Certificate of proficiency in a foreign language. Intermediate level - transition from quantity to quality

In conversations you can often hear the following phrases:

— I speak a little Chinese.

— I speak English quite well.

— My level of German is average.

All these a little, not bad, average - very vague descriptions of the level of proficiency, but I would like to understand more accurately the amount of knowledge.

In order to speak the same language with you, I suggest using the European classification of proficiency levels foreign language.

When developing the European Level System, extensive research was carried out in different countries, assessment methods were tested in practice. As a result, we came to an agreement on the number of levels allocated for organizing the process of learning a language and assessing the degree of language proficiency. There are 6 major levels, which represent lower and higher sublevels in the classic three-level system, including basic, intermediate and advanced levels. The level scheme is built on the principle of sequential branching. It begins by dividing the level system into three large levels - A, B and C:

But more detailed description each level. It makes it easy to perform self-diagnosis

A1 (Survival Level):

A2 (Pre-threshold level):

B1 (Threshold level):

B2 (Threshold Advanced Level):

C1 (Proficiency level):

C2 (Proficiency level):

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English language levels are, in fact, a system that allows you to assess how well a person speaks the language, that is, the very result of learning. There are several classifications, they can be systematized according to:

The Russian simple version has only three levels of knowledge. This:

• elementary
• average
• high

However, such a classification is rather amateurish, and it is not suitable for professionals looking for work. An employer, reviewing all kinds of resumes, seeks to identify not only theoretical knowledge, but also a practical degree of training. Therefore, the applicant usually indicates the following levels:

1. Using a dictionary
2. Speaking skills
3. Intermediate
4. Fluent

• Basic knowledge of Business English— basic knowledge of business English

International system for determining levels of knowledge

The international version is more complicated, it has a larger number of levels, due to the additional division of intermediate and advanced degrees of English proficiency. For convenience, each category is designated by a letter with a numerical index.
English proficiency scale So, below is the table Common European Framework of Reference — CEFR(Common European Framework of Reference)

Using this table, you can determine which category you will be trained in. For example, in order to get a job in some Call Center, you only need to reach level A 2 - elementary. But for you to teach someone English, A 2 is clearly not enough: for the right to teach, the minimum category is B 2 (above average).

Professional language classification scale

However, more often, when compiling a resume according to international standards, the following professional classification is used, in which the elementary level serves as the initial one, and there are actually three “near-intermediate” ones. Other scales use a 7-level division (in this case, the initial level is without a category).

In the following table we will take a closer look at exactly Intermediate(average)

As you can see, the concept of “level” is quite subjective: for some, initial or elementary is enough for training on an amateur scale, but for professionals Advanced may seem insufficient.
Level Proficiency is considered the highest, it is the most valuable and allows a highly qualified specialist to get a well-paid job abroad, and a student to get an education at a prestigious university or college.
In our native “penates” the average (Intermediate) is quite sufficient in order to:

• understand language and communicate
• watch films and read texts in English
• conduct formal and informal correspondence

Testing your English level

How to determine what level of knowledge you are at? There are many tests, here is one of them
Testing your level of English How to climb a little higher on this ladder? Only through training!

This is a topic without borders. Visit our English Courses and Books and Textbooks sections and choose your favorite technique.

Levels of English proficiency according to the European scale

It's no secret that American and British English are somewhat different, and international classification is more focused on the American version, since most foreigners study this, easier, option. However, American English is foreign to Europeans. Therefore, the European English Language Framework was created.
European Framework of Reference for English Languages

1. A1 Level of survival (Breakthrough). Corresponds to the International Level Scale Beginner, Elementary. At this level you understand slow clear English speech and you can speak using familiar expressions and very simple phrases for everyday communication: in a hotel, cafe, store, on the street. You can read and translate simple texts, write simple letters and greetings, and fill out forms.
2. A2 Pre-threshold level (Waystage). Corresponds to the international Pre-Intermediate level. At this level you can talk about your family, your profession, personal hobbies and preferences in cuisine, music, and sports. Your knowledge allows you to understand announcements at the airport, advertising texts, stores, inscriptions on products, postcards, you know how to conduct business correspondence, and you can also freely read and retell simple texts.
3. B1 Threshold level. On the international scale it corresponds to the Intermediate level. You can already understand what is being discussed in radio and television programs. You know how to express your own opinion, you can justify your views, conduct business correspondence of average complexity, retell the content of what you read or saw, read adapted literature in English.
4. B2 Threshold advanced level (Vantage). According to the international scale - Upper-Intermediate. Are you fluent spoken language in any situation, you can communicate with a native speaker without preparation. You know how to speak clearly and in detail on a wide range of issues, convey your point of view, giving weighty arguments for and against. You can read unadapted literature in English, as well as retell the content of complex texts.
5. C1 Level of professional proficiency (Effective Operational Proficiency). Corresponds to the international Advanced level. Now you understand various complex texts and can identify the subtext in them, you can express your thoughts fluently without preparation. Your speech is rich in linguistic means and the accuracy of their use in a variety of situations of everyday or professional communication. You can express yourself clearly, logically, and in detail on complex topics.
6. C2 Level of mastery. According to the international scale - Proficiency. At this level, you can freely perceive any oral or written speech, you can summarize information received from different sources and present it in the form of a coherent and clearly reasoned message. You know how to fluently express your thoughts on complex issues, conveying the subtlest shades of meaning.

