Intermedia level. What does intermediate level of English mean? New rules
Or in courses, you will definitely come across the concept of “English language levels” or “English language proficiency levels”, as well as such incomprehensible designations as A1, B2, and more understandable Beginner, Intermediate and so on. From this article, you will learn what these formulations mean and what levels of knowledge of the language distinguish, as well as how to determine your level of english.
The levels of English were invented so that language learners could be divided into groups with approximately similar knowledge and skills in reading, writing, speaking and writing, as well as to simplify testing procedures, exams, for various purposes related to emigration, study abroad and employment. Such a classification helps in recruiting students into a group and preparing teaching aids, methods, and language teaching programs.
Of course, there is no clear boundary between the levels, this division is rather conditional, necessary not so much for students as for teachers. In total, there are 6 levels of language proficiency, there are two types of division:
- Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2,
- Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency levels.
In fact, these are just two different names for the same thing. These 6 levels are divided into three groups.
Table: English language proficiency levels
The classification was developed in the late eighties - early nineties of the last century, it is fully called the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (abbr. CERF).
English levels: detailed description
Beginner level (A1)
At this level you can:
- Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and simple phrases aimed at solving specific problems.
- Introduce yourself, introduce other people, ask simple questions of a personal nature, such as “Where do you live?”, “Where are you from?”, be able to answer such questions.
- Maintain a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly, clearly, and helps you.
Many who studied English at school speak the language at about the Beginner level. From the vocabulary only elementary mother, father, help me, my name is, London is the capital. You can understand well-known words and expressions by ear if they speak very clearly and without an accent, as in audio lessons for a textbook. You understand texts like the “Exit” sign, and in a conversation with the help of gestures, using individual words, you can express the simplest thoughts.
Elementary level (A2)
At this level you can:
- Understand common expressions on general topics such as: family, shopping, work, etc.
- Talk about simple everyday topics, using simple phrases.
- Tell in simple terms about yourself, describe simple situations.
If at school you had 4 or 5 in English, but after that you didn’t use English for some time, then most likely you speak the language at the Elementary level. TV shows in English will not be understood, except for individual words, but if the interlocutor speaks clearly, in simple phrases of 2-3 words, you will generally understand. You can also incoherently and with long pauses for reflection tell the simplest information about yourself, say that the sky is blue and the weather is clear, express a simple wish, make an order at McDonald's.
Beginner - Elementary levels can be called "survival level", Survival English. It is enough to "survive" during a trip to a country where the main language is English.
Intermediate level (B1)
At this level you can:
- Understand the general meaning of distinct speech on general, familiar topics related to everyday life (work, study, etc.)
- Cope with the most typical situations on a trip, travel (at the airport, in a hotel, etc.)
- Write simple connected text on topics that are common or familiar to you personally.
- Retell events, describe hopes, dreams, ambitions, be able to briefly talk about plans and explain your point of view.
Vocabulary and knowledge of grammar is enough to write simple essays about yourself, describe cases from life, write a letter to a friend. But in most cases, oral speech lags behind written speech, you confuse tenses, think over a phrase, pause to pick up a preposition (to or for?), but you can more or less communicate, especially if there is no shyness or fear of making a mistake.
It is much more difficult to understand the interlocutor, and if it is a native speaker, and even with fast speech and a bizarre accent, then it is almost impossible. However, simple, clear speech is understood well, provided that the words and expressions are familiar. You generally understand if the text is not very complex, and with some difficulty understand the general meaning without subtitles.
Level Upper Intermediate (B2)
At this level you can:
- Understand the general meaning of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical (specialized) topics in your profile.
- Speak quickly enough so that communication with a native speaker occurs without long pauses.
- Compose clear, detailed text on various topics, explain the point of view, give arguments for and against various points of view on the topic.
Upper Intermediate is already a good, sound, confident command of the language. If you are talking on a well-known topic with a person whose pronunciation you understand well, then the conversation will go quickly, easily, naturally. An outside observer will say that you are fluent in English. However, you can be confused by words and expressions related to topics that are poorly understood by you, all sorts of jokes, sarcasm, allusions, slang.
