ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEVELS
There are a number of different language scales which can be used to identify and assess a student's ability to use English accurately and fluently.
Most exams and qualification will reflect the level a student has achieved within a language range known as "The Common European Framework of Reference" or CEFR. This CEFR range helps to identify and describe what language learners can do at different stages of their learning and is often used to indicate the level of an exam that international students can sit.
You can see some of these exams and their CEFR level in the table.
You can see some of these exams and their CEFR level in the table.
LEVELS AND STUDENT ABILITY ON ENTRY
When students first join ELH we conduct a short level test to identify their English language ability on entry.
We use the CEFR range to assess a student's language ability and we conduct a needs analysis to ensure we can identify what they need to improve most. This helps to identify the most appropriate learning plan for each student. We can then recommend lessons that are suitable for each student and the students can choose what lessons they would like to join. Students may join lessons suitable for learners who are:
- Pre A1 - Starter level
- A1/A2 - Lower level
- B1/B2 - Higher level
- C1/C2 - Proficient level
ABILITY OF STUDENTS AT THESE LEVELS
Pre A1
This student will join lessons at "Starter level". Students have very little or no English at this level.
A1/A2
This student will join lessons at "Lower level". Students at this level have some basic English. They may have studied English before but they cannot use the language comfortably to communicate easily at a basic level. Students who reach a strong A2 level may be able to prepare and sit one of the Cambridge English exams for international students such as the A2 Key.
B1/B2
This student will join lessons at a "Higher level". Students are this level usually have a good basic level of English and can feel more comfortable when communicating with English people. Students at B1 and B2 level are able to prepare and sit one of the Cambridge English exams for international students such as the B1 Preliminary or B2 First. The can also prepare for the IELTS.
C1/C2
This student will join lessons at "Proficient level" and will work towards native English speaker competence in English. Students at this level are comfortable communicating and using English in a variety of situations. They will rarely make basic mistakes in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation but will still need to work to improve their fluency and accuracy when dealing with more complex subject areas. Students at C1 and C2 level are able to prepare and sit one of the Cambridge English exams for international students such as the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. The can also prepare for the IELTS.
This student will join lessons at "Starter level". Students have very little or no English at this level.
A1/A2
This student will join lessons at "Lower level". Students at this level have some basic English. They may have studied English before but they cannot use the language comfortably to communicate easily at a basic level. Students who reach a strong A2 level may be able to prepare and sit one of the Cambridge English exams for international students such as the A2 Key.
B1/B2
This student will join lessons at a "Higher level". Students are this level usually have a good basic level of English and can feel more comfortable when communicating with English people. Students at B1 and B2 level are able to prepare and sit one of the Cambridge English exams for international students such as the B1 Preliminary or B2 First. The can also prepare for the IELTS.
C1/C2
This student will join lessons at "Proficient level" and will work towards native English speaker competence in English. Students at this level are comfortable communicating and using English in a variety of situations. They will rarely make basic mistakes in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation but will still need to work to improve their fluency and accuracy when dealing with more complex subject areas. Students at C1 and C2 level are able to prepare and sit one of the Cambridge English exams for international students such as the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. The can also prepare for the IELTS.