9 months. Although this is one of the first levels of language proficiency, it covers extensive material that will allow you to express yourself in the most typical situations of daily communication. At this stage of study, you get the basic knowledge, which is why it is important to lay a solid foundation that will allow you to subsequently achieve high levels of English proficiency.
And for those who want to not only test their knowledge of the English language, but also improve it, we suggest enrolling in English courses via Skype at our school. The teacher will determine your level, weaknesses and strengths and help you improve your knowledge.
English levels: A1 to C2, Beginner to Proficiency
Langformula.ru > English Blog > Language and Culture Notes > English Language Levels: A1 to C2, Beginner to Proficiency
No matter how you study the language, on your own or in courses, you will definitely come across the concept of “English language levels” or “English language proficiency levels”, as well as such incomprehensible designations as A1, B2, and more understandable Beginner, Intermediate and so Further. From this article, you will learn what these formulations mean and what levels of knowledge of the language distinguish, as well as how to determine your level of english.
The levels of English were invented so that language learners could be divided into groups with approximately similar knowledge and skills in reading, writing, speaking and writing, as well as to simplify testing procedures, exams, for various purposes related to emigration, study abroad and employment. Such a classification helps in recruiting students into a group and preparing teaching aids, methods, and language teaching programs.
Useful sites in English:
Of course, there is no clear boundary between the levels, this division is rather conditional, necessary not so much for students as for teachers. In total, there are 6 levels of language proficiency, there are two types of division:
- Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2,
- Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency levels.
In fact, these are just two different names for the same thing. These 6 levels are divided into three groups.
Table: English language proficiency levels
The classification was developed in the late eighties - early nineties of the last century, it is fully called the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (abbr. CERF).
English levels: detailed description
Beginner level (A1)
At this level you can:
- Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and simple phrases aimed at solving specific problems. Introduce yourself, introduce other people, ask simple personal questions, such as “Where do you live?”, “Where are you from?”, be able to answer such questions. Maintain a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly, clearly, and helps you.
Many who studied English at school speak the language at about the Beginner level. From the vocabulary only elementary mother, father, help me, my name is, London is the capital. You can understand well-known words and expressions by ear if they speak very clearly and without an accent, as in audio lessons for a textbook. You understand texts like the “Exit” sign, and in a conversation with the help of gestures, using individual words, you can express the simplest thoughts.
Elementary level (A2)
At this level you can:
- Understand common expressions on general topics such as: family, shopping, work, etc. Talk about simple everyday topics using simple phrases. Tell in simple terms about yourself, describe simple situations.
If at school you had 4 or 5 in English, but after some time did not use English, then most likely you speak the language at the Elementary level. TV shows in English will not be understood, except perhaps for individual words, but the interlocutor, if he speaks clearly, in simple phrases of 2-3 words, in general, you will understand. You can also incoherently and with long pauses for reflection tell the simplest information about yourself, say that the sky is blue and the weather is clear, express a simple wish, make an order at McDonald's.
Beginner - Elementary levels can be called "survival level", Survival English. It is enough to "survive" during a trip to a country where the main language is English.
Intermediate level (B1)
At this level you can:
- Understand the general meaning of clear speech on common, familiar topics related to everyday life (work, school, etc.) Handle the most common situations while traveling (at the airport, hotel, etc.) Write simple coherent text on topics that are common or familiar to you personally. Retell events, describe hopes, dreams, ambitions, be able to briefly talk about plans and explain your point of view.
Vocabulary and knowledge of grammar is enough to write simple essays about yourself, describe cases from life, write a letter to a friend. But in most cases, oral speech lags behind written speech, you confuse tenses, think over a phrase, pause to pick up a preposition (to or for?), but you can more or less communicate, especially if there is no shyness or fear of making a mistake.
It is much more difficult to understand the interlocutor, and if it is a native speaker, and even with fast speech and a bizarre accent, then it is almost impossible. However, simple, clear speech is understood well, provided that the words and expressions are familiar. You generally understand films and series with subtitles, if the text is not very complex, and with some difficulty understand the general meaning without subtitles.
Level Upper Intermediate (B2)
At this level you can:
- Understand the general meaning of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical (specialized) topics in your profile. Speak quickly enough so that communication with a native speaker occurs without long pauses. Compose clear, detailed text on various topics, explain the point of view, give arguments for and against various points of view on the topic.
Upper Intermediate is already a good, sound, confident command of the language. If you are talking on a well-known topic with a person whose pronunciation you understand well, then the conversation will go quickly, easily, naturally. An outside observer will say that you are fluent in English. However, you can be confused by words and expressions related to topics that are poorly understood by you, all sorts of jokes, sarcasm, allusions, slang.
