| 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 |
| , Elementary | |||||
Want to know if your knowledge is at the Elementary level? Take our course and get recommendations to help you improve your English.
The Elementary English level is the foundation on which your knowledge of the English language will rest
AT European system levels of foreign language proficiency, the A1 Elementary level has the same letter designation as Beginner. However, it is the level of English Elementary language considered the survival level. That is, the knowledge gained at this stage is enough to communicate in English at the everyday level. For example, if you are abroad, you can check the direction of travel with local residents, make purchases, book a hotel room, etc.
As a rule, students come to the Elementary level already with a small amount of knowledge gained on the Beginner course, at school or another educational institution. If you have previously studied English, it means that you already have at least some basic knowledge, even if it seems to you that you studied for a long time and do not remember anything. In fact, you have already “get acquainted” with the English language, you know the letters and sounds, you can read, you can introduce yourself and say simple phrases about yourself, your friends, family, home. This is enough to start studying at Elementary level.
We recommend that you start learning English at the Elementary level if you:
- have studied English a little or for a short time, received elementary knowledge;
- almost do not speak English, although you know elementary grammar and about 300-500 words;
- have a vague idea of English grammar and would like to understand all tenses and constructions;
- have basic knowledge, but do not understand English at all by ear;
- completed the Beginner level in English courses or with a personal teacher.
Material that a person at the Elementary level should know
If you think your English is a little better than in the categories above, you may already be able to speak English at the Elementary level. To verify this, check out the table below. It is considered that you know English at the Elementary level and can move to the level if you have the following knowledge:
| Skill | your knowledge |
|---|---|
| Grammar (Grammar) | You understand how the verb to be is used (I am a student, It is cold). You know the three simple tenses (Present, Future and past simple), the present long time (Present Continuous), you have an idea of the present perfect tense (Present Perfect). You understand the difference between sentences in the future tense: I'm going to bake a cake (to be going to construction), I'll bake a cake (Future Simple), I'm baking a cake (Present Continuous to indicate future action) . You know three forms of irregular verbs (drive-drove-driven). You can ask questions to your interlocutor (Word order in questions). You understand the difference between a cat and the cat (the indefinite and definite articles). You are not surprised that you can say a cookie, but you can’t say a toast (toast, a toasted piece of bread) ( Countable and uncountable nouns). You understand what lady's dress, James' house (Possessive Case) means. You know the degrees of comparison of adjectives (big-bigger-the biggest). You understand the difference between that cup, this cup, these cups, those cups (Demonstrative pronouns). You know object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) and how to use them. You know some adverbs of frequency (often, usually, always, sometimes) and mode of action (well, quickly, hard). You know what There is no snow on the ground (There is/are/was/were) means. You know what the sentences I can read, I can't swim, You should work (Modal verbs can/can't/should) mean. You understand what I like reading, I hate shopping means (Construction like/love/hate + -ing). |
| Vocabulary (Vocabulary) | Your vocabulary is from 1000 to 1500 words and phrases. You know commonly used words and phrases in English. |
| speaking (Speaking) | You can describe yourself, your family and home in a few simple sentences. You know how to talk about your preferences and hobbies. You can easily describe your working day and weekend rest. You can make purchases in a store abroad or communicate with the staff at the hotel in terms of vocabulary familiar to you. You can talk about simple everyday topics. You can reply to simple questions within the framework of topics familiar to you. |
| Reading (Reading) | You understand adapted literature at your level. You can understand signs and announcements in public places or on the street. You can understand the essence of general news. |
| listening (Listening) | You understand audio recordings adapted to your level. You understand what native speakers are saying to you if they speak slowly and use familiar vocabulary. |
| Letter (Writing) | You can write a simple personal letter to a friend. You can write Short text about yourself, your hobby, family, home. You can fill in simple personal data. |
If you are still not sure about the choice of the level of study, we recommend that you check your knowledge using ours.