Strive for perfection!

When starting to study any foreign language, you always want to be able to track how the process is progressing and how quickly the accumulation of knowledge and the acquisition of communication skills are progressing. Simply put, what level are you at? An entire system has been developed for this purpose. This will be discussed in this article.

How is knowledge of foreign languages ​​determined?

Many people mistakenly believe that achieving a certain level of knowledge of a language means learning a certain pre-agreed volume of words. For example, for a beginner level you need to know 100 any words, for an intermediate level 1000... and so on. This is fundamentally wrong. In fact, each level consists of a set of skills: lexical, grammatical, pronunciation, speech, listening, as well as writing and reading skills. A student of a foreign language must be proficient in all of them, and the difference between different levels lies in the breadth of knowledge and variety of skills.

There is an officially accepted classification created by the European organization ALTE, which is involved in testing levels of proficiency in foreign languages. This classification includes 6 levels, arranged in ascending order: from practically zero to close to native speakers.

ALTE knowledge levels

Let's consider this generally accepted classification. This system of foreign language proficiency levels consists of the following steps.

A1 (Breakthrough) means the ability to answer the simplest questions in a foreign language, tell in the simplest sentences about yourself and other people, know basic vocabulary, understand the main meaning of what was said, and answer appropriately.

A2 (Level 1) requires a clearer pronunciation that is closer to native speakers, slightly more complicated grammatical structures, and knowledge of vocabulary for discussing abstract topics, and not just about oneself or the current situation.

B1 (Level 2) means the free expression of one’s thoughts and ideas, the ability to write different types texts, almost complete understanding of someone else's foreign speech, a minimum number of grammatical and lexical errors. Upon completion of this level, you can begin to take international exams to confirm your knowledge of the language and obtain a certificate.

B2 (Level 3) assumes that the student speaks not only almost without errors, but also uses all the richness of the language (proverbs, sayings, idioms, jokes, etc.), understands almost all the information he hears the first time, and can express his opinion on a wide range of topics in a reasoned and detailed manner. range of questions.

Levels C1 and C2 (4 and 5, respectively) means mastering a foreign language at the most advanced levels necessary for living or working abroad, freely communicating with foreign business partners and friends, working in the field of translation services, writing and journalism in a foreign language, and other professional use of such skills. A foreigner who possesses the highest levels of knowledge is not much different from educated native speakers of this language.

From beginner to advanced

There is another classification that partially coincides with the above. These level names are more common because they are used by the authors of European textbooks, in particular on the English language.

If you decide to learn this language from scratch and go to foreign language courses, then the first textbook that comes into your hands will be a book labeled Beginner or Starter. 6 more levels will follow. Some of them coincide with the ALTE classification. Full and exact correspondence is shown in the table.

Now let's look at each level in detail. We will be able to compare the proposed description with our own skills and knowledge.

Beginner, Starter

All levels of foreign language proficiency begin with it. In this case - English, but the principle of assessing knowledge will be similar in any case.

To define yourself as a beginner, you need to have some skills. This implies the following:

• state your name, age and other simple data;
• answer relevant questions (“What’s your name?”, etc.);
• count to 100;
• know the alphabet, be able to name the letters in any word;
• understand simple sentences.

Primary, basic (Elementary)

We move on to the next level, which is included in the levels of foreign language proficiency. Here, oral skills are significantly expanded, and written ones are added to them.

Independent speaking:

• with simple and understandable pronunciation;
• expressing your feelings and thoughts in a form understandable to other people;
• telling briefly about yourself, another person, your family, etc.;
• message simple information on abstract topics (weather, impressions of what you read, explanation of the situation, answer to a question based on the text, etc.)

