What are levels?
Levels are determiners of your understanding and competency in your desired language.
Here at am language studio, English speakers are split into six levels:
Beginner- Elementary- Pre Intermediate- Intermediate- Upper Intermediate- Advanced
You are put into one of the above levels depending on your test results. A test may seem like a daunting task, sitting there, and having to choose, find, or create answers. You shouldn’t have any fear, tests and levels are used by teachers to see how best to help you improve your English skills. Levels are very important for the flow and overall progression of the group and yourself.
Imagine an occasion were, a teacher has been informed of a high level student and therefore prepares for such. The lesson begins and it is apparent that the student is not at this level and felt it necessary to be dishonest regarding their level. This will remove the speed of the class and hinder progression. Levels are used to help and shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing if you are in a lower level, just an opportunity to learn more J
What do they mean?
If you enter our school as a beginner, it means you haven’t had any contact with the language or have but, passively.
Elementary means, you can understand basic phrases and can interact in a simple way.
Pre intermediate– You have a general idea of what is being said but have some difficulties. However, you are able to have a conversation about which are of personal interest.
Intermediate– Can interact and be spontaneous but has problems with grammar and vocabulary.
Upper Intermediate– Student has an understanding of everyday language with a few grammar and vocabulary errors and can speak without strain.
Advanced– Can understand almost everything including idiomatic expressions and can compose complex texts and can use the language for professional or social usage.
Sadly, there isn’t any concrete evidence which determines how long you would stay at one level, it is based solely on you and how much you integrate yourself with the language. A lot of academics argue this issue but, we as teachers, will strive to help you achieve your goal as long as you put the work in.
Andrew Brookes
EFL Teacher