Someone promises that you will learn English in a month, and someone shows a training program for a year and a half or two. Who determines how much time it takes to learn a language? Since September 2016 in our training center added to the curriculum new level– Intermedia+. Who needs it and why - read this article.
Plus or minus?
Behind last years in many language training centers, after completing the Intermediate level, students are offered to move on to study not Upper-Intermediate, but Intermediate +. The question arises - where did the “+” come from and is it necessary to spend time on it, is it a trick to get additional profit?
For decades, we have been taught that training centers use a 6-level classification in English: Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate and Advance. Why did they suddenly develop the 7th? And after all, it is not offered everywhere, someone continues to teach according to the 6-level system. Should you consider your training center as a scammer if it has 7 levels?
Where do legs grow from?
But in reality it turns out the following. Intermediate + was introduced by the British themselves, or rather the organization that initially developed its 6-level system, wrote the program and published textbooks - Oxford University Press (most of all educational centers teach exactly according to the methodology and with the help of Oxford textbooks).
The main reason is the large gap between the knowledge after the completed Intermediate level and the expected level at the beginning of the Upper-Intermediate study. That is, a student who passed the test well and confirmed his Intermedia, feels like a loser at Upper, because the tasks of a new level turn out to be very difficult for him. For this reason, many “do not survive” at all before Advance.
Why only now?
Textbooks for the "new" level have been published since 2012, when it gained particular popularity. Ailts began to require not only for admission to foreign universities working on British system education, many employers are interested in an international certificate, in Kazakhstan you can not take an English exam for admission to a master's program if you have a valid Ailts certificate (with a score of at least 6 points).
In some English-speaking countries, Ailts is required to obtain a work / student visa or to move there for permanent residence. In general, IELTS forever!
And everyone knows that only those with a completed Intermedia level are taken to prepare for the Ailts. However, not all students with the Intermedia level are then given the power of Ailts, sometimes it seems to people that they did not seem to have learned the language. As a result, stress low scores and wasted money.
Also, one cannot dismiss the fact that our country is increasingly integrating into the international space and everything more people have an incentive or even a need to learn English.
The number of language centers and their graduates is increasing, the number of people who do not learn English “for themselves” or do not consider this process as a fashion or a hobby (such students after mastering Elementary leave to learn the next language), but purposefully strive to master the language in good level.
And this is where the discrepancy is revealed - why is there such a big difference between the closed level of Intermedia and the base that is expected from those students who came to study at the next level of Upper.
What were you hoping for?
Was there a mistake originally made by Oxford Methodists in creating classifications and textbooks, or were local educational centers and language courses somehow incomplete or incorrectly teach the language?
In fact, just a different mentality and idea of learning. Our post-Soviet teaching methodology, which is still in force in Kazakhstan, primarily at school, involves the following scheme: what the teacher gave in the lesson, he will ask later. Accordingly, no one else does anything - the ceiling is to do it homework.
The Western system sees the teacher not as a mentor or absolute authority, but only as a coordinator who gives direction and helps in case of difficulties. student in the same British school used to look for materials on the topic himself, perform additional tasks for homework take responsibility for your own knowledge.
Therefore, the Oxford methodists implied that at the level of Intermedia, foreign students would themselves develop and improve the language, read additional literature, do not only homework, but also practice similar tasks, expand their horizons and the list of topics, and therefore vocabulary. Do everything that the British themselves do when they learn a foreign language. Sorry, this is not how we learn. 🙂
Intermediate+ is…
What does the level of English Intermediate mean? You can already speak fluently on everyday topics, read and write at a good level, have a good command of grammar, but you still make many mistakes and have problems understanding colloquial speech. Welcome to the Intermediate Plus (B1+) course!
An in-depth study of the previously covered material with the analysis of idioms, improving pronunciation and improving colloquial vocabulary. Intermediate+ eliminates existing defects in grammar and vocabulary.
This course is specifically designed as a smooth transition from Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate. This course is right for you if:
- You have successfully passed the Intermediate level, but still feel unsure in applying the acquired knowledge.
- You start learning English after a long break.