Understanding someone else's speech:

• capturing basic information from educational listening;
• conscious reading of short texts, understanding the main idea.

Basic intermediate (Pre-Intermediate)

We continue to analyze the levels of foreign language proficiency. If you have reached this level in your study, then you will definitely not be lost when traveling abroad.

What does the basic intermediate level include?

Independent speaking:

• with clear, good pronunciation;
• with orientation in basic situations (the ability to answer a question, maintain a conversation or communicate what you don’t understand);
• with the ability to clearly express their thoughts and feelings on various occasions.

Understanding someone else's speech:

• distinguishing sounds, intonation and stress;
• full understanding of the meaning and ideas of texts more complex than at the previous stage.

Writing Skills:

• about yourself, another person, situation, impressions;
• write a postcard, personal and official letter of various types;
• construct and coordinate sentences in a grammatically correct manner.

Intermediate

This level is characterized by the totality of everything that was mastered at the previous levels, only now it has been brought almost to perfection. The grammatical structures and vocabulary that a person knows are already quite complex. The skill of composing various types of texts (response to personal and official letters, congratulations, requests, claims, apologies, etc.) and reasoning on various public topics is consolidated.

Upper Intermediate

This level closes the levels of foreign language proficiency, which together are sufficient for full and problem-free communication on any topic. It is no coincidence that people begin to take the first exams for obtaining certificates of language proficiency, having just mastered this level.

If you have mastered the final intermediate level, you will be able to:

• clearly convey thoughts to the interlocutor;
• maintain a dialogue or discussion with two or three partners;
• correctly use the official or informal style according to the situation;
• make relatively few mistakes, be able to immediately notice them and correct yourself;
• understand the main points of someone else’s speech and the speaker’s attitude towards them from the first time;
• conduct a telephone conversation;
• understand 95% of the information from the text and draw conclusions about what you read;
• use simple and complex syntactic structures;
• write letters, reviews, reviews, resumes, etc.;
• use basic artistic techniques when writing stories and essays.

Basic advanced (Advanced)

In-depth study of foreign languages ​​begins at this level. This stage has the same characteristics as the previous one, and also adds a number of new skills. Advanced level means:

• errors should be kept to a minimum;
• rich speech, free use and understanding of idioms, proverbs;
• knowledge of the realities of the language, recognition of many quotes and allusions that are well known to native speakers;
• free reading and listening to foreign media, watching films with maximum understanding of speech and situations;
• the ability to express your thoughts not only using vocabulary and grammar, but also intonation and logical stress;
• free discussion on generally known topics;
• writing various types of texts, using stylistic techniques.

Professional foreign language

This level of proficiency in a language not native to a person is also an interesting phenomenon, but it is somewhat less common than the ability to speak common topics. The very name of this direction implies that speaking (writing) in a language foreign to a person is necessary to implement professional activity. To carry it out successfully, you need to really know the language. high level, as well as possess specific knowledge and skills related to the use of this language. What areas of professional activity can be involved?

Where do they learn languages?

Teaching foreign languages ​​is carried out using various methods.

Foreign languages ​​for children

School study is not particularly effective, although it sometimes continues for 8-10 years. A foreign language begins to be studied in primary school, usually from 2nd grade. As a rule, this is English.

Currently, it is popular to include a foreign language in a child’s preschool development program (from 3-5 years old). Therefore, it happens that by the time they start learning English at school, some children already speak Starter or even Elementary level.

Any experienced teacher will tell you that before you start learning a foreign language, you need to determine your level.

This is necessary, first of all, in order not to waste extra time on already familiar material, but to immediately move on in mastering the language. Everyone knows that the “final” level of proficiency English language does not exist unless you live in a language environment.

Any language is a living organism that constantly changes over time, new words are added to it, and some words, on the contrary, become obsolete. Even grammatical rules change. What was considered indisputable 15-20 years ago may no longer be relevant in modern grammar.

That is why knowledge of a foreign language is never absolutely complete. Any knowledge requires constant practice. Otherwise, the level you have achieved is quickly lost.

What is "level of English language proficiency"?

But what is it, and what are the levels of knowledge of English? Let's figure it out.

The level of knowledge is understood as the degree of proficiency in four aspects of languages: speaking, reading and understanding texts, listening and writing. In addition, this includes knowledge of grammar and vocabulary and the ability to correctly use lexical and grammatical units in speech.