You are asked to answer 36 questions to test listening, writing, speaking and grammar.
It is noteworthy that to test listening comprehension, phrases such as “London is the capital” recorded by the speaker are not used, but short excerpts from films (Puzzle English specializes in learning English from films and TV shows). In English-language films, the speech of the characters is close to how people speak in real life, so the test may seem harsh.
Chandler from Friends doesn't have the best pronunciation.
To check the letter, you need to translate several phrases from English into Russian and from Russian into English. The program provides several translation options for each phrase. To test knowledge of grammar, a completely ordinary test is used, where you need to choose one option from several proposed ones.
But you are probably wondering how the program can test the skill of speaking? Of course, an online English proficiency test will not test your speech as a person, but the test developers came up with an original solution. In the task, you need to listen to a phrase from the movie and choose a cue that is suitable for continuing the dialogue.
Talking is not enough, you also need to understand the interlocutor!
The ability to speak English consists of two skills: to understand the speech of the interlocutor by ear and to express one's thoughts. This task, albeit in a simplified form, tests how you cope with both tasks.
At the end of the test, you will be shown a complete list of questions with the correct answers, you will find out where you made mistakes. And of course, you will see a chart showing your level on a scale from Beginner to Upper Intermediate. 
2. Test to determine the level of English with a teacher
To get a professional, “live” (not automated, as in tests) assessment of the level of English, you need English teacher who will test you with assignments and an interview in English.
This consultation is free of charge. Firstly, there may be a language school in your city that offers free language testing and even a trial lesson. Now this is a common practice.
In short, I signed up for a trial test lesson, got in touch on Skype at the appointed time, and the teacher Alexandra and I held a lesson, during which she “tortured” me in every possible way with various tasks. All communication was in English.
My trial lesson on SkyEng. Checking grammar knowledge.
At the end of the lesson, the teacher explained to me in detail in which direction I should develop my English, what problems I had, and a little later she sent a letter with a detailed description of the level of language skills (with grades on a 5-point scale) and methodological recommendations.
This method took some time: three days passed from the application to the lesson, and the lesson itself lasted about 40 minutes. But it is much more interesting than any online test.
| 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 |
| , | Upper Intermediate | ||||
Do you want to know if your knowledge is at the Upper-Intermediate level? Take our course and get recommendations to help you improve your English.
Upper-Intermediate - a level sufficient for life and communication in a country where English is the official language
The Upper-Intermediate level is designated B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Upper-Intermediate stage is a serious level of knowledge sufficient to communicate in English in almost all areas. As you remember, the translation of the word intermediate sounds like “middle”, and upper means “top”, so the Upper-Intermediate level means a step above the average. Upper-Intermediate English learners can start preparing for the international TOEFL or IELTS exams. Certificates of these exams will be useful for admission to foreign universities and employment abroad, as well as for emigration. In addition, upon completion of the course, you can take the FCE exam and receive an international certificate that will confirm your English proficiency at the Upper-Intermediate level.
Upper-Intermediate is figuratively called the level at which “all tails are pulled up”. And this is true, because, having reached such a fairly high level, students should be familiar with all the basic grammatical structures of the English language. Thus, their knowledge at this level is consolidated, systematized and supplemented by more complex cases of using all the same modal verbs, tenses, conditional sentences, and so on.
The Upper-Intermediate level program includes the study of such topics in the curriculum
| Grammar Topics | Conversational Topics |
|---|---|
|
|
How will your speaking skills develop in the Upper-Intermediate course?
At the Upper-Intermediate level, special attention is paid to the development speaking skill (Speaking). The speech of an English learner becomes “complex”: you will not only know in theory, but will actively use in practice all aspects of the tenses of the English language, conditional sentences, passive voice phrases, etc. At this stage, you will be able to maintain a conversation with several interlocutors or Express your point of view on almost any topic in a long monologue speech. You stop speaking in short, abrupt sentences: at the end of stage B2, you will build long sentences, linking them together with words and expressing your thoughts clearly.