- You need practice to develop all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Want to continue learning English and complete all levels well.
- You are about to start preparing for the IELTS/TOEFL program.
- In fact, Intermediate + is for those who still want to stay in the "strictly according to the recipe" mode or are not sure that his self-study will give a guaranteed result.
Summary
Intermedia+ also consists of 60 hours (not academic, but full time) and lasts approximately 5 months, just like Intermedia. Intermedia+ does not replace the Upper level, it allows you to deepen and consolidate the knowledge gained at Intermedia. If at the end of Intermedia on Ailts, for example, you would get 4-5 points in the exam, then with Intermedia + it is already 5-5.5 points without special training.
Intermedia + will not be needed for those students who have passed final tests on Intermedia by almost 100%, many continue to study on their own, or if a person got the opportunity, having closed Intermedia, to constantly communicate with native speakers (living in English speaking country, work in an English-speaking company, etc.). Provided that after that and before the student decided to improve his knowledge of the language, there was not a long period of time.
In any case, remember that now there are many sites on the Internet where you can check your language level for free and online.
Also, before starting to study the Upper-Intermediate level in a group or individually, in almost any training center you can take a free trial lesson and evaluate your strengths and capabilities.
If you can switch from Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate right away, do it. If you feel that Upper is too tough for you yet, it’s better not to rush, otherwise you can lose both time and money.
Learn English the way you like and have fun! We will be waiting for you at the Rocket Stage!
We continue our acquaintance with the levels of knowledge of English. When you are already in the process of learning a language, you want to have a clear idea at what stage you are, what you already know and what you should strive for in the future. Therefore, we continue to get acquainted with the levels of knowledge of English and offer you the next level of language proficiency (according to the CEFR system). Perhaps this is just your level! So, the hero of the occasion today is the B1 Intermediate level. Let's see what it's made of!
| LEVEL | Description | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | You don't speak English | ;) |
| Elementary | You can say and understand some words and phrases in English | A1 |
| Pre-Intermediate | You can communicate in "plain" English and understand the interlocutor in a familiar situation, but with difficulty | A2 |
| intermediate | You can speak and understand speech quite well. Express your thoughts in simple sentences but have difficulty dealing with more complex grammar and vocabulary | B1 |
| Upper Intermediate | You speak and understand English well by ear, but still make mistakes | B2 |
| Advanced | You speak English fluently and have a complete listening comprehension | C1 |
| Proficiency | You speak English at the level of a native speaker | C2 |
Intermediate level - what does it mean?
Today, this level of English proficiency is considered fairly confident. In fact, this is a kind of golden mean. On the one hand, there is no longer any fear to use the language in speech, since there is an established vocabulary and a good grammar base, and on the other hand, there is no limit to perfection, and, of course, there is something to strive for in the future (Profeciency?). But still, what does it mean English is not lower than Intermediate?
Students at the Intermediate level can take part in everyday conversation on familiar topics and exchange information. Often, it is from this level that fruitful preparation for the subsequent delivery begins. international exams: FCE (Intermediate English Proficiency Test), IELTS ( international system assessment of English language proficiency), TOEFL (test of knowledge of English as a foreign language); if there is such a need.
| Skill | your knowledge |
| Reading | You understand the key information of articles and letters. You can read adapted English-language literature. |
| Letter | You can write a logically connected essay or essay on famous topic. You can write an informal letter to a friend. You can write a simple formal business letter. |
| Listening | You understand the main topics of conversation of native speakers. you fully understand adapted listening aurally. |
| speaking | You can carry on a conversation in most situations that may arise while traveling in countries where English is spoken. You can express your own opinion on familiar or personal interests and briefly argue why you hold this point of view. You can describe your experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions. |
| Vocabulary | Your vocabulary is 1500-2000 English words. |
The Intermediate level program includes the study of the following topics.
What does the course at the Intermediate level include?