Testing for your level of English language proficiency is usually carried out in one form or another, wherever you go to study the language. On any training site, in courses, in private lessons with a teacher - everywhere, before determining further actions and select the necessary educational materials, you will be tested on your level of knowledge. Moreover, these levels are very arbitrary, their boundaries are blurred, the names and number of levels vary different sources, but, of course, there are common features in all types of classifications.

In this article we will present the levels of the English language according to the international scale, comparing it with the British version of the classification.

English proficiency levels

There are two main classifications of English language proficiency levels.

The first belongs British Council- This international organization, providing assistance in language learning and in establishing intercultural communication. Most often one could find this distribution of language competencies in textbooks published in Cambridge and Oxford.

The second and main one is called CEFR or The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Translated into Russian as “Common European Scale of Language Competence”. It was created by the Council of Europe in the second half of the 90s.

Below is CEFR:

The gradation of English language levels in the table differs from the British version as follows:

• at British Council there is no designation as such for Pre-Intermediate, it is located at the junction of A2/B1;
• there is only 6 levels of English: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2;
• The first two levels are considered elementary, the second two are considered sufficient, and the last two are considered levels of fluency in the language.

Table of correspondence between levels according to different assessment systems

International exams

To obtain a place at a foreign university, to work abroad or to successfully find employment in Russia, the presentation of certain certificates is required. Let's look at the two most popular and well-known of them.

TOEFL exam

If you pass it successfully, you can enter the educational establishments United States and Canada. The certificate of completion is valid in 150 countries for 2 years. There are several versions of the test - paper, computer, Internet version. All types of skills are tested - writing and speaking, reading and listening.

The main feature is that it is impossible not to pass it; a student who completes the tasks still receives a score that corresponds to a certain level:

1. 0-39 in the Internet version and 310-434 in the paper version shows the degree of knowledge of the English language at the A1 or “Beginner” level.
2. When receiving a result in the range of 40-56 (433-486) you can be sure that you have Elementary (A2), that is, basic English.
3. Intermediate (translated as “intermediate, transitional”) - TOEFL scores in the region of 57-86 (487-566). Do you want to know what level this is, “Intermediate”? It corresponds to B1. You can speak on familiar topics and grasp the essence of the monologue/dialogue, you can even watch films in the original, but the material is not always fully grasped (sometimes the meaning is guessed from the plot and individual phrases). You are already capable of writing short letters and essays in the language.
4. Upper, preintermediate will require the following points: 87-109 (567-636). Translated it means “intermediately advanced”. What level is this, Upper intermediate? The owner has access to a relaxed, detailed conversation on a specific or abstract topic, including with a native speaker. Films are watched in their original form, and talk shows and news are also well received.
5. An order of magnitude higher, namely 110-120 for the Internet version and 637-677 for the paper version, required if Advanced English is required.

IELTS exam

The certificate is quite popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Also relevant in case of professional migration to these countries. The test is valid for 2 years. The range of marks that can be obtained for the test is from 0.0 to 9.0. IN A1 scores from 2.0 to 2.5 are included. IN A2- from 3.0 to 3.5. stage B assumes scores from 4.0 to 6.5, and for the level C1- 7.0 - 8.0. Language in perfection is grades 8.5 - 9.0.

What level of proficiency should I include on my resume?

When writing a resume, you must correctly indicate at what stage in language learning you are currently at. The main thing is to choose the correct English level designation. The following are usually used: Basic(basic knowledge), Intermediate(middle stage), Advanced(proficiency at an advanced level), Fluent (fluent proficiency).

If there was an exam, be sure to indicate its name and the number of points received.

Advice: There is no need to overestimate your level, because any inaccuracy can be revealed quickly enough.

Why is it important to determine your language level?

Why does a non-specialist need information about the level of language proficiency, and is it needed at all? If you are planning to start or resume learning a foreign language, then determining your level of knowledge is simply necessary, of course, if you are not an absolute beginner and have previously studied English. This is the only way you can understand at what stage you stopped and where to move next.

When choosing a course of study, you will need to focus on your level. So, for example, on the site you can take various courses: from a course for beginners - Beginner, to a course for students with an Intermediate level.

In order to find out which course to choose for training, the website provides. The system will accurately determine your level of language proficiency and offer the appropriate course so that your learning is most effective.

If you are learning Russian and want:

• test your own knowledge and motivate yourself for further study 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 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. Oral speech)

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 scores obtained during the first test are counted.

Format of the exam in Russian language of everyday communication