The Elementary level program includes the study of such topics in the curriculum
| Grammar Topics | Conversational Topics |
|---|---|
|
|
How will your speaking skills develop in the Elementary course?
In the Elementary course, as in the other levels, you will work on four core skills: speaking, by listening, By reading, letter. You will get acquainted with simple grammatical constructions of the English language, replenish your vocabulary with the most necessary words and phrases, you will work out correct pronunciation and intonation.
Your the main task at any level - learn speak(Speaking). At the Elementary level, you will already be able to take part in a small dialogue, ask questions within the framework of the topics you have studied and understand the answers to them, especially if the interlocutor does not use words you do not know. You will be able to tell a monologue of 5-10 sentences about yourself, your family, hobbies.
At A1 Elementary level you will learn understand by ear (listening) individual familiar words and simple phrases that sound rather slow and clear. Simple texts and dialogues are used as listening material, which will be completely clear to you after the second listening.
Concerning reading(Reading), new texts in English will be present in almost every lesson. Each of these texts is a source of new words and expressions that you have to learn at this level. In the Elementary course, the basic vocabulary is studied: you learn the most necessary in Everyday life words and phrases. Also at this stage, you will fix the reading rules in memory. You will learn to read correctly "on the machine" all the letter combinations you meet, without checking the dictionary. And you will do this in the process of reading an interesting text.
Concerning letters(Writing), then the training will begin with the simplest actions. You will learn how to sign postcards, fill out small questionnaires, where you need to indicate your name, surname, nationality, and so on. By the end of the level, you will be able to write short essays and personal letters.
At the level of English Elementary vocabulary (Vocabulary) will expand to 1000-1500 words. Level A1 is saturated with the most useful words and phrases that are often used in all typical communication situations (shop, airport, on the street, etc.). Most of words at this level are universal and can be used in written and spoken speech, regardless of style. However, the amount of material to study will be quite large, because even for simple dialogues we need to know a lot of words. But do not be afraid that you will be forced to learn lists of words by heart. is aimed at mastering the language in the process of communication, so you will memorize new words with the help of dialogues on the topic under study.
Term of study at the Elementary level
The term for studying English at the Elementary level depends on the individual characteristics of the student and his initial knowledge. Average duration Elementary course duration is 6-9 months. Even though this is one of the first levels of language proficiency, it covers a lot of material that will allow you to express yourself in the most typical situations. daily communication. At this level, you will receive basic knowledge, which is why it is important to lay a solid foundation that will allow you to subsequently achieve high levels of English proficiency.
And for those who want to not only test their knowledge of the English language, but also improve it, we suggest enrolling in our school. The teacher will determine your level, weak and strong points and help improve knowledge.
Many of us started learning a foreign language as early as school class or children's club. But, since in youth, instead of studying, other things are more interesting, only a few managed to achieve perfect knowledge of the English language. At the same time, most of those who started training, it’s not that they didn’t learn anything at all. On the contrary, it is enough to encounter some kind of construction or word, and memories begin to emerge in my head. But composing a phrase on your own is already problematic, because there is not enough knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Therefore, for those who want to return to school again, it will be useful to familiarize themselves with such a concept as the levels of learning English. AT this material learn what they mean and how to compare your knowledge with them.
AT modern society knowledge of at least one foreign language is considered rather not prestigious, but quite a natural factor. Knowledge of English is required by many employers, and overseas trips without having at least basic language skills, they are difficult. This is where the answer to the title question lies: determining the level of English is necessary in order to achieve your goals without wasting precious time. A traveler will need only the first level of knowledge, while an employee of an international company needs to reach the highest levels. In addition, if you have already started training, then you do not need to stagnate for several months, repeating the material already studied. It will be much more effective to start classes from a stage that requires a lot of effort.
What are the levels of learning English?