The Intermediate English course is based on four elements: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and, finally, writing skills. This approach allows you to learn how to quickly formulate thoughts, improve phonetic skills, and also gain a sense of language. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- discuss personal and professional plans for the future;
- pass an interview in English for a job in a foreign company;
- talk about your attitude to television and your favorite television series;
- justify your preferences in music;
- talk about healthy way life and healthy habits;
- visit restaurants, order food, take part in conversation at dinner and pay for the order;
- Discuss rules of etiquette and advice on how to respond to inappropriate behavior.
The term of study to reach the Intermediate level
In fact, the duration of training depends entirely on the motivation and interest of the student, as well as the already existing foundation of knowledge. On average, the course takes about six months, based on two full lessons per week with a private English teacher. It should be understood that learning a language is a systematic process, which is based on the knowledge that you have received earlier. For this reason, if the student already has a thorough understanding of the lexico-grammatical aspects of the language, then learning will be much faster. If you realize that there are gaps in some topics, then, firstly, in no case be upset, and, secondly, try to fully master necessary material and then boldly move on to the next level. With the second option, training may take a little longer, but as a result, the student will have a complete picture of the level of the language in all its manifestations.
Your goal as an Intermediate student is to surround yourself with the English language completely and completely. In this case, special attention can be paid to those topics and aspects that are of interest to you or are directly related to professional activity. Below are a few strategies that will improve your English language skills in the future:
- change language settings devices, Email, accounts in social networks into English. This way you will constantly use English in everyday life;
- read as much as you can in English. For starters, you can give preference to modern magazines or articles from news newspapers. If you study or work in the field of international relations, business and finance, gradually switch to the English version of the Financial Times or Wall Street Journal. Remember to take notes and pay attention to word combinations and turns of speech;
- listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Focus on the version of English that you need: British, American or, for example, Australian;
- if you listen to modern music, you can safely go to karaoke with friends or find the lyrics of your favorite English songs and sing them at home. Don't be shy!
Conclusion
Here we have discussed English level B1. We found out what lexical and grammatical topics the student of "medium roast" owns. We also got acquainted with life hacks, learned how to maintain knowledge of the English language, and what should be done next. Intermediate level is a great option for those who are going to travel frequently and stay up to date modern world. Sign up for our English courses via Skype and achieve your goals with pleasure. You can do that!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Every person studying English sooner or later came across the concept of “English language levels” and their letter designations. An unprepared person has many questions: why is such a division necessary and how to attribute oneself to the desired group?
English Proficiency Levels
There are only six levels in English, and they were invented in order to easily and accurately divide students into groups depending on their knowledge and skills in writing, listening, reading and speaking. Also, this system helps in testing procedures and exams that involve different goals language learning: work, study, travel, immigration and more.
So, in order to determine your level of English proficiency, you need to know your approximate amount of knowledge and skills in several aspects of the language. Below we present brief descriptions of all six levels of English, after reading which it will be easier for you to understand this issue.
A1 - Beginner
The initial level of language proficiency with a vocabulary of less than 1500 words. You must understand short phrases and expressions in English that express everyday needs, read short inscriptions supported by illustrations. The level of speaking is limited by the ability to introduce yourself and others, to ask elementary domestic issues and answer them. You perceive speech only very slow and clear, the interlocutor should help you in the dialogue.
A2-Elementary
Elementary level of language proficiency with a vocabulary of 1500-2500 words. At this level, you need to be able to speak in different everyday situations be able to talk about yourself and your hobbies, talk about your needs, understand expressions various subjects encountered in everyday life and read elementary letters.
B1-Intermediate
This is middle level language proficiency, which assumes that you have a vocabulary of 2750-3250 words. This level is suitable for you if you can explain various situations that happen to you abroad, watch films in English, but you are prompted by images on the screen, can read brochures, simple short documents, advertising messages, and if you are able to write a short essay or letter in English.
B2 - Upper intermediate
Intermediate-advanced level with a vocabulary of 3250-3750 words. You should be able to discuss in an expanded form the scope of your activity, understand complex texts in various themes, as well as to communicate freely with native speakers, without experiencing difficulties, speak out on a wide range of topics, analyze problems and find ways to solve them. You can easily write a letter and an essay on a topic unfamiliar to you, as well as freely view English-language TV programs of various kinds.
