What You Can Understand at A1 Level:

At the A1 level, you can grasp:

• Basic, everyday expressions and phrases.
• Speech that is slow and clearly articulated with frequent pauses.
• Simple texts, including familiar names and common words.

Are you a beginner?

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The A1 level is the introductory stage in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), established by the Council of Europe. Commonly referred to as the "beginner" level, this descriptor is used by both the CEFR and iStoria. Before reaching A1, you might be at a pre-A1 level if you’re just starting to learn English or have no prior exposure.

Determining If You’re at A1 Level

To know if you’re at the A1 level in English, taking a high-quality standardized test is essential. Here are some major tests and their A1 equivalent scores:

• IELTS: 1.0-2.0
• TOEFL: Below 20

What You Can Do with A1 English

With A1 level English, you can handle very simple interactions, like a tourist navigating an English-speaking environment. However, this level is not enough for academic or professional settings.

According to CEFR guidelines, an A1 level user can:

• Understand and use common everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
• Introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer questions about personal details like residence, acquaintances, and possessions.
• Engage in basic interactions, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to assist.

Detailed A1 Skills

To break it down further, someone at the A1 level can:

• Introduce themselves and use simple greetings.
• Describe their hometown and give basic information about it.
• Talk about their family and colleagues, describing their looks and personalities.
• Discuss clothing and ask simple questions to sales clerks.
• Talk about their favorite foods and place simple orders.
• Describe daily activities and arrange meetups.
• Comment on the weather and suggest activities accordingly.
• To break it down further, someone at the A1 level can:
• Introduce themselves and use simple greetings.
• Describe their hometown and give basic information about it.
• Talk about their family and colleagues, describing their looks and personalities.
• Discuss clothing and ask simple questions to sales clerks.
• Talk about their favorite foods and place simple orders.
• Describe daily activities and arrange meetups.
• Comment on the weather and suggest activities accordingly.
• Discuss general health and describe basic symptoms to a doctor.
• Give simple directions and describe their home’s location.
• Talk about hobbies and plan activities with friends or colleagues.
• Handle basic hotel transactions, such as checking in and out.
• Make simple purchases and return faulty items.
• Generally, reaching the A1 level takes about 60 to 80 hours of instruction, but this can vary depending on the course and the learner.
• Give simple directions and describe their home’s location.
• Talk about hobbies and plan activities with friends or colleagues.
• Handle basic hotel transactions, such as checking in and out.
• Make simple purchases and return faulty items.

Generally, reaching the A1 level takes about 60 to 80 hours of instruction, but this can vary depending on the course and the learner.

Moving to A2 Level:

To progress from A2 to B1, focus on broadening your vocabulary and learning to express more complex ideas. Aim to cover a wider range of subjects and refine your ability to communicate with more nuance.

What You Can Understand at A2 Level:

At the A2 level, you have the ability to understand:

• Basic language related to personal life, family, and work.
• Enough to manage simple needs when spoken to slowly and clearly.
• Short, straightforward texts on familiar topics.

Are you at the Elementary level?

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The A2 level is the second stage in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), established by the Council of Europe. This level is often referred to as "basic" English, indicating a foundational ability to communicate. At this stage, you have grasped the essentials and can handle simple, everyday situations in English.

How to Know if You're at A2 Level?

To determine if you are at the A2 level in English, taking a high-quality standardized test is the best approach. Here are some major tests and their corresponding A2 scores:

• IELTS: 2.5-3.5
• TOEFL: 20-31

What You Can Do with A2 English:

With an A2 level of English, you can manage basic interactions, such as:

• Navigating tourist experiences in English-speaking environments.
• Socializing casually with English speakers, though deeper conversations might be challenging.
• Networking with English-speaking colleagues on familiar topics, although working extensively in English would be limited.

According to CEFR guidelines, an A2 level user can:

• Understand sentences and common expressions related to immediate needs (e.g., personal information, shopping, employment).
• Engage in simple and routine communication on familiar topics.
• Describe aspects of their background, environment, and immediate needs in simple terms.

Detailed A2 Skills

At the A2 level, you can perform all tasks expected at the A1 level and additionally:

• Assess colleagues' performance at work.
• Share stories about past experiences, including weekend activities and notable events.
• Describe your life history, focusing on significant milestones.
• Host guests at home or visit others in their homes.
• Talk about vacation plans and share details after your trip.Discuss nature and travel experiences related to wildlife and natural sites.
• Discuss nature and travel experiences related to wildlife and natural sites.
• Express opinions about movies and choose one to watch with friends.
• Talk about your clothing preferences and discuss different types of attire.
• Participate in basic workplace communications, including familiar meeting topics.
• Describe an accident or health issue and seek medical assistance, including getting prescriptions filled.
• Engage in simple business socializing, such as welcoming guests and attending networking events.
• Understand and make straightforward business proposals related to your expertise.
• Explain the rules of games and discuss them with others.