In the middle of the last century, when international globalization began to intensify, the European Council was created - a body responsible for cooperation between countries in different areas. This organization is known mainly for the development of a human rights convention, but it has also done many other things. In particular, this body has developed an international classification of the degree of knowledge of foreign languages ( CEFR), which is now used all over the world. And it is precisely according to it that we will analyze the stages of learning English today, for each of which their own requirements are put forward for written and oral speech, as well as listening comprehension.
Initial stage ( beginner)
During this period, elementary language norms and minimal vocabulary. Here and in the following cases, each stage is subdivided into two levels. Consider their differences using the table.
| Level | Achieved skills and abilities | |
| A1
Beginning of the path (Beginner) |
The phonetic structure of the language and letter designations have been studied. Mastered the basic vocabulary, the so-called set of words "for survival". The ability to compose simple phrases for a story about oneself, friends and immediate family has been worked out. Reading and understanding expressions made up of several small words. By ear, speech is perceived with with great difficulty, subject to slow and clear pronunciation. |
The active dictionary contains from 1000 to 1500 thousand of the simplest words: pronouns, nouns, several adjectives and verbs. Studied articles, simple tense of verbs, construction to be. |
| A2
Continuation of the path (Elementary / Pre-Intermediate) |
Improved pronunciation, expanded vocabulary. Behavior in the simplest everyday situations (study, work, shopping, leisure) has been studied. The ability to participate in short dialogues has been developed; ask easy questions and answer them; make up simple stories about their activities. The ability to perceive the context of a sentence is developed, even taking into account a few simple unfamiliar words. Auditory comprehension is still difficult, understanding is achieved only under the condition of measured speech. |
1500 - 2300 words are actively used. The vocabulary is more diverse: more nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, etc. have been studied. Mastered the system of tenses of verbs, degrees of comparison of adjectives, plural. nouns. Simple sentences are increasingly being replaced by the use of complex structures. |
As a rule, people who studied English at school have one of the levels initial stage. If, after looking at the table, you still could not determine the quality of your preparation, then we recommend that you resort to the help of specially compiled tests to determine the level.
middle stage ( intermediate)
The most common degree of foreign language proficiency. As a rule, people reach an understanding of most of the constructions and logic of someone else's speech, on which there is an interest in studied language is gradually fading away. Perfectly comprehend the secrets of foreign speech only a few. We will analyze what you need to be able to achieve one of the steps of this level.
| Level | Achieved skills and abilities | Lexical and grammatical base |
| B1
middle of the road (Intermediate) |
A clear pronunciation was worked out, the skill of fluent reading of simple texts was developed. The essence of messages on general and everyday topics is easily captured. The ability to express one's opinion, to argue it is developed; as well as comment on current events, pointing out their positive and negative sides. At this level, students are more accustomed to listening, slow and medium-tempo clear speech is understood. |
About 2,300 - 3,200 words are freely used. The student is familiar with the concept of stable word combinations and phrasal verbs. The simplest of them are used in speech. Studied usage passive voice, gerund and infinitive. In the system of tenses of verbs, orientation is free, but in complex combinations mistakes can be made. |
| B2
Behind the middle of the road (Upper-intermediate) |
Clear, easy to understand pronunciation. Understanding complex texts various subjects. The ability to maintain a long conversation with a detailed expression of one's own opinion. Easy perception of most texts, audio and video content in the original language. Drafting written works does not cause labor. |
Active vocabulary is 3200 - 4000 words and expressions. The grammar was repeated, gaps and shortcomings in the development of constructions were eliminated. Ability to navigate freely in both tenses, verb moods, and other grammar, style, and punctuation of the language. |
If you studied English hard at school and then continued your studies diligently at an institute or university, then the intermediate levels for the resumption of learning English are the best fit.