On the English Upper-Intermediate course, you significantly expand your vocabulary (Vocabulary). At the end of the course, you will know about 3000-4000 words, which will allow you to freely express your thoughts in any environment. At the same time, your speech will be replenished with various synonyms and antonyms of words already familiar to you, phrasal verbs and set expressions, as well as business style vocabulary. This will allow you to communicate in English both at work and at home.
Listening to the speech of native speakers (listening) will gradually improve: you will learn to understand the meaning of what is said, even if the English speaker speaks with a slight accent or at a fast pace. At this stage, you learn to listen to long texts in both standard English, also called the language of the BBC, and in variable, that is, with various local features and accents.
Reading skill (Reading) is also actively developing on the Upper-Intermediate course. At this stage, you will read feature articles, op-eds, and works of fiction in non-adapted English with near-complete reading comprehension. On average, the text will contain no more than 10% of unfamiliar vocabulary that will not interfere with the general understanding of the text.
You will be able to spontaneously express your thoughts and in writing (Writing). At the Upper-Intermediate level, you learn to write in certain formats: formal and informal letters, articles, reports, essays, etc.
At the end of the Upper-Intermediate course, you can take the FCE, IELTS or TOEFL exam to document English language skills at B2 level. With such a certificate, you can go to study or live abroad, and you can also present it at an interview in an international company, which requires knowledge of English at a level not lower than Upper-Intermediate.
The term of study at the Upper-Intermediate level
The term for studying English at the Upper-Intermediate level depends on the individual characteristics of the student and the regularity of classes. The average duration of study on the Upper-Intermediate course is 6-9 months.
Learning at the Upper-Intermediate level is a rather complex process that requires serious efforts from both the teacher and the student. But your efforts will not be in vain, as knowing English at this level will allow you to get a well-paid job or enter a prestigious foreign university where teaching is conducted in English. In addition, you can not stop there: if you have already successfully completed the previous steps, then you must continue to develop your skills. It is necessary to repeat the material covered so as not to forget it, and to use the acquired knowledge in practice.
If you want to improve your knowledge of the English language, we offer you to improve your level at our school. A competent teacher will determine your level, weaknesses and strengths and help you reach the heights of the English language.
Often, when applying for a job, the employer is interested in the applicant's knowledge of a foreign language and requires his knowledge at the B1 level. Having an Intermediate level will make it easier to pass exams and enter a university abroad. How to speak English at the Intermediate level?
What levels of English are there?
Division into levels when teaching a language:
- facilitates the recruitment of a student group whose representatives have similar competencies;
- publication of textbooks;
- development of curricula and methods;
- organization of testing and entrance examinations.
Separation is required more by teachers than by students.
Allocate:
| Level group | Levels | ||
| A
Novice user (basic ownership) |
A1 | beginner | Elementary |
| A2 | Elementary | Elementary | |
| B
Independent user (confident possession) |
IN 1 | Pre Intermediate | Below the average |
| IN 1 | intermediate | Average | |
| IN 2 | Upper Intermediate | Above average | |
| C Advanced user (fluency, high level) |
C1 | Advanced | Professional |
| C2 | Proficiency | Perfectly | |
Intermediate - what level is it?
The main requirement of employers is English proficiency at the Intermediate level. Allows you to travel, explore the unknown, keep in touch with the indigenous people, describe the surrounding space.
Voicing one's position, discussing general everyday and industrial topics, understanding what was said by ear are essential features of the middle stage.
Pre Intermediate
Students apply grammar rules at this level with confidence, but active vocabulary is limited.
Upon completion of the level, they master the necessary communication skills and maintain a conversation on general topics.
Upper Intermediate
At this level, students communicate easily, know in-depth grammar. The vocabulary is diverse, the transition to reading books in the original is carried out.
There is an opportunity to get an education in the West or find a job: work without close contact with clients.
