ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVELS
We use 9 different levels to assess a student's language level on entry to ELH. After this we place them in a class that is suitable for them as learners. Students may join a class suitable for:
- a starter learner
- a lower level learner
- a higher level learner
- a proficient level learner
LEVELS AND STUDENT ABILITY ON ENTRY
Beginner
A beginner level student has no English or very little English.
Elementary
An elementary level student has a little English. He/She may have studied English before but cannot use the language and communicate easily at a basic level
Upper Elementary
An upper elementary level student has a basic level of English but is still not very comfortable when communicating with English people.
Lower Intermediate
A lower intermediate level student has a good basic level of English and begins to feel more comfortable when communicating with English people. Some students entering a lower intermediate level class may prepare for the Cambridge English “KET” exam.
Intermediate
An intermediate level student has a very good basic level of English and is beginning to communicate comfortably on a variety of topics. He/She feels comfortable communicating with most English people. Some students entering an intermediate level class may prepare for the Cambridge English “PET” exam.
Upper Intermediate
An upper intermediate level student has a very good basic level of English and can communicate comfortably on a variety of topics. This student is able to talk to native English speakers easily but may make some mistakes when using more complicated vocabulary and grammar. Some students entering an upper intermediate level class may prepare for the Cambridge English “First Certificate in English” examination.
Advanced
An advanced level student can communicate well in a variety of situations. This student does not make mistakes at basic level and has a good range of grammar and vocabulary at a higher level. The student can communicate comfortably and easily with native English speakers on a variety of topics and can cope with variations in the pronunciation of English. Some students entering an advanced level class may already have passed the Cambridge English “First Certificate” exam and be preparing for the “Certificate in Advanced English”
Proficiency
A proficiency level student has very good English and can communicate well on a variety of topics using a wide range of vocabulary and grammar accurately and fluently. Students at proficiency level will work on perfecting their English further. They will expand their vocabulary often using authentic material, analyse complex areas of English grammar and improve their overall command of the language. Some students entering a proficiency level class may already have passed the Cambridge English “Certificate in Advanced English” exam and be preparing for the “Certificate of Proficiency in English”.
Post Proficiency
A post proficiency level student has taken and passed the Cambridge English “Certificate of Proficiency in English” exam. This student has English that is very close to the level of a native English speaker. He/She would be able to enter the CELTA teacher training course and train to teach English to international students.
A beginner level student has no English or very little English.
Elementary
An elementary level student has a little English. He/She may have studied English before but cannot use the language and communicate easily at a basic level
Upper Elementary
An upper elementary level student has a basic level of English but is still not very comfortable when communicating with English people.
Lower Intermediate
A lower intermediate level student has a good basic level of English and begins to feel more comfortable when communicating with English people. Some students entering a lower intermediate level class may prepare for the Cambridge English “KET” exam.
Intermediate
An intermediate level student has a very good basic level of English and is beginning to communicate comfortably on a variety of topics. He/She feels comfortable communicating with most English people. Some students entering an intermediate level class may prepare for the Cambridge English “PET” exam.
Upper Intermediate
An upper intermediate level student has a very good basic level of English and can communicate comfortably on a variety of topics. This student is able to talk to native English speakers easily but may make some mistakes when using more complicated vocabulary and grammar. Some students entering an upper intermediate level class may prepare for the Cambridge English “First Certificate in English” examination.
Advanced
An advanced level student can communicate well in a variety of situations. This student does not make mistakes at basic level and has a good range of grammar and vocabulary at a higher level. The student can communicate comfortably and easily with native English speakers on a variety of topics and can cope with variations in the pronunciation of English. Some students entering an advanced level class may already have passed the Cambridge English “First Certificate” exam and be preparing for the “Certificate in Advanced English”
Proficiency
A proficiency level student has very good English and can communicate well on a variety of topics using a wide range of vocabulary and grammar accurately and fluently. Students at proficiency level will work on perfecting their English further. They will expand their vocabulary often using authentic material, analyse complex areas of English grammar and improve their overall command of the language. Some students entering a proficiency level class may already have passed the Cambridge English “Certificate in Advanced English” exam and be preparing for the “Certificate of Proficiency in English”.
Post Proficiency
A post proficiency level student has taken and passed the Cambridge English “Certificate of Proficiency in English” exam. This student has English that is very close to the level of a native English speaker. He/She would be able to enter the CELTA teacher training course and train to teach English to international students.