Typically, reaching the A2 level requires about 200 hours of cumulative study, but this can vary based on the course and the learner's dedication.

Moving to B1 Level:

To progress from A2 to B1, focus on broadening your vocabulary and learning to express more complex ideas. Aim to cover a wider range of subjects and refine your ability to communicate with more nuance.

What You Can Understand at B1 Level:

At the B2 level, you have the ability to understand:

• The main ideas on familiar topics related to work, school, or travel.
• Both general and specific details when the speech is clear.
• Informative texts on subjects that interest you.

Are you at the Intermediate level?

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The B1 level is the third stage in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe. Known as the "intermediate" level, this stage indicates that you have moved beyond basic skills but are not yet fully comfortable using English exclusively in academic or professional settings.

How to Know if You're at B1 Level?

To accurately determine if you are at the B1 level, taking a standardized test is essential. Here are some major tests and their corresponding B1 scores:

• IELTS: 3.5-5.0
• TOEFL: 31-60

What You Can Do with B1 English:

With a B1 level of English, you can effectively handle interactions on familiar topics. In the workplace, you can read simple reports and write straightforward emails related to your field. However, functioning entirely in English for all work-related tasks might still be challenging.

According to CEFR guidelines, an B1 level user can:

• Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters encountered regularly in work, school, or leisure.
• Cope with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an English-speaking area.
• Write simple, connected text on topics of personal interest or familiarity.
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and provide brief reasons or explanations for opinions and plans.

Detailed B1 Skills

Beyond the A2 capabilities, someone at the B1 level can:

• Discuss personal and professional goals and dreams.
• Arrange and attend job interviews in their area of expertise.
• Talk about TV habits and favorite shows.
• Describe their educational background and future learning plans.
• Discuss favorite music, trends, and plan outings to listen to live music.
• Talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exchange advice on healthy habits.
• Discuss relationships, dating, and meeting people through social media.
• Go to a restaurant, order food, engage in polite conversation, and pay the bill.
• Participate in negotiations within their field, with some assistance on complex points.
• Discuss workplace safety, report injuries, and explain rules and regulations.
• Talk about polite behavior and respond appropriately to rudeness.

Typically, achieving the B1 level requires around 400 hours of cumulative instruction, but this can vary based on the type of course and individual learning pace.

Moving to B2 Level:

As you progress to the B2 level, your goal will be to deepen your understanding and expand your ability to communicate on a wider range of topics with more complexity and subtlety. Discover what the upper intermediate B2 level can enable you to achieve.

What You Can Understand at A2 Level:

The main ideas in complex texts on various topics.

• Standard spoken language, whether live or broadcast.
• Standard spoken language, whether live or broadcast.
• Texts with extensive vocabulary, provide you with a significant degree of reading independence.

Are you at the Elementary level?

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The B2 level is the fourth stage in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), created by the Council of Europe. This level is often described as "confident," indicating that you can handle English in a range of professional and academic settings independently, though you might still find some nuances and subtleties challenging.

How to Know if You're at B2 Level?

To accurately determine if you are at the B2 level, taking a high-quality standardized test is essential. Here are some major tests and their corresponding B2 scores:

• IELTS: 5.0-6.5
• TOEFL: 61-90

What You Can Do with B2 English:

With a B2 level of English, you can effectively operate in an English-speaking work environment. Many non-native speakers working in international settings have this level of proficiency. However, while you can communicate well in your field, you might miss some subtle meanings and nuances in broader contexts.

According to CEFR guidelines, an B2 level user can:

• Understand the main ideas in complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their specialization.
• Interact with fluency and spontaneity, making regular interaction with native speakers manageable without strain.
• roduce clear and detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on topical issues, considering the pros and cons of different options.

Detailed B2 Skills

Beyond the abilities of a B1 level speaker, someone at the B2 level can:

• Participate in meetings in their area of expertise, even if they need some help with understanding specific points.
• Discuss gender issues, particularly how they relate to perceptions of politeness and cultural norms.
• Talk about personal finances and offer financial advice to friends and colleagues.
• Describe their personal and professional lifestyle, including their work life.
• Explain their educational background, experiences, strengths and weaknesses, and discuss their career path.
• Discuss mental processes and how to use them to enhance job performance.
• Recommend books and talk about their reading preferences.
• Use appropriate language in social situations, including giving praise and expressing sympathy.
• Discuss qualities of leadership and talk about leaders they admire.
• Handle complex and awkward situations in both social and business contexts.
• Talk about common political scenarios and the behavior of politicians.