Material that people with knowledge of English at the Intermediate level should know
Grammar
Students understand:
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Vocabulary
It ranges from 2000 to 3000 lexical units. Along with general colloquial vocabulary, they study common words that are associated with communication in the business sphere. The Intermediate level is enriched with phraseological units.
Students operate phrases in context. The vocabulary is expanded due to word formation with the help of prefixes and suffixes, addition of stems and conversion. They show attention to the interpretation of semantics, bringing close and opposite words in meaning.
speaking
You can at the Intermediate level:
Reading
It is typical for you at the Intermediate level:
- understanding of adapted literature;
- unfamiliar vocabulary does not make it difficult to read articles from the World Wide Web and tools mass media;
- there is a transition to reading books in the original.
listening
Differs at the Intermediate level:
- relatively complete understanding with direct contact and in the sound recording of what was heard;
- instant comprehension of non-adapted audio recordings, despite the ignorance of individual words, the accent of the speaker;
- the ability to distinguish the pronunciation of a native speaker from the pronunciation of a non-native speaker;
- watching TV series and films with subtitles;
- listening adapted or not very difficult original audiobooks.
Letter
You can:
- construct a sentence grammatically correct;
- sign a greeting card, invitation, letter, advertisement, request;
- fill out a questionnaire, if necessary;
- describe phenomena, people and incidents, give a comment.
How do you know that you have an intermediate level of language proficiency?
A grade check means a lot in language acquisition and mainly influences the selection of a training program at the Intermediate level.
How to correctly determine the level of training so that testing determines the true state of affairs? There are many sites on the Internet that offer online tests to check the level. However, not everyone copes with the task of determining the language level.
The standard test involves choosing one correct answer from the proposed set. Accurate answers indicate excellent theoretical knowledge of grammar, but are silent about your skills: writing and speaking, listening, reading. Many answer randomly.
There are tests that establish:
The first variation is considered as inferior, therefore, they turn to the second type of test.
Popular English proficiency tests:
- British
- American
The IELTS exam is suitable for:
- study in New Zealand and Great Britain, Ireland and Canada, Australia;
- move to these countries.
There are two main types of IELTS:
- It is used to control the level of Intermediate in the professional field. Looking to work or study abroad
- general training. Assesses language proficiency in everyday situations. Enough for immigration. Consists of:
- Interviews with the examiner. When an appeal is filed, a recording is made on a dictaphone. Topics are varied. It is important for the inspector to hear your thoughts on this or that matter. It is important to sound and look natural. Express your ideas, use the accumulated experience or caused associations. When you find it difficult to say something about museums, think about which one you want to visit. Tell us about your attitude to art, even if it does not arouse interest.
- Letters or essays. 2 tasks are given, where you need to describe the table or write a mini-essay on the specified topic. For General Training: writing (informal or formal), Academic - composition. When passing the written part, they clearly formulate thoughts, avoid repetitions and tautologies, consistently cover the topic. If you have problems with the first task, do not get hung up and move on to the next exercise. Competently completed task number 2 is rated higher: concentrate on its implementation. Keep in mind the required length of the task: #1 - 150 words, #2 - 100 words more. Achieving this mark will save the number of points.
- Listening. Listen to 4 passages and answer questions. Entries are on general topics or are associated with studies. They are presented in the form of a monologue or dialogue and are the same for everyone. To pass successfully, a worksheet with tasks will help: there is a chance to quickly view and pay attention to the necessary information. In case of poor hearing, be sure to warn the staff. The control is built in such a way that points are awarded for a correct answer, however, they are not reduced for an incorrect one.
- Readings. Tasks are given: to answer questions, to choose an unmistakable version and title of the text, to insert the necessary word forms instead of gaps.
When performing, follow the instructions exactly. Do not disregard font changes, accents, headings - they may contain important information. Don't focus on every token - the questions are only relevant to certain factors. The final grade is derived from the scores of all sections: minimum - 1, maximum - 9. Usually 6-7 points is the minimum result that foreign institutions require from applicants.