You know grammar in the scope of the school curriculum - that is, in a vocabulary sufficient for most tasks, vocabulary allows you to read simple fiction in English, understanding most of the text, or literature in your specialty. Simple films are understandable both with and without subtitles, many shows, TV programs are also mostly understandable.
Often the Intermediate - Upper Intermediate level is enough for many tasks. For example, it is not uncommon for emigrants to speak the language at this level, and this is enough for them to live and work in an English-speaking country. Having reached this level, many abandon classes in courses, with a tutor and improve their language skills only through practice.
Advanced level (C1)
At this level you can:
- Understand complex, voluminous texts on many topics, understand the hidden meaning (read between the lines). Speak fluently, without pondering the expression or choosing a word. Be fluent in a variety of speaking styles, communicating flexibly and effectively in both informal and professional or academic environments. Write clear, well-structured and detailed text on complex topics.
Excellent level. If you communicate on topics that you understand, you may be mistaken for a native speaker. You are fluent in English, you can write texts of different genres, using stylistic devices, figurative and expressive means of the language. You understand by ear almost everything you hear, with the exception of difficult special moments, you can watch movies and TV shows without any problems.
Proficiency level (C2)
At this level you can:
- It is easy to understand almost any speech or text. Summarize information obtained from various oral and written sources, analyze and make your own presentation based on it. To speak fluently, accurately, expressing subtle shades of meaning in various difficult situations.
The level of an educated native speaker. You understand almost everything, you can express any thought in any form, using the subtleties of the language. The foreigner in you can be betrayed by ignorance of the cultural characteristics of the country. For example, you will not understand a joke from some 90s TV show, a reference to a popular song.
Not all learners of English strive to reach the Advanced level, and even more so Proficiency. Usually such a good command of the language is simply not needed, a more modest level is enough. However, if you practice a lot, read and listen in English, communicate with native speakers, then you may well reach the Advanced level.
To reach Proficiency, it is desirable to live in an English-speaking country, constantly communicate in English and at the same time consciously and regularly improve your knowledge of the language: read a lot, write, study various subtleties.
Inaccuracies and inconsistencies in language proficiency levels
Headway textbooks and language courses often use a six-level classification that differs from the above (European). Here is an example ratio.
As you can see, in this gradation there are no levels of Advanced and Proficiency (in the “CERF” sense) at all, probably because you cannot reach such advanced levels with textbooks alone - you need extensive practice.
But that's not all.
In one language school, I saw a division into 24 levels, that is, each of the six was divided by another 4. There were some very wonderful names like Beginner Starter, Beginner Two or something like that. The other had only 3 levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced.
It is important to remember that the levels were invented primarily for the convenience of compiling textbooks, methods, testing, to simplify the distribution of students into groups, testing knowledge when applying for a job, and only in general terms characterize the real language skills of students.
In practice, in a group of students with an Intermediate level, there will be a tangible difference between the skills of students, because language skills are a complex thing, and the very concept of “Intermediate level” is broad. Someone remembers words better, but is embarrassed to speak, someone has difficulty with grammar, but he speaks fluently, using simple constructions, and it is difficult for someone to read simply because there is no habit of reading in their native language. Some are close to, relatively speaking, the lower boundary of the level, while others are close to the upper one, but both fall into the same group.
In addition, language skills are inconsistent. They can either develop or worsen. For example, my conversational skill quickly “rusts” without practice, though it recovers quickly. What can I say, even the knowledge of the native language deteriorates significantly if you do not use it for a long time. People who live for a long time in other countries begin to speak with an intonation atypical for their native language, confuse cases and forget certain words.
How would you describe your level of language proficiency?
I don't like to resort to the standard six levels. When you say “advanced” or “intermediate”, the interlocutor can understand anything by this. It's not uncommon for people with a rusty, stale Intermediate level to say they are "absolutely zero" even though their skills just need to be oiled up and stirred up, and someone boasts of Proficiency without being able to pronounce the word correctly.
If you write the level of English proficiency in a resume, then one HR manager knows how it will be deciphered. In general, it is not customary to be modest in a resume. As they say, a person is never as close to perfection as in a job interview.
I think that in a conversation, if asked about the level of English, it is easier to say with understandable expressions like “confident”, “fluent”, “I speak well, but I do not understand well” or something like that. And in the summary, boasting of knowledge is descriptive, for example: “I speak the language confidently”, “I speak English fluently”, “I speak at the household level”. If knowledge of the language is an important point in finding a job and you will need to pass an interview in English, then even if you are C2 with a bunch of certificates, they will judge language proficiency precisely by the interview.