Highest stage ( Advanced)
A very small percentage of English-speaking foreigners have complete knowledge. At these levels, any fine line of language is captured, all grammar, most idioms and expressions are studied. To achieve such heights in English, it is necessary to take a long special course.
| Level | Achieved skills and abilities | Lexical and grammatical base |
| C1
Near the end of the road (Advanced) |
There are no difficulties with pronunciation, reading, use grammatical constructions. Texts, audio files and videos of any complexity of speech are easily mastered. The possibility of using the language in narrow specialized areas has been achieved: scientific, business, technical. Written speech correctly constructed, sustained in a certain style and does not contain errors. |
The studied dictionary contains about 4000 - 5500 words. All grammar mastered. Small problems can only arise when using slang, idioms and words in a figurative sense. |
| C2
The path is passed (Proficient) |
Perfect mastery of all spectrums language system. You can listen, understand, write and speak on any topic without prior preparation. | The vocabulary is more than 6000 words. All phraseological units, idioms, slang expressions frequently encountered in speech have been studied. Grammar, nuances of punctuation, complex and exceptional combinations are fully mastered. |
If, after reading the material, you still have doubts about your abilities, then we suggest that you undergo additional testing. It will help you determine what levels you have already mastered in the course of learning English. Good luck improving them!
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, it depends on the degree of ownership foreign speech. 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. Or you can make sentences slowly in oral speech, 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 good 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 language occurs most often in 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: a clear pronunciation, a good vocabulary, the 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 TOEFL tests, 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 fluent." College graduates at the Faculty of Foreign Languages usually reach this level.
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 difficult style - the language of newspapers and magazines in English, clever compilation even especially complex structures offers.
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 characterizes the level of English Advanced: by right it 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 written speech and minimal 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 | ||||
|
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, 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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Today, almost everyone strives or simply dreams of becoming fluent in a foreign language. It is for this reason that there are many courses, lessons on learning. If you nevertheless decide to use the help of specialists, then, first of all, you need to determine your level of knowledge. What for?
Know English proficiency levels very important. Based on the existing skills and abilities, you can choose the appropriate group so that the learning process is interesting, brings new knowledge, and you did not spend money on courses in vain. Specially designed tests to check the level of English cover its main aspects. The results are very useful and interesting for you. How? To choose directions, a group, set goals and determine the desired results - this is what each of you needs a knowledge test for.
What is it?
Like any test, You are given a task and several possible answers. It may include:
— determination of the temporary form;
- insert a semantic or grammatical construction;
- complete the sentence
- find a mistake, etc.
By using textbooks and reference books during the test, you are doing yourself a disservice. This result, whatever it is, no one except you will know. Therefore, use only existing knowledge.
Language proficiency levels can be divided into several groups. The first of these is Russified classification, which only gives general idea about existing knowledge:
1. Initial
2. Medium
3. High.
The second one is more extended. Such a classification involves 4 levels and more fully helps to reveal the existing knowledge. It is often used when filling out various forms, for example, in a marriage agency, when applying for a visa. But, nevertheless, this method of definition is still not ideal.
1. With dictionary;
2. Conversational level;
3. Intermediate level;
4. Free use.
In this regard, the most the best classification counts international. Let us consider in more detail all levels of knowledge of the English language, which allow us to most fully determine the available skills and abilities.
1. Beginner (A1 or Beginner) the level speaks of understanding the basics of the language, alphabet, sounds, the ability to read the simplest sentences and words. At this stage, it is very difficult to perceive foreign speech by ear.
2. Elementary (A2 or Elementary) .
At this level, an English learner can easily read small texts understands the main points. The same is true of listening to speech. Oral speech: implies the ability to briefly talk about yourself, about others, talk on everyday topics, while presenting your speech and thoughts logically. It is important to note the phonetic side: not perfect pronunciation, but acceptable to be understood. Writing: the ability to write a request, notice, write a brief description of something in simple phrases.
3. Weak average level (B1 or Lower (Pre) Intermediate).
Understanding the main idea and meaning of the text, reading simple works. Oral speech: clear pronunciation, the ability to easily communicate on personal and non-personal topics, understand the question and answer accordingly, clearly express one's feelings, desires and intentions. Written speech of this level assumes that the student knows how to describe a situation, a person, a place, express his opinion, write a formal letter or request, construct a sentence grammatically correctly.