Courses by Intermediate level
An acceptable and simple way to improve the level of the language is online learning. Self-study of the language is just right for those who do not have the opportunity to attend courses. The disadvantage of studying is the lack of speech practice for the Intermediate level. The way out is to improve the knowledge of the language with the help of interactive courses via Skype. The optimal solution to the problem is face-to-face courses.
English courses:
- English on Skype. EnTouch lessons are the acquisition of knowledge with comfort and passion.
- Business English online. Entrepreneurship is growing rapidly. Hence the demand for this service.
- Accelerated English. It is undeniable, but true: English is a means of international interaction and constructive agreements.
- English with a certificate. Most of the functions of English clear the way for climbing the corporate ladder.
- English for schoolchildren. Classes for students will be cognitive and interesting.
- Spoken English. To have a sense of decisiveness in any verbal situation, it does not hurt to speak fluently in online lessons.
- English for students. A foreign language is an obligatory component of the curriculum of many specialties. Sometimes students find the subject difficult.
- English for adults. It doesn't matter how old you are. The price is the desire to speak English. EnTouch will help you turn your dreams into reality.
- Corporate English. In the variety of EnTouch courses, there was a place for corporate consumers.
- School of Daria Dzyuba. Business English: Intermediate (B1).
- Online courses at "Ischool of English".
- Global Link. Courses for adults and children.
Intermediate level program
Grammar Topics
- plural nouns (special cases), agreement of subject and predicate;
- article and pronouns;
- degrees of comparison of adjectives and adverbs;
- Present Indefinite and Present Progressive;
- Present Progressive with stative verbs;
- Past Indefinite and Present Perfect;
- Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive;
- Past Indefinite and Used+ Infinitive;
- Ways of Referring to the Future;
- Reported Speech;
- Indirect Questions and Imperatives (Suggestions/Requests/Commands);
- passive voice and the formation of species-temporal forms;
- Modal Verbs and their equivalents;
- prepositions;
- The Gerund and the Infinitive;
- The Complex Sentences;
- Different Types of Questions.
Conversational Topics
- applying for a job;
- At the cafe;
- At the kitchen;
- Books are our friends;
- challenge and approving the goals;
- family affairs;
- fashion and new trends;
- holidays abroad;
- mass media and newspaper;
- modern society;
- my career;
- my personality;
- my point of view;
- natural d;
- old people;
- social problems;
- sport and health;
- The place where I live;
- the world around us;
- The way I spend my pastime/ Parties/Hobbies/Music;
- We are interested in our past;
- We learn to communicate.
How will your speaking skills develop in the Intermediate course?
Intermediate-level - the pivotal period when the development of the listener progresses.
Acquired skills have distinctive features:
The term of study at the Intermediate level
In practice, the duration of training depends on the student's enthusiasm and motivation, as well as the knowledge base.
Teaching takes place systematically and is based on previously acquired skills and abilities. The educational process is characterized by intensity and speed, when the student actively owns vocabulary and grammar. When you realize gaps in certain topics, you should not be upset.
It is advisable to try to assimilate the required material in full in order to reach the required level, and then fearlessly move to a new level. In the second case, it will take more effort and time to study, but in the end, the student will have a full understanding of all the language components.
The next levels are a deepening and expansion of the active vocabulary and a concentration on linguistic micro-details and nuances.
Books to read at the Intermediate level
The best assistants and friends for learners of the language of international communication.
