Levels of language proficiency. Levels of English: from A1 to C2, from Beginner to Proficiency Level of English proficiency b1

English level A2 is the second level of language proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a system for determining different language levels compiled by the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level can be called basic (for example, “I speak basic English”). The term elementary is the official description of a level in the CEFR - it is a basic level. A student who has mastered a basic level of English can meet his or her basic communication needs.

How to determine that you know English at A2 level

The best way to determine whether your English language skills meet the A2 level is to take a high-quality standardized test. Below is a list of the main internationally recognized tests and their corresponding A2 scores:

What can you do with an A2 level of English?

Level of English A2 is sufficient for tourist travel in an English-speaking country and communication with native English speakers. However, level A2 is considered insufficient to establish deeper friendships. The A2 level of English also allows you to collaborate with English-speaking colleagues, but work communication in English is limited to well-known topics at the A2 level. An A2 level of English is not sufficient to conduct scientific research or to understand English-language media (television, cinema, radio, magazines, etc.).

According to official CEFR guidelines, a student proficient in English at level A2:

1. Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to major areas of life to which it is directly related (e.g., basic information about family, shopping, geography, employment).
2. Can communicate within simple and everyday tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar or everyday topics.
3. Can describe in simple terms individual aspects of his past, present, as well as issues related to areas with which he, she, and she directly interact.

Read more about knowledge of English at Level A2

Formal assessments of a student's knowledge are broken down into smaller sub-items for teaching purposes. Such a detailed classification will help you assess your own level of English or help your teacher assess the level of your students. For example, a student with an A2 level of English can:

• evaluate the work of a colleague at work.
• talk about the events of your life.
• describe your past, giving details of the most important milestones.
• entertain guests at your home or visit a friend or colleague at his/her home.
• discuss your holiday plans and tell friends and colleagues about your holiday afterwards.
• talk about nature and travel.
• talk about your favorite movies and choose a movie to watch with friends.
• discuss clothes and what kind of clothes he/she would like to wear.
• participate in key discussions at work, including speaking in meetings about familiar topics.
• describe the accident or injury, obtain medical attention from a doctor, and fill out a prescription for medications.
• participate in simple business negotiations, greeting guests and attending general events.
• Understand and communicate basic business propositions in your area of ​​expertise.
• discuss and explain the rules of the games.

Of course, progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, but it can be predicted that a student will achieve an A2 level of English proficiency in 200 hours of study (total).

Abbreviated multiplication formulas.

Studying abbreviated multiplication formulas: the square of the sum and the square of the difference of two expressions; difference of squares of two expressions; cube of the sum and cube of the difference of two expressions; sums and differences of cubes of two expressions.

Application of abbreviated multiplication formulas when solving examples.

To simplify expressions, factor polynomials, and reduce polynomials to standard form, abbreviated multiplication formulas are used. Abbreviated multiplication formulas need to be known by heart.

Let a, b R. Then:

1. The square of the sum of two expressions is equal to the square of the first expression plus twice the product of the first expression and the second plus the square of the second expression.

(a + b) 2 = a 2 + 2ab + b 2

2. The square of the difference of two expressions is equal to the square of the first expression minus twice the product of the first expression and the second plus the square of the second expression.

(a - b) 2 = a 2 - 2ab + b 2

3. Difference of squares two expressions is equal to the product of the difference of these expressions and their sum.

a 2 - b 2 = (a -b) (a+b)

4. Cube of sum two expressions is equal to the cube of the first expression plus triple the product of the square of the first expression and the second plus triple the product of the first expression and the square of the second plus the cube of the second expression.

(a + b) 3 = a 3 + 3a 2 b + 3ab 2 + b 3

5. Difference cube two expressions is equal to the cube of the first expression minus three times the product of the square of the first expression and the second plus three times the product of the first expression and the square of the second minus the cube of the second expression.

(a - b) 3 = a 3 - 3a 2 b + 3ab 2 - b 3

6. Sum of cubes two expressions is equal to the product of the sum of the first and second expressions and the incomplete square of the difference of these expressions.

a 3 + b 3 = (a + b) (a 2 - ab + b 2)

7. Difference of cubes two expressions is equal to the product of the difference of the first and second expressions by the incomplete square of the sum of these expressions.

a 3 - b 3 = (a - b) (a 2 + ab + b 2)

Application of abbreviated multiplication formulas when solving examples.

Example 1.

Calculate

a) Using the formula for the square of the sum of two expressions, we have

(40+1) 2 = 40 2 + 2 40 1 + 1 2 = 1600 + 80 + 1 = 1681

b) Using the formula for the square of the difference of two expressions, we obtain

98 2 = (100 – 2) 2 = 100 2 - 2 100 2 + 2 2 = 10000 – 400 + 4 = 9604

Example 2.

Calculate

Using the formula for the difference of the squares of two expressions, we get

Example 3.

Simplify an expression

(x - y) 2 + (x + y) 2

Let's use the formulas for the square of the sum and the square of the difference of two expressions

(x - y) 2 + (x + y) 2 = x 2 - 2xy + y 2 + x 2 + 2xy + y 2 = 2x 2 + 2y 2

Abbreviated multiplication formulas in one table:

(a + b) 2 = a 2 + 2ab + b 2
(a - b) 2 = a 2 - 2ab + b 2
a 2 - b 2 = (a - b) (a+b)
(a + b) 3 = a 3 + 3a 2 b + 3ab 2 + b 3
(a - b) 3 = a 3 - 3a 2 b + 3ab 2 - b 3
a 3 + b 3 = (a + b) (a 2 - ab + b 2)
a 3 - b 3 = (a - b) (a 2 + ab + b 2)

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 in that 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 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 English 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 to describe what constitutes a subject matter of study, and to describe 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:

According to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which was developed at the end of the 20th century, foreign language proficiency is usually divided into 6 levels. In 2001, the Council of Europe decided to use the CEFR to assess linguistic competence in any language that is studied as a foreign language. According to the CEFR system, students' knowledge of a foreign language is divided into 3 groups, each of which in turn is divided into 2 groups. This is what the English language proficiency levels look like on the CEFR scale:

• A- Basic User:
  • A1- Survival Level - Beginner and Elementary
  • A2- Pre-threshold level (Waystage - Pre-Intermediate)
• B- Independent User:
  • B1- Threshold - Intermediate
  • B2- Threshold advanced level (Vantage - Upper-Intermediate)
• C- Proficient User:
  • C1- Level of professional proficiency (Effective Operational Proficiency - Advanced)
  • C2- Mastery - Proficiency level

In this table you can familiarize yourself with all aspects of the English language that are studied at various levels of education. Columns with types of speech activity (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) are located vertically; the two outer columns display what grammatical material and vocabulary is studied at each stage. Levels of training are shown horizontally, from Beginner to Proficiency. At the intersection of a row and a column, you can find a description of what skills and abilities are formed and developed at each stage.

Using the table, you can determine your level of knowledge and find out what you will study at each level of study.

Click on the image to view the table of English language levels in Russian, or on your computer.

If you want to get acquainted with each level of study in more detail, we bring to your attention articles about levels of learning in English.