How to determine your level of English?
When you start working on your English, it's nice to know what stage you're at right now, but how do you know what level of English you have? First, let's decide what exactly you need to know. When testing a student for the level of English, they determine the skills in reading, listening, writing, speaking, as well as the approximate amount of vocabulary, knowledge of grammar. And if vocabulary and grammar can be more or less “measured” with the help of special tests, then it is more difficult with speech skills. I suggest two ways to determine your level of English: 1) fast and inaccurate, 2) long but accurate.
1. A quick way to find out what level of English you have
A quick but inaccurate way is an online test. Of course, no online English proficiency test can test your communication skills in the language, the quality of written work, but you can still get some idea of the level, especially in listening comprehension and knowledge of grammar. Consider the English proficiency test from Puzzle English.
You are asked to answer 36 questions to test listening, writing, speaking and grammar.
It is noteworthy that to test listening comprehension, phrases like “London is the capital” recorded by the speaker are not used, but short excerpts from films (Puzzle English specializes in learning English from films and TV shows). In English-language films, the speech of the characters is close to how people speak in real life, so the test may seem harsh.
Chandler from Friends doesn't have the best pronunciation.
To check the letter, you need to translate several phrases from English into Russian and from Russian into English. The program provides several translation options for each phrase. To test knowledge of grammar, a completely ordinary test is used, where you need to choose one option from several proposed ones.
But you are probably wondering how the program can test the skill of speaking? Of course, an online English proficiency test will not test your speech as a person, but the test developers came up with an original solution. In the task, you need to listen to a phrase from the movie and choose a cue that is suitable for continuing the dialogue.
Talking is not enough, you also need to understand the interlocutor!
The ability to speak English consists of two skills: to understand the speech of the interlocutor by ear and to express one's thoughts. This task, albeit in a simplified form, tests how you cope with both tasks.
At the end of the test, you will be shown a complete list of questions with the correct answers, you will find out where you made mistakes. And of course, you will see a chart showing your level on a scale from Beginner to Upper Intermediate. 
2. Test to determine the level of English with a teacher
To get a professional, “live” (not automated, as in tests) assessment of the level of English, you need English teacher who will test you with assignments and an interview in English.
This consultation is free of charge. Firstly, there may be a language school in your city that offers free language testing and even a trial lesson. Now this is a common practice.
Another, less troublesome, option is to take such a “trial-test” lesson with a teacher via Skype. Many online English schools (which teach remotely via Skype) offer this service. I took a trial lesson at the SkyEng online school, you can read more about it in the SkyEng school review.
In short, I signed up for a trial test lesson, got in touch on Skype at the appointed time, and the teacher Alexandra and I held a lesson, during which she “tortured” me in every possible way with various tasks. All communication was in English.
My trial lesson on SkyEng. Checking grammar knowledge.
At the end of the lesson, the teacher explained to me in detail in which direction I should develop my English, what problems I had, and a little later she sent a letter with a detailed description of the level of language skills (with grades on a 5-point scale) and methodological recommendations.
This method took some time: three days passed from the application to the lesson, and the lesson itself lasted about 40 minutes. But it is much more interesting than any online test.
Friends! People often ask me, but now I am not engaged in tutoring. If you need a teacher I HIGHLY recommend this wonderful site— there are native (and non-native) teachers for all occasions and for every pocket. I recommend this site because I myself have gone through more than 80 lessons with the teachers I found there — and I advise you to try it!
Test to determine the level of English
This test offers to determine the level of knowledge of English grammar. Also, this test will help to check your weaknesses that need to be tightened (you can always get theoretical knowledge here).
And one more thing: no one is forbidden to take this online test for knowledge of English just out of curiosity.
We will open the veil of intrigue in advance and tell you what result you can expect after passing the test, namely, what levels of English:
Level 0 - Full beginner (or complete ... beginner)
Level 1 - Elementary (elementary)
Level 2 - Upper-Elementary (higher elementary)
Level 3 - Pre-Intermediate (lower intermediate level)
Level 4 - Intermediate (intermediate level)
Level 5 - Upper-Intermediate (upper middle level)
Level 6 - Advanced (advanced)
Level 7 - Super-Advanced (super advanced).
For similarities and nuances about the levels of English, you can contact around the clock
to the article Have you determined your level of English?
A nice bonus: after passing the test, it awaits you. nominal certificate, which confirms the level of proficiency in English grammar. It can and should be printed, decorated with wallpaper, brag to friends and parents. And if there is nothing to brag about, then do not despair, but make up for lost time and improve your English. To get the best result in a week / month.
