Below is a guide to the different language levels. If you are not sure which level is appropriate, you can ask the tutor for advice and guidance on your first evening with us. Our tutors will help you to find the right class and level to suit you.
Beginners (CEFR*: A1): You are a complete beginner, knowing virtually nothing of the language. You will develop competence in a range of predictable simple everyday language tasks. The course will provide a very basic knowledge of the structure and vocabulary of the language.
Beginners Plus (CEFR*: A1+): You may have studied the language at school some years ago or attended a beginners’ course. You have a very limited vocabulary and some understanding of basic structures. The course will introduce new tenses and help you to communicate in everyday social or work situations.
Intermediate (CEFR*: A2): You have a reasonable foundation in the language at school level, possibly to ‘O’/GCSE level or equivalent. You can deal with most common ‘survival’ situations confidently. You now want to start moving beyond merely practising simple language during your holiday abroad, learning to cope in non-routine situations.
Intermediate Plus (CEFR*: A2+): You have a solid foundation in the language at school level, almost certainly to ‘O’/GCSE level or equivalent. You can deal with most common situations confidently. You now want to start moving beyond practising simple exchanges during your holiday or work trip abroad, learning to cope in non-routine situations and contributing to conversations on topics of general interest.
Advanced (CEFR*: B1): You have a good vocabulary and a fair understanding of fundamental grammatical rules and how to apply them. You feel reasonably confident speaking in most common social or work settings and you are developing fluency in your reading and writing. You now want to use the language more flexibly and use appropriate terminology to suit the context
Advanced Plus (CEFR*: B1+): You have acquired a good vocabulary and a good understanding of grammatical rules. Your speaking and listening skills allow you to be relatively confident in most social or working settings. You can understand a wide range of demanding and long texts and produce clear and well structured texts. You now want to express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, and use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
*CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for language levels.
For more help and advice regarding the language levels please contact us – be sure to tell us which language you are interested in.