List of books that are used in the educational process:
- Nevil Shute. On the Beach / On the shore. Novel. (1957);
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button / The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Story (1922);
- Mark Twain. The Prince and the Pauper / The Prince and the Pauper. historical novel;
- Live and Let Die / Live and let die. Thriller. (2010);
- Lewis Carroll. Alice Through the Looking Glass / Alice Through the Looking Glass. Books for children. (2013);
- Dal road. Matilda / Matilda. Books for children;
- Mario Puzo / The Godfather / The Godfather. Fiction (1999);
- Arthur Conan Doyle. Short stories / Short stories (2012);
- Alexandre Duma. The Three Musketeers / Three Musketeers. Fiction;
- Seven-Day Magic / Seven days of magic. Books for children (2004);
- English Fairy Tales / Fairy Tales of Britain (2008);
- Henry. The Gift of the Magi / Gifts of the Magi. story;
- Romeo and Juliet / Romeo and Juliet. Tragedy (2010);
- Treasure Island / Treasure Island. adventure novel. (2008);
- Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White / Woman in white. Fiction.
Tutorials for the Intermediate level
- English: service and tourism (N.E. Koroleva, E.Z. Barsetyan, A.M. Serbinovskaya);
- A Frequency Dictionary of Russian: core vocabulary for learners. Sharoff S., Umanskaya E., Wilson J. (2013. - 400 p.). Directory;
- Business Grammar Builder Macmillan;
- Business Resource Book Oxford;
- Essential English for Foreign Students (C.E. Eckersley, 2002);
- Communicating in Business Cambridge;
- English Result Intermediate Workbook with Key + MultiROM-E;
- Headway Business English;
- Language to go. Araminta Crace, Robin Wileman;
- market leader. David Cotton, David Falvey, Simon Kent;
- New Opportunities;
- New Cutting Edge. Sarah Cunningham, Peter Moor;
- Teach Business English Cambridge;
- Textbooks "Practical course of the English language" linguist, Doctor of Philology V. D. Arakin in 5 volumes;
- I want and will know English. T.I. Arbekova, N.N. Vlasova, G.A. Makarova.
Movies and series for the Intermediate level
English-language films are suitable for training and practicing audiotive skills.
- Desperate Housewives / Desperate Housewives (2006). USA. Comedy, detective, romance, drama;
- Restless / Restless (2012). Great Britain, Germany. Romance, drama;
- Come Sunday / Heretic (2018). USA. drama;
- The White Princess / White Princess (2017). USA. drama;
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel / The Amazing Mrs Maisel (2017). USA. Drama, comedy
- White Collar / White Collar (2009). USA. Drama, crime, comedy
- Paterno / Paterno (2018). USA. Drama, biography;
- War & Peace / War and Peace (2016). Great Britain. War, romance, drama;
- The 15:17 to Paris / Train to Paris (2018). USA. historical;
- The Kennedys After Camelot / The Kennedys: After Camelot (2017). Canada, USA. historical, drama;
- Peter Rabbit / Rabbit Peter (2018). Australia, USA. Cartoon, family;
- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell / Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (2015). Great Britain. Fantasy;
- Kickboxer: Retaliation / Kickboxer returns (2018). USA. Drama, thriller
- The Lost Room / Lost room (2006). USA. science fiction, fantasy, thriller;
- Lost / Stay alive (2006). USA. science fiction, thriller, adventure;
- American Gods / American Gods (2017). USA. Detective, fantasy;
- Happy! / Happy (2017). USA. Fantasy, crime, thriller, comedy, detective;
- McMafia / McMafia (2018). USA, Great Britain. Thriller, drama, crime;
- Game Night / Night games (2018). USA. Thriller, comedy, detective, crime;
- Bent / Addiction / (2018). USA, Spain. Thriller, crime.
Grammar Tutorials for Intermediate Level
- Goldenkov M.A. street english. For the lazy, for the restless, for those who don't know English, for those who think they know. (2003. - 224 p.);
- Ivantsov English Grammar Untangled. (2012. - 123 p.);
- Litvinov P.P. 2000 English expressions. Memory technique. (2010. - 320 p.);
- Matveev S.A. English for the intermediate level. Level B1. (2016.– 160 pp.);
- Tretyakov Yu.P. American English. Teaching aid for adults. Advanced course. (2005. - 327 p.) + mp3;
- Khidekel S.S., Kaul M.R., Ginzburg E.L. Difficulties in English vocabulary. (2002. - 175 s);
- Chernikhovskaya N.O. 200 dialogues in English for all occasions. (2014. - 336 p. + mp3);
- Chernikhovskaya N.O. Modern English words and expressions + Slang. (2013. - 496 p.) + mp3;
- Collins Cobuild Basic Grammar / Fundamentals of English Grammar (2004. - 240 p.);
- Elaine Walker, Steve Elsworth. New edition Grammar Practice for Upper Intermediate;
- Grammar Games Oxford;
- Gina Caro. English Grammar from A to Z. / English for ours in 2 volumes (1998. - 265 p.);
- Macmillan English in Context;
- Raymond Murphy. English Grammar in Use;
- Reward Resource Pack Macmillan.