Test for the level of knowledge of English online. Grammar beginner / elementary
Elementary level
According to the common European scale of language competence CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), it is customary to distinguish six levels: A1 - Beginner, Elementary, A2 - Pre-Intermediate, B1 - Intermediate, B2 - Upper-Intermediate, C1 - Advanced, C2 - Proficiency . The Elementary English level includes the most minimal set of knowledge that is needed to survive in a foreign country. Without worry, going to the store, checking into a hotel, and even maintaining a simple conversation will help knowledge at the Elementary level. What kind of level it is and what features it has are detailed below.
What is the Elementary level
The most necessary communication skills, basic phrases are the English level Elementary. What does it mean? This is the A1 level or, in other words, the basic level of English. The student will be able to solve only urgent tasks, it is not for nothing that he is called the level of survival. To make sure that the student's knowledge corresponds to the level, it is enough to pass a standard test. Many tests are free and the results can be found immediately online. Other options for determining the level are EF SET and TOEIC. According to the established criteria, in order to confirm the Elementary level, you need to score 31-40 points in EF SET, TOEIC Reading - 115-270, TOEIC Listening - 110-270.
The basic level of English provides the essentials. Make purchases? - Easy. Give instructions to the taxi driver? - Please. Once the conversation becomes informal, the student may experience some problems. It is possible to keep in touch with the Elementary level, but if the student plans to make friends, this will be more difficult, because a set of standard common phrases is unlikely to help the case. A simple conversation on a familiar topic will be within the student’s power, and in order to understand the interlocutor, he must speak in simple phrases and short sentences. Watching TV or reading a newspaper is also unlikely to be enjoyable - it will not be enough to understand the basic level.
Ready to learn
Many people think that the Elementary level is the 3rd level of English, but in fact, it is the A1 level. Before you start learning English at the Elementary level, you need to complete the Beginner level. However, this is not necessary if the student has some skills left from school or university. In the Beginner course, the first acquaintance with the language takes place - the alphabet, numbers, the construction of the simplest sentences. If the student has an understanding of the language system, he can start learning English at a basic level.
Some signs indicating that the student will cope with tasks at the Elementary level:
- he had an elementary base after school or he studied the language at the Beginner (Starter) level;
- the student's vocabulary is about 300-500 words;
- has difficulty constructing sentences, however, can answer simple questions or at least understand them;
- has difficulty listening to speech, even if the pace is slow;
- familiar with the language system, at least superficially;
- can give his name and make a few sentences about his age, work; able to understand simple sentences and
- answer questions that are asked when meeting (What is your name? How old are you?);
- can count up to 100;
- knows how English letters are called, can read, can spell a word.
On average, the course of study takes about 200 hours of study - this is about six months or 9 months. Ultimately, it all depends on the abilities and desires of the student - he himself can set the desired duration and frequency of classes. Someone can master this level in a much shorter time, this is determined by the individual abilities of the student. It must be remembered that "Practice makes perfect", i.e. "Practice is the way to perfection." Is no exception Elementary. What level is it and what topics will be studied on the course, read below.
Elementary Topics
Elementary is a level of English that covers a certain range of grammatical and lexical topics. Regardless of the chosen textbook, there, one way or another, standard topics will be covered. If the student was at the Beginner level, some topics may seem the same. Perhaps the theme is repeated, but the vocabulary and grammar will be more difficult there. Each new level of learning is a deeper level of immersion in the language, not only repetition, but consolidation of the acquired knowledge and their systematization.
The course of study includes the following grammatical topics:
- the main English verb to be in the present, past and future tense (Present Simple, Past Simple, Future Simple);
- imperative constructions or imperative mood (Imperative mood);
- present in the aspects of Simple, Continuous and superficial acquaintance with Perfect;
- three / two types of future tense: Future Simple, Present Continuous, to be going to;
- simple past tense (Past Simple) and irregular verbs in three forms;
- word order in different types of sentences (Word order);
- demonstrative pronouns
- object pronouns (Objective Pronouns);
- adjectives and degrees of comparison (Degrees of Comparison);
- case indicating belonging (Possessive Case);
- plural nouns (Plural Nouns);
- definite and indefinite article (Definite/Indefinite Article);
- countable and uncountable nouns (Countable/Uncountable);
- Adverbs of Frequency
- adverbs of manner of action (Adverbs of Manner);
- prepositions of place, time (Prepositions of Place / Time);
- modal verbs (Modal verbs): can/can't and should;
- gerund (Gerund) after some verbs: like, love, hate;
- location construct there is/there are.
