Learner Levels

There is no single method used to describe the level of an English speaker, however this article will provide a rough idea of how to classify a student.

Note that no single system is definitive and there are overlaps and variations with all the systems used. Schools in different countries may well have their own system, but if you look at most books for students you will find that the level is classified using one of these system.

Comparison of Classifications

Beginners

See also the full article, Beginners

False Beginners are students who have had perhaps some exposure to English and have a very limited grasp of the basics. They have either learnt English many years before (perhaps at school) and are coming back to the classroom later in life, or perhaps they have had some contact with English speakers but no formal training.

False Beginners often learn faster than Total Beginners who may well know nothing at all of English. On the other hand, False Beginners may well have imperfect English embeded in their minds and this can take some work to correct.

However, remember that certain words are almost universal: internet, computer, pizza, football and so on will be understood by almost all nationalities so it is sometimes difficult to find a complete and utter beginner.

Intermediate

Students at intermediate level can talk and read about a wide number of subjects using appropriate vocabulary and fairly correct grammar. They can confidently make sentences, questions and clauses in all the main tenses, and are beginning to use phrasal and modal verbs more expertly.

Tone and style are not refined yet but there is an awareness of pronunciation and what it entails.

An intermediate level students have generally enough knowledge of the language to branch out to more specific English courses, such as English for Business or Academic Purposes.

A Pre-Intermediate level gives scope for improvement in all areas (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc.) as students have a good basic ability to communicate and understand. They can use confidently all the simple tenses and handle many everyday situations like shopping, booking a hotel room, ask for information