How to level up Intermediate?
The main task when studying at the Intermediate level is to immerse yourself entirely in the English language. In addition, they pay attention to topics that are of interest and are directly related to work.
These strategies will allow you to raise the level of a foreign language in the future:
- Apply language skills in everyday life. Change language settings in devices, gadgets, email correspondence, social media account. Make a list of cases and queries for a search engine in a foreign language, do not use translation. Sign up for a conversation club.
- Reading in English is the best teaching. It is preferable to read publications from popular magazines or newspaper news. Studying or busy in the field of international relations, entrepreneurship and commerce - it's time to switch to English-language publications: The Week, or The Washington Post - can be downloaded for free on the Internet. Remember about notes, especially try to learn idioms.
- Regularly listen to audio podcasts and watch video files, listen to audio books. Highlight the variety of English you want: Australian, British, or American.
- Expand your vocabulary. However, not by cramming and not in large volume. Use the context to remember, group the vocabulary by thematic principle, this will allow you to learn words. Develop your imagination by making up stories with new vocabulary.
- Improving speech skills is impossible without speaking practice, which is 80%. lesson at the Intermediate level, for this you will need either an English-speaking friend or a teacher.
- If you love pop music, there is a reason to go with a girlfriend or friend to karaoke. You can find your favorite songs online and sing at home. Don't be modest!
Since 2001, Europe has switched to fundamentally new language standards, so classic British textbooks are now also being reprinted in accordance with the new levels. Has anything seriously changed with the introduction of levels? No, but strict classification put an end to heterogeneous self-made divisions into groups in language schools. And the trend was obvious - firstly, to create more levels than necessary (this is to take more money), and secondly, to overestimate your level for self-esteem. This is when A2 was given out as an intermediate level of English, which can only be called an average, given its position between levels A1 and B1.
In total, there are 6 new standards for language proficiency (well, or 7 - if you take into account zero). So, the language is not one, but two levels according to the modern classification - B1 and B2. People who own it to this degree are also called Independent Users, in particular, those who occupy column B2 in the classification deserve this title. And in the new system, it is recommended to move away from the old name "intermediate-level of English" and either call B1 and B2 Lower and Upper Intermediate, respectively, or even use other, very specific terms - Threshold and Vantage levels. In other words, the old terms won't help you navigate the modern sea of textbooks.
Knowledge of English at the intermediate level, if the language school did not deceive you, most likely corresponds to the B1 level. What does this mean practically? A person understands clearly spoken speech well when the vocabulary refers to frequently used or related to his professional activities. Can cope with almost any situation that arises when it is necessary to travel around the country of the language being studied (hence the term "independent", as we talked about above). Can deliver a coherent speech on topics related to work or personal interests. Briefly justify your opinion, state the evidence or plan of action. That is, the intermediate level of English, even on the lowest column, is a good
How is a person described as a B2 user? He understands a wider range of texts, is capable of perceiving the main ideas of even complex scientific texts, while B1 is the level for everyday interaction. The speech is fluent, with a lot of spontaneity, which makes conversations with native speakers devoid of tension for both parties.
Able to create a clear and detailed text on a large number of topics, not only work and household. Able to clearly state the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of opinions. Such a user of the language is rightfully called independent. Level B2 allows you to start studying at the university level Occurs among the brightest graduates of the strongest specialized schools or graduates of good non-linguistic universities.