Typically, achieving the B2 level requires around 600 hours of cumulative study, but this can vary depending on the type of course and individual learning pace.

Moving to C1 Level:

As you advance to the C1 level, you will aim to refine your skills and expand your ability to communicate with greater precision and depth. about the C1 level and the advanced capabilities it offers.

What You Can Understand at C1 Level:

At the C1 level, you have the ability to:

• Comprehend lengthy and complex speeches on abstract topics with ease.
• Grasp the implicit meanings in longer texts.
• Discern detailed information in intricate texts, even those outside your area of expertise.

Are you at the Advanced level?

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Test your English now! The C1 level is the fifth stage in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), created by the Council of Europe. This stage is known as "advanced" and represents a high degree of proficiency in English. At this level, you can operate independently and with precision in a wide range of topics and settings, without needing special preparation.

How to Know if You're at C1 Level?

To determine if you are at the C1 level in English, taking a high-quality standardized test is essential. Here are some major tests and their corresponding C1 scores:

• IELTS: 6.5-8.0
• TOEFL: 91-110

What You Can Do with C1 English:

With a C1 level of English, you can function fully in both work and academic environments. This level of proficiency allows you to live and work autonomously in an English-speaking country.

• Navigating tourist experiences in English-speaking environments.
• Understand a wide range of complex texts and recognize nuanced meanings.
• Express ideas fluently and spontaneously with minimal searching for expressions.
• Use English flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
• Write clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects, showing a good command of organizational patterns and cohesive devices.

Detailed C1 Skills

Beyond the abilities of a B2 level speaker, someone at the C1 level can:

• Discuss in detail aspects of success, such as how to build and lead a motivated, successful team.
• Describe favorite artworks and architectural styles in detail.
• Engage in discussions about societal issues, potential solutions, and the role of corporations.
• Participate in conversations about conservation, sustainability, and protecting natural habitats.
• Talk about current events and their impact on individuals and businesses.
• Discuss risks in life, including job changes and engaging in extreme sports.
• Compare and contrast different education systems and individual schools.
• Understand and appreciate various forms of humor, including subtle ones like sarcasm.
• Recognize and adapt to different communication styles, whether direct, indirect, formal, or informal.
• Discuss topics related to quality of life, such as work-life balance and home environment.
• Understand and talk about ethical issues, including civil disobedience and moral dilemmas.

Typically, reaching the C1 level requires around 800 hours of cumulative study, though this can vary based on the course and individual dedication.

Moving to C1 Level:

As you approach the C2 level, aim to refine your skills further and develop the ability to communicate with complete fluency and precision. about the C2 level and the full proficiency it represents.

What You Can Understand at C2 Level:

At the C2 level, you can:

• Comprehend virtually everything you hear or read effortlessly.
• Follow any spoken language at a native speaker’s pace, even when it’s fast.
• Grasp abstract, complex texts, including sophisticated literary works.

Are you at the Proficient level?

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The C2 level is the sixth and highest stage in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), established by the Council of Europe. This level is often referred to as “bilingual,” indicating that you have achieved fluency comparable to a well-educated native speaker. Few learners reach this level as it often exceeds the requirements for most professional and academic purposes.

How to Know if You're at C2 Level?

To determine if you are at the C2 level in English, taking a specialized standardized test is crucial. Not all tests can measure C2 proficiency, so it’s important to choose one that accurately assesses this level. Here are some major tests and their corresponding C2 scores:

• IELTS: 8.0-9.0
• TOEFL: 110+

What You Can Do with C2 English:

With an A2 level of English, you can manage basic interactions, such as:

• Reading and writing on any topic, with the ability to understand and produce nuanced and sophisticated text.
• Expressing emotions and opinions precisely and effectively.
• Participating actively and fluently in any academic or professional context.

According to CEFR guidelines, someone at the C2 level can:

• Understand effortlessly almost everything they hear or read.
• Summarize information from various spoken and written sources, coherently reconstructing arguments and accounts.
• Express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, even in complex situations, and can differentiate subtle nuances of meaning.

Detailed C2 Skills

Beyond the capabilities of a C1 level speaker, someone at the C2 level can:

• Engage in in-depth discussions about science and technology, including robots and innovations.
• Talk about celebrities, their activism, and the latest gossip.
• Use various techniques to promote creativity in both speech and writing.
• Discuss financial planning and provide or understand advice on personal finance.
• Talk about stress and how it affects themselves and those around them.
• Discuss methods for researching a broad range of topics.

Typically, reaching the C2 level requires around 1000 hours of cumulative study, though this can vary depending on the course and individual dedication.

Moving to C2 Level:

Once you reach the C2 level, you have essentially mastered English. Continuing to refine your skills can involve exploring specialized areas or simply enjoying the full spectrum of English-language media and literature.