4. Intermediate level gives a secondary school and assumes the ability to read books, watch films, write, while observing phonetic and grammatical norms language. It is quite easy to perceive foreign speech by ear. The basics of vocabulary help to build communication not only at the level of the question of the answer, but also to express a personal attitude, own opinion, to distinguish the general meaning of the speech of foreigners, to distinguish official information from unofficial.
5. Above average (B2 or Upper Intermediate) This level assumes the presence of some knowledge, which helps to feel confident when communicating. Knowledge of grammatical rules, norms, the ability to easily perceive information aloud from the first listening, distinguish between accents, talk on the phone, read magazines and books in a foreign language. Oral speech is built on the use of idioms, phrasal verbs, colloquial and formal lexical items. Some mistakes are allowed.
6. Advanced (C1 or Advanced 1): excellent command of the language, free communication on any topic, easy speech perception, knowledge of the intricacies of grammar.
7. Perfection (C2 or Advanced 2 (Proficiency)) It is not enough to say - to communicate freely. This stage assumes knowledge of English, almost like a native.
After considering all levels of English, determine yours. But remember that this is only a conditional description. It is still better to test your knowledge in a test that can be taken online.
To more accurately track progress in the study of foreign languages, a certain system has been invented. This article will discuss what constitutes the B2 level (the level of English is above average).
English language proficiency levels
There is a common European scale by which the level of proficiency in a foreign language is assessed. English name- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This is a certain system of standards that allows you to determine Conditionally knowledge of the language is divided into 6 levels: from A1 to C2. Each of these steps also corresponds certain indicators other grading systems. This table shows the ratio of language proficiency levels in various systems evaluation.
| CEFR | IH Level | IELTS | TOEFL | Cambridge Examination |
| A1 | beginner | |||
| A2 | Elementary | |||
B1 | Pre-Intermediate | 3.5 - 4.0 | 32 - 42 | KET |
| intermediate | 4.5 - 5.0 | 42 - 62 | PET | |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | 5.5 - 6.0 | 63 - 92 | FCE |
| C1 | Advanced | 6.5 - 7.0 | 93 - 112 | CAE |
| C2 | Proficiency | 7.5 - 9.0 | 113 + | CPE |
When can I start learning English at the Upper-Intermediate level?
The division between the levels of knowledge of any foreign language is very arbitrary, but there are certain indicators by which you can determine the current progress.
English proficiency levels B2 - C1 correspond practically freehold written and oral speech. A higher level involves an understanding of terminology in various highly specialized areas, the ability to speak on serious topics, conduct business negotiations and read classical literature in the original. It is difficult to establish clear demarcations between the levels of knowledge. But, before deciding to overcome the level of English proficiency B2, you need to make sure that you are fluent in reading B1 literature, as well as being fluent in the basic rules of grammar, can more or less speak fluently in the target language, read the press and modern entertainment literature. And although there are still unfamiliar words, common understanding text is not affected, you catch the meaning and understand what is at stake.
According to such a system, the linguistic skills of a student studying any foreign language, including English, are evaluated. Level B2, which means "advanced level", is above average, but this stage There may still be some shortcomings that require further elaboration.
Knowledge of grammar rules
Of course, grammar occupies an important place in the study of any foreign language. The following are the main key topics, knowledge of which is necessary at the Upper-Intermediate level.
- Time. B2 - the 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 put it into practice.
- Understand usage (Active voice).
- You can convert direct speech into indirect speech.
- You know modal verbs and know how to use them, understanding the subtle differences between words such as may, might, can, ought,
- You know impersonal forms of the verb: participle, infinitive and gerund.
vocabulary
Given that good knowledge grammatical rules are already achieved at the B1 level, the English level B2 involves the development of 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 phraseological units, phrasal verbs and more complex constructions.