C1-Advanced
Advanced level of language proficiency. Vocabulary should be around 3750-4500 words. Those who have this level easily understand complex and voluminous texts, see hidden meanings in them. One must be able to express himself freely and even spontaneously, without experiencing difficulties in choosing the right words. English should be used without problems by you in any of the spheres of life: both in scientific, and in professional and everyday life. It is not difficult for you to conduct a dialogue and correspondence on any of the topics.
C2 - Proficiency
This level implies perfect knowledge of the English language at the level of a native speaker. It is not difficult for the owner of this level to think freely and speak spontaneously on any topic, to understand everything read and heard in English, to formulate his opinion and argument on any issue.
The correct name for this classification is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It was created by the Council of Europe in 1989-1996 and provides training recommendations for learners of various languages, including Russian.
Demand for the Intermediate level
The most popular level of English proficiency can be called B1 or Intermediate (from English “medium”). In another way, it is also called the threshold, because it is he who separates the basic levels of knowledge of the language from the advanced ones. Ownership is required potential employers when applying for a job, educational establishments(both Russian and foreign) for successful admission, and the level is perfect for traveling and even moving abroad.
By owning B1, you will be able to speak English quite fluently, discussing various topics: both everyday and professional. You can perceive foreign speech at an average pace and understand by ear almost everything that is said.
Who should start learning a language from level B1?
The most obvious is, of course, that a person must know or take a course in the previous levels, which can be called Pre-Intermediate. Intermediate is also recommended for those who have already started learning English from this level, but have forgotten a lot and there is a need to refresh all the information in their memory.
We also include people with fluent speaking skills who can keep up the conversation, but often “slow down” in choosing the right and necessary words.
People who are able to understand English speech, but only in slow pace and pronounced very clearly, B1 can also be studied.
The vocabulary of such students is quite complete and good, but from time to time it still becomes necessary to refer to dictionaries and translators.
It is also important to understand the basics here. English grammar, tenses and vocabulary but on more difficult questions knowledge is not enough.
How to determine if there is knowledge of English at the Intermediate level?
There are several skills and areas of knowledge of the language that can be used to judge how well you know English: these are grammar, vocabulary, speaking, reading, listening and writing. Each of the categories has its own standards and requirements, and if you own them, then you can safely consider yourself an intermediate level B1!
Grammar
The level assumes that you understand:
- in all tenses of the English language and their subtleties:present, Past and Future Simple ; present, Past and Future Continuous; present, Past and Future Perfect; present, Past and Future Perfect Continuous;
- in designs used to do and to be used to do, their use and the essence of sentences with them;
- using the future tense, you understand the difference between the constructionto be going to, Present Continuous for future action andFuture Simple;
- you know what modal verbs are and understand the differences between them (for example,You mustn't and You don't have);
- know how to correctly use the gerund and the infinitive after the verb (for example,I stopped to rest and I stopped resting);
- you are easy to handle and use comparative degrees adjectives without making mistakes (for example,big - bigger - the biggest);
- know about the words denoting the amount of something in English, know how to use them correctly depending on a particular case (for example,little/few and a little/a few);
- conditional sentences and their types (of which there are three) are not a problem for you, you see the difference between them and use them in your daily life;
- you can easily convert a person's direct speech into indirect (for example,She said, "I'm hungry!"- She said: "I'm hungry!"She said that he was hungry- She said she was hungry)
- you know how to ask dividing questions when you need to specify something (for example,He studies English, doesn't he? ).
Vocabulary
You must have a vocabulary of at least 2500 words and phrases. Knowledge of a small number of idioms, phrasal verbs and use of complex structures typenor, in addition to, as well as, apart from, due to, because of. you own business vocabulary, but only in its basic version. In general, you are able to carry on a conversation with business partners, but without much depth in terms.
speaking
Speaking at level B1 requires good and clear pronunciation, so that people around you can easily understand you. You know about intonations and logical pauses, about where and how to use them correctly. You speak fluently, without resorting to long pauses and reflections in the middle of a sentence. In speech, you are able to use not only simple words, but also some idioms as well phrasal verbs and complex grammatical constructions, including the use of passive voice, indirect speech, all English tenses, conditional sentences of all types.