Lexical topics, for the most part, are also standard:
- about myself and my family (About myself and my family);
- countries of the world, languages and nationalities (Countries and Nationalities);
- personal preferences, what we like and dislike - like / dislike (Personal Preferences);
- professions, work and daily routine (Jobs and Daily Routine);
- holidays and traditions (Holidays);
- dates and numbers (Dates and Numbers);
- weather (The weather);
- food and drinks, making an order in a restaurant (Food and drinks);
- sports and healthy lifestyle (Sports and fitness);
- transport and fare (Transport);
- city and places in the city, how to navigate, ask for direction (Places in city);
- music and cinema (Music and Films);
- houses and furniture, describe the furnishings of the apartment (Houses and Furniture);
- shop and purchases, ask about the cost of the item (In shops (clothes, coffee);
- description of the character and appearance of a person (Describing a person).
After completing the level, the student will be able to keep up the conversation on these topics. For successful communication, frequently used words and phrases must remain in memory.
A2 level learning outcomes
The English elementary level, like other levels, involves the development of four basic skills - Listening (listening comprehension), Reading (reading), Writing (writing), Speaking (oral speech). To understand that the student is ready for the next level, you can test his acquired skills. What a student should be able to do at the Elementary level:
listening
The student understands short sentences and phrases that are frequently used and common. The pace of speech should be slow or moderate. It is undesirable if the sentence contains ambiguity. The student can extract the main idea from audio recordings that are adapted for the Elementary level. Knowledge of the English language and its perception by ear is possible within the framework of familiar topics related to the main areas of life. The student will be able to understand simple stories about family, work or appearance.
Like listening, the student develops reading skills by reading short, simple texts. On the street in an English-speaking city, he can easily understand a sign or an announcement, and in a restaurant he will make an order after reading the menu. The student focuses on familiar words and sees the information he needs. He is able to understand simple personal writing. At this level, adapted literature is the best option. As a rule, the student easily reads fairy tales and short stories with simple vocabulary. The student often refers to the dictionary.
The student can easily fill out a questionnaire or registration form, and if necessary, write a simple note or a short personal letter. The results may not always be perfect, but experience comes with practice.
Speaking
Vocabulary
At the Elementary level, the vocabulary ranges from 1000 to 1300 words. Words and phrases occur frequently, so in simple situations, the language barrier will be minimal.
When performing a level test, a student usually encounters a grammar test. Grammar is the most common criterion for determining any level. English elementary level includes many topics, because at this stage the knowledge base is laid.
After trying to answer the questions, the student can test his knowledge.
Elementary student:
- Knows the peculiarities of using the verb to be. How to understand these sentences and are there any mistakes? – He is a doctor. I am thirty-six.
- Knows how to use Present Simple, Future Simple and Past Simple, Present Continuous and a little Present Perfect. What is the difference between these proposals? – Mike paint pictures. He painted three pictures last month. He is painting a picture right now.
- Understands the difference between various forms of the future tense - Future Simple, Present Continuous and to be going to, for example: I'll buy a computer. I'm going to buy a computer soon. I'm buying a computer tomorrow.
- Knows irregular verbs in three forms. How to finish these chains? Give - ... - given. Think-thought-.
- Can ask a question, paying attention to the correct word order. How should these suggestions be corrected? – Writing are you a note? Do you have a job?
- Understands the difference between definite and indefinite articles. How to translate these sentences paying attention to the articles? There was a house. The house was new, but ugly.
- Understands how Countable and Uncountable nouns differ. Which of the suggestions is correct? – I have a lot of money. I don't have much money.
- Knows how to use the possessive case. Which of the sentences is correct and why? My parents' house is in Moscow. Mike's Smith's mother is a nice woman.
- Knows the degrees of comparison of adjectives. How to finish these chains? Big - ... - the biggest, but comfortable - ... - ....
- Knows object pronouns and can easily translate the phrase "I like her".
- Knows how the types of demonstrative pronouns differ. What is the difference between: this house and that house? What about these flowers and those flowers?
- Understands what it means to turn there is/there are. Which of the sentences is correct and how to translate it? There is an orange in my bag. In the fridge is there an apple.
- Knows the gerund and when to use it. How right? – I love watching Netflix or I like watch cartoons.
- Knows how to use adverbs of frequency/mode of action. Which of the suggestions is correct? – I sometimes go to the theatre. Mike goes always shopping to Walmart.
- Knows modal verbs and knows how to use them. What is the difference between: I can do it. I should do it immediately.
Learning a language is an exciting process, but it requires a lot of effort and time, even at the Elementary level. English level A2 allows the student to speak on the simplest topics in standard situations.
