When we describe our language skillsets we actually
framework them under 3 categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. For
the English language, the council of Europe has set some standards; this
international scale has many levels to test a person's language skill apart
from the above three. They are represented by numbers and letters. For beginner
level it is A1 English test, A2
- pre-intermediate, B1 - intermediate, B2 - upper-intermediate, C1- advanced,
proficiency - C2. We can briefly discuss beginner and intermediate levels in
this blog.
Common European Framework of Reference
A person who just starts learning the language and he/she
is at the very beginning stage without having any prior knowledge about the
English language is often mentioned as a pre-A1 level. When it comes to English
language European government has set up a framework of reference known as the
Common European Framework of Reference. It is also known as CEFR which sets a
definition for different language levels. The English that we use in our day to
day conversation is said to be at a beginner level.
Vocabulary levels for beginners:
The beginner level is the first one on this list. A
person who doesn't have any knowledge about this language and just started to
learn this language is at this level. To pass this level a person should take
the a1
English test.
Elementary level: A person who has some knowledge about
the language falls under this category. If a person understands when someone
speaks to them slowly and clearly and can communicate with them or express
their thoughts in a simpler form falls under this category, they can even write
some simple letters fill out forms and their vocabulary level is about 1,200
words.
Vocabulary levels for Intermediates:
The next level is pre-intermediate and it is often
referred to as the A2 level on the European scale. In other words, this level
is called the Waystage level. At this level a person reasonably confident in
speaking the English language and has a vocabulary of about 1,500 words. They
have basic knowledge about English grammar, understand different meanings. A
person at this level can write emails, formal and informal letters, describe
things, places, etc., and know-how to express properly what they feel about
other people.
On the European scale, the next one is an intermediate
level which is a B1 level. A person at this level has a good grasping capacity
over the language and their vocabulary level is about 2,500 words and they
efficiently construct sentences in both spoken and written form. They have
proper grammar in their communication, read fictional literature, magazines,
without some level of difficulties they can be able to read the content written
by native writers.
Final words:
When a person wishes to travel to some international
country for their work or to pursue their higher studies they should have this
intermediate skill set. These language level tests were conducted to check your
proficiency and help to improve your language level.