The topics on which you can talk and communicate with other people can be very different. At this level, their list is extensive and includes descriptions of appearance, conversations about school and work, and much more.
Reading
You can easily cope with literature that is adapted to the B1 Intermediate level. Although sometimes you come across unfamiliar English vocabulary, you read articles on the Internet and various printed publications well and without difficulty. At this level, people manage to start reading simple English literature in its original language - although sometimes unfamiliar words and phrases are encountered, the meaning of what is written is captured quite easily.
listening
Recordings adapted to this level of language proficiency are understood by you easily and without problems. Even those audio recordings become subject to you, where the announcer has an accent, and some words remain incomprehensible - they are no longer adapted to B1, but are still amenable to your understanding. By listening to different accents, you can distinguish between native speakers and non-native speakers. You watch movies, series and other video files in English, but with subtitles. Audiobooks in a foreign language are also included in your daily life - only they are still simple and most often adapted to your level of language.
Letter
You know how smart in terms of grammar rules build proposals. With the help of your knowledge, you write small, simple letters: both formal and informal. Some simple documents that require completion in English are also given to you with ease. If you have level B1, you will be able to writing state the essence of the matter, comment on or describe something.
How do English skills develop while studying on the B1 course?
One of the most striking distinguishing features of this level of language proficiency is that it is on it that you begin to speak this foreign language - speaking skills are finally moving with dead center and now you are already able to support some, albeit the most simple, conversations. At this level, it is possible to pay as much attention as possible to the developmentSpeaking skills .
Vocabulary begins to replenish not only in general terms, which everyone uses in everyday life, but also business vocabulary, albeit the simplest. Here you will learn many new phrases, idioms, set expressions and turns of speech. You will learn how to explain the meaning of words in English, select synonyms and antonyms for them, use suffixes and prefixes.
listening is an difficult part learning English for most students. At this level, audio recordings and texts become longer, but are divided into parts, each of which has its own tasks. Texts on everyday topics like work and study are easily understood: factual information and general meaning are captured, it becomes possible to listen to speakers with an accent.
Reading becomes more and more difficult: now you understand quite complex texts that will not always be adapted to your level. You can not only read and retell what you read, but also give a little analysis of the texts: express your opinion, evaluate, and so on. Texts at this level serve as a kind of “fixer” for all the grammar and vocabulary that you study at B1.
When you prepare at the Intermediate level, you will pay a lot of attention to a skill calledWriting . You will learn how to write not just conversational letters to loved ones, which are not very difficult, but also official messages using business style in communication.
Proficiency in a level of English such as Intermediate or B1 will give you the opportunity to use it in the most different situations and feel much more confident in any foreign environment. From this level, you can start preparing for serious English exams, get a job, apply to foreign universities, travel and easily communicate with native speakers.
| A - Elementary proficiency | B - Self Ownership | C - Fluency | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| Survival Level | Pre-threshold level | threshold level | Threshold advanced level | Proficiency level | Ownership at the carrier level |
| , | intermediate | ||||
Do you want to know if your knowledge corresponds to the Intermediate level? Take our course and get recommendations to help you improve your English.
Intermediate is the level required by most employers
Intermediate - what level is it? How to determine if your knowledge is appropriate for this level?
English level Intermediate language, which is marked B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, comes next after Pre-Intermediate. The name of this step comes from the word intermediate, the translation of which is “medium”. So, Intermediate is the so-called "intermediate" level of language proficiency, which allows you to speak English quite fluently, discuss many professional and everyday topics, understand by ear almost everything said in English at a normal pace. Level of language proficiency B1 allows you to take entry exams to Russian universities and training courses abroad. However, the most important thing is that virtually all employers require that their potential or actual employees know English at a level not lower than Intermediate.
We recommend that you start learning English at the Intermediate level if you:
- speak fluently, able to keep up the conversation, but choose your words, so you want to “talk”;
- you have a good vocabulary, but it is not always easy to operate with it, you often have to check the dictionary;
- correctly understand the questions of a foreign interlocutor and the English speech in the recording, but only if the speaker speaks clearly and measuredly;
- you understand the basic grammar of the English language and operate with different tenses of English, but you feel insecure in more complex grammar;
- studied English at this level for a long time, remember a lot and now you want to refresh your knowledge;
- recently completed an English course at the Pre-Intermediate level.
Material that people with knowledge of English at the Intermediate level should know
How to determine that you know English at level B1? The table shows what knowledge a person with the Intermediate level should have.
| Skill | your knowledge |
|---|---|
| Grammar (Grammar) | You know all tenses of English: Present, Past and Future Simple; Present, Past and Future Continuous; Present, Past and Future Perfect; Present, Past and Future Perfect Continuous. Do you know what the essence of the sentences I used to play football and I’m used to playing football (constructs used to do and to be used to doing). When you talk about the future tense, you understand the difference between: I'm going to visit John (construct to be going to), I'm visiting John tomorrow at 5 o'clock (Present Continuous for future action) and I'll visit John next month (Future Simple). You understand the difference between You mustn "t do exercises and You don" t have to do exercises (modal verbs). Understand the difference between: I stopped to rest and I stopped resting (use of gerund and infinitive after the verb). You know the comparative degrees of adjectives (hot-hotter-hottest). You understand in what cases the words little/few and a little/a few (words denoting quantity in English) are used. You see the difference between: If you come home, we'll go shopping, If you came home, we would go shopping and If you had come home, we would have gone shopping (first, second and third types of conditionals). Can you correctly paraphrase the direct speech She asked: “What are you doing?” into the indirect She asked what I was doing. You easily create questions to clarify something: You don’t like coffee, do you? (Question tags) |
| Vocabulary (Vocabulary) | Your vocabulary is between 2000 and 3000 words and phrases. You are familiar with some idioms and phrasal verbs. You can communicate with business partners without delving into special business terminology (you know basic business vocabulary). Actively use constructions neither ... nor, in addition to, as well as, apart from, due to, because of. |
| speaking (Speaking) | You speak clearly good pronunciation people around understand your speech. Do you understand where to do logical pauses in sentences, in which part of the sentence to raise or lower the voice. You speak quite fluently, do not make long pauses during a conversation. You can describe appearance, talk about your education and work experience, express your opinion on various issues You can talk about almost any topic. You use phrasal verbs and some idioms in speech. You do not simplify speech, you use rather complex grammatical constructions: different types conditional sentences, passive voice, various times, indirect speech. |
| Reading (Reading) | You have a good understanding of the adapted literature of your level. You understand general articles on the Internet, newspapers and magazines, although you encounter vocabulary that is unfamiliar to you. |
| listening (Listening) | You perfectly understand audio recordings adapted to your level. You understand the meaning of non-adapted audio even if you don't know some of the words and the speaker speaks with an accent. You distinguish the accent of native speakers from the accent of non-English speakers. You watch movies and series in the original language with subtitles. You can listen to simple original or adapted audiobooks for your level. |
| Letter (Writing) | You construct sentences grammatically correctly. You can write an informal or small formal letter. If necessary, you can fill out official papers in English. You can give a written description of any places, events, people, comment on the proposed text. |
If you are not sure that you have all the knowledge required at this level, we recommend that you check if you have knowledge of the English language at the level.
The Intermediate level program involves the study of such topics in the curriculum
| Grammar Topics | Conversational Topics |
|---|---|
|
|
How will your speaking skills develop in the Intermediate course?
The Intermediate level is a kind of key stage where the student really starts to "take off" in speaking skills (Speaking skills). At this stage, you become a "speaking" student. If you want to speak fluently, try to talk as much as possible in class. Do not be afraid to argue and express your point of view, try to use complex colloquial clichés.
Concerning vocabulary (Vocabulary), in addition to general vocabulary, at the Intermediate level you learn the so-called "general business" English - widely used words that are associated with communication in the business sphere. In addition, the "intermediate" level is rich in various phrases, idioms, turns of speech and set expressions. You memorize not just words, but whole phrases in context, learn to build new words using prefixes and suffixes. great attention the ability to explain the meaning of a word in English, to name its synonyms and antonyms is also given.
listening(listening) is still a problem for many students starting at the Intermediate level. Audio texts of this level are significantly longer texts for the Pre-Intermediate level, however, long tracks are divided into parts, to which different types of tasks are offered. An Intermediate student can understand factual information related to work, school, and everyday life, distinguishing both the general meaning and individual details; while speech can be with a slight accent.
Concerning reading(Reading), the Intermediate level allows you to understand quite complex, although still adapted texts, however, you can try to read non-adapted literature. At level B1, a simple retelling of the read text is no longer enough, you need to be able to give your assessment, express an opinion for or against, imagine yourself in the place of heroes, etc. All texts for reading the Intermediate level are a kind of “context” for consolidating and automating the use of the studied vocabulary and grammar.
Another aspect that receives a lot of attention is letter (Writing). You will learn how to compose English sentences not only colloquial, but also official style. Level B1 usually includes the following writing assignments:
- Describing a person
- Telling a story
- An informal letter
- Describing a house or flat
- Formal letter and CV
- A film review
- An article for a magazine
At the end of the level intermediate student will be able to use English quite successfully in a variety of standard situations, to clearly express his opinion. In addition, he will learn how to write letters, fill out declarations, questionnaires and other documents that require the provision of basic information about himself, take part in negotiations, make presentations and correspond with native speakers. Proficiency in English at the Intermediate level is good achievement and provides various possibilities, for example, an advantage in hiring. From this level, you can start preparing for exams and.
The term of study at the Intermediate level
The term of studying English at the Intermediate level may vary, it depends on basic knowledge and personal characteristics of the student. On average, the training period is 6-9 months. It is the Intermediate level that is considered a strong base, the final stage in the formation of vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. Further levels is the deepening and expansion of the active and passive vocabulary, immersion in the subtleties and shades of the language.
To finally make sure that this course of study is right for you, we recommend that you take our course, which tests basic English skills. And if you want to not only accurately know your level of knowledge of the English language, but also improve it, we suggest enrolling in our school. The teacher will determine your level, weaknesses and strengths and help you improve your knowledge.
Self-critical people like to repeat that they don't know anything (although in fact they can speak the language at a level closer to the average and continue to regularly enroll in English courses), and conceited people claim in an interview that they speak English perfectly (when in fact, again, they can be “average”).
For the most impatient, who check their level after each cup of coffee, the buttons are displayed at the top. This is done for your convenience: no tedious text searches, click on health and get your certificates - we don't mind.
And for the most assiduous who are not used to guessing on coffee grounds, we offer to plunge into multi-level English. With feeling, sense, arrangement, we will talk about how Elementary differs from Intermediate and whether Advanced is as scary as it is painted.
Basically, he will evaluate the fundamental base - i.e. grammar. However, the degree of proficiency in foreign speech depends on it. Because you can chat incessantly in English, but at the same time make so many mistakes that the interlocutor can hardly guess what the conversation is about. And it is possible in oral speech make sentences slowly, weighing each word without making gross mistakes - and thus create the impression of a person who speaks English well.
Level 0 - Complete beginner(or Complete...beginner)
Just don't say now that it's you. If you know the name of the letter "i" or even remember something from the school like "teacher", "book" - feel free to move on. Zero level - only for those who studied another language at school. Or not studied at all.
Level 1 - Elementary(Elementary)
Holmes would be happy with such a name. And the majority of those who graduated from regular high school - too. Because this level, unfortunately, is the most common among those who learned English through a stump-deck and happily got a “three” at the final exam.
What characterizes Elementary: you can quite tolerably read many words (especially without any gh, th, ough), there are mother, father, I am from Russia and other most common phrases in the vocabulary, and you can sometimes catch something from the song that familiar.
Level 2 - Upper-Elementary(Higher Elementary)
A good student of an ordinary school with the study of English can boast of such a level. And also quite often it is on Upper-Elementary for some reason that those who studied the language on their own decide to stop. Why? Because there is an illusion of knowing English: the vocabulary is already decent enough to support some main topics of conversation (in any case, in a hotel abroad it will already be possible to speak without indecent gestures), reading usually goes quite well, and even American films in the original become more or less understandable (25 percent).
However, such conclusions are misleading. Especially if you look at other levels of English.
You can jump from the usual Elementary to Upper in 80 hours if you work hard.
Level 3 - Pre-Intermediate(Lower Intermediate)
If you passed the English level test and got such a result - our congratulations. Because it's a very decent command of English. It occurs in ordinary school excellent students, specialized school students and the bulk of those who combine English courses with trips abroad.
What characterizes this level: in pronunciation there are no “f” or “t” instead of [θ] and in general the speech of such a student does not have a strong Russian accent, written speech is quite literate and completely understandable, you can even communicate on unfamiliar topics using simple sentences. In general - among the levels of English, Pre-Intermediate is most often found among serious students.
Level 4 - Intermediate(Middle level)
A very worthy result. Practically unattainable for schoolchildren in a regular school and quite real for those who did not mess around in English lessons in a specialized school. Among self-learners of English, not everyone reaches this level. They usually rent at the previous one, because you can reach Intermediate in about six months of foreign courses with accommodation, a year good courses or a year of tutoring.
What characterizes this level of English: clear pronunciation, good vocabulary, ability to communicate on various topics, the ability to compose complex written appeals(up to official documents), films in English with subtitles go with a bang.
With this level, you can already take international tests TOEFL, IELTS.
Level 5 - Upper Intermediate(Upper middle level)
If you passed the test for the level of English and received such a result, then you can almost without deceit write in your resume for a position: “English is Fluency". This level is usually reached by college graduates at the faculty foreign languages.
What is characterized by: skillful manipulation of different styles in his speech (business, conversational, etc.), almost flawless pronunciation, the ability to act as a simultaneous interpreter in an informal setting, fluent reading, understanding the most complex style - the language of newspapers and magazines in English, deftly compiling even especially complex sentence structures.
Level 6 - Advanced(Advanced)
This is probably the pinnacle that learners of English can reach in a country where it is not official. Who can speak advanced level, are usually perceived by the interlocutors as people who have lived in the United States or another English-speaking country for several years.
In fact, you can achieve Advanced even at the Faculty of Foreign Languages in a college, not to mention universities. And this proves that 5 years, during which it will be spread out for 1-2 hours a day to study English, is enough. And if you choose intensive courses, the result will be achieved even earlier.
What is the level of English advanced language: By right, this is fluency in English. Pronunciation with almost no accent, conducting formal and informal conversations, working as a simultaneous interpreter, fully understanding films / books / songs in the original, no grammatical errors in writing and the minimum presence of errors in oral speech, understanding of idioms and colloquial expressions. You can confidently plan a career abroad, as well as studying in foreign universities.
Level 7 - Super-Advanced(Super advanced)
Are there any here? If yes, then the computer most likely failed on the English level test.) For language proficiency at this level is the lot of natives living in a country where English is the official language.
What characterizes the Super-Advanced level? Imagine… yourself speaking Russian. You will understand any speech, even if it is a conversation between two emo teenagers discussing topics unknown to you. You will understand even jargon. But with all this, you yourself also own the art of the word, deftly operating with terms and folding them into beautiful sentences, without mistakes (including stylistic ones). And now - the same in English. Well, how?
Dia friend! Are you already feeling itchy in your fingers? Are the belts fastened? And are you still here?
Click on the button - and go! Do not forget to insert paper into the printer to print the certificate and proudly show it to everyone interested.
specially for
| Make your choice and get a certificate | ||||
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If you only know the Terminator phrase in English or decide to test the theory of probability “what if you answer at random” - do not bother, get a novice certificate (“Full Beginner”) and rejoice. |
And for all those who suffer to test their knowledge and get documentary evidence of their success - click the "determine your level of English" button and take the test. Be honest with yourself! And may English be with you. Advanced. |
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