These two levels are intermediate, there are two more above - C1 and C2, and everyone who already has an intermediate level of English should strive for them. After all, higher categories provide an opportunity for professional immigration or work in expensive language courses for English teachers. In general, the C1 level is average for good students and excellent students of language universities. But not all carriers manage to get C2.
Classification of English Proficiency Levels
Depending on the degree of proficiency in certain language skills, several levels of language proficiency can be distinguished.
There are many classifications, but the disadvantage of any of them is the inability to draw a clear line between levels.
At the level of the European Union, a system of language proficiency from A to C has been adopted, where each group is divided into 2 more subgroups. However, in our country, more common, is another classification, which includes from 3 to 8 steps in different sources.
On average, there are six:
- Basic. At this level, it is too early to talk about any language proficiency, we are only talking about the beginning of learning, getting to know the basics.
- Elementary. At this stage, a person is already able to understand simple sentences and inscriptions in public places. He should also be able to build elementary speech constructions, for example, introduce himself, ask for directions, order in a cafe, etc.
- Pre-Intermediate. This stage implies knowledge of the commonly used basics of English grammar, the correct construction of sentences and the ability to explain everyday topics in communication with foreigners with good pronunciation. The average non-linguistic school gives its students about this level of knowledge.
- intermediate. Knowledge of the language at this level means understanding the meaning when reading books and watching films, competent oral and written speech in the case of most non-highly specialized topics.
- Upper Intermediate. At this stage, a person is able to communicate fluently, albeit not without gross errors, in oral and written form, knows the entire system of grammar of the English language, although he may not understand the subtleties and nuances that are mostly understandable only to native speakers. This level is sufficient for living, studying and working abroad.
- Advanced. This stage means knowledge of a foreign language at the level of the native - an extensive vocabulary, knowledge of slang and everyday expressions, the ability to easily communicate on any topic using idiomatic and other established expressions. This level can only be achieved by continuous use of the language in communication.
Language level pre-intermediate
Pre-Intermediate Skills
This level implies slightly below average knowledge, i.e., corresponds to knowledge of the language at the everyday level.
Conversation and communication
- speaking: the ability to speak on everyday topics with competent intonation, correct pronunciation and not too slow speed.
- Speech understanding: the ability to understand calm and unhurried speech in situations of social interaction. This is not only about personal communication, but also, for example, about announcements on the streets, train stations, airports, etc., talking on the phone, using TV and radio, etc.
Reading and writing
- Reading skills: the ability to correctly read and understand the essence of texts of a general orientation, both artistic and journalistic content.
- Writing skills: the ability to tell about yourself, describe a situation, a person or an event, compose the main types of electronic messages - a request, an apology, a request.
Conditions for further study of English from the Pre-Intermediate level
This level implies a deepening of knowledge from the elementary level, a significant expansion of vocabulary, acquaintance and consolidation of such grammatical material as modal verbs, simple past and future tenses, different types of questions.
Development of speech skills on the Pre-Intermediate course
An ever-increasing vocabulary and mastery of basic grammatical structures allow you to move from simple sentences to coherent and meaningful communication on the following basic topics:
- Family.
- Purchases.
- Transport.
- Sport.
- Schedule.
- Story about yourself.
- Hobby.
- Professions.
- Seasons.
- Holidays.
Dialogue is preferred. Students must learn how to build interrogative sentences, understand them, correctly compose answers, that is, imitate situations of real communication.
At this stage, it is important to overcome the fear of communication. This is achieved by constant practice, role-playing games. In addition, it is important to learn how to express thoughts in different ways, that is, in a situation of misunderstanding, make it clear that something is not clear, and try to convey the content in other words.
A variety of schools and courses for the study of foreign languages offer comprehensive testing of the level of knowledge. However, you can test yourself in all respects except for speaking on your own - there are plenty of tests on the Internet. Testing will help to decide on further training and not to re-do what is already well known.
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