One of the most common mistakes in learning any foreign language is the desire to memorize separate lists of words without subsequently using them in your written and oral 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, the equivalents of which you use in everyday life, talking about yourself, your interests, hobbies, work, goals, relatives and friends. Another common mistake is trying to memorize lists of words, most of which you probably don't have to use often.
One of the best ways is to keep a diary. From the point of view of replenishing the vocabulary, this method is useful in that you learn to use the vocabulary that is directly related to your life. Recording daily own observations, events, goals and dreams, you use exactly the words that you use in your native speech.
Idioms and phraseological units
B2 - 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. This is speech turns, peculiar only to this language and not having 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 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 later 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, in connection with which the meaning of the original word changes. These are peculiar stable phrases that do not obey any rules, exist only as indivisible semantic units and carry semantic load only in this form.
- be about - to be nearby;
- be after - achieve something;
- be back - return;
- break out - suddenly start, break out;
- bring up - bring up;
- call for - call for someone;
- clear up - put in order;
- come about - happen;
- come across - meet unexpectedly;
- look for - look for.
Phrasal verbs are very common in English. However, they are mostly used in everyday speech.
Expanding vocabulary with synonyms
Try to replace frequently used words with synonyms. This will help to make speech more refined, beautiful and refined.
| Word | Synonyms |
| beautiful (beautiful, beautiful) |
|
| ugly (ugly, ugly) |
|
| happy (happy) |
|
| unhappy (unhappy) |
|
Reading
There is a special adapted literature designed to gradually move from entry level(A1) to high (C2).
It is predominantly works of art famous authors. The books are adapted in such a way that a certain set of grammatical structures and vocabulary corresponds to a specific level of foreign language proficiency. The best way to understand where you are right now is to read two or three pages and count the number of unfamiliar words. If you come across no more than 20-25 new lexical items, then you are quite ready to start reading this book. To extract maximum benefit from the reading process, it is advisable to write out all unfamiliar words and phrases, and then work them out additionally. That is, include them in your vocabulary when compiling stories, dialogues, keeping a diary and writing essays. Otherwise, the vocabulary is quickly forgotten. You can move on to the next step when you feel that the work is on given level becomes boring, and there are practically no new lexical units.
However, level B2 is the level of English, which allows you to read not only lightweight books, but also entertainment literature. contemporary authors, newspapers and magazines.
Hearing comprehension
Like reading literature, there are quite a few adapted audiobooks. If you are still experiencing some difficulty in listening, you can start with books that correspond to more low level. For example, if your grammar and vocabulary are around B1 level, but you have difficulty understanding English by ear, take A2 level books in audio format. Over time, you will get used to foreign speech.
A few tips:
- Listen to a chapter of a book without first reading the text. Understand, determine that you managed to understand how acceptable this rate of speech is for you, how 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.
- Turn recording back on.
This kind of work will help you as soon as possible get used to English speech and increase the level of knowledge.
Levels of knowledge of English B2 - C1 allow you to expand opportunities. For a change, you can include films and series in your training. It is advisable to find films with subtitles. However, throughout long period time to use the method of learning a language by watching movies with subtitles is undesirable. Otherwise, you will get used to reading the text, and not listening to the speech of the actors.
This is one of the best methods to help you learn English. Level B2 - quite sufficient for viewing entertainment shows and serials.
Development of written language
In order to learn how to write fluently in the target language, you need to devote time to this lesson every day. Only regular work will help you begin to speak English more fluently. Choose the most suitable method for you. This can be writing stories, essays, keeping a diary or blog, communicating in social networks. Try to enrich your vocabulary daily, including new expressions and constructions. B2 - the level of English, which corresponds to the level above the average, which means that you must have the following skills:
- you know how to build 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 communicate 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 speech, 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, alternative methods can be applied:
- briefly retell the books you read, the TV shows or movies you watched;
- try to describe everything you see: the landscape outside the window, the picture, various objects;
- make a list of questions, then try to give a detailed answer to each of them.
It is very difficult to establish a clear distinction between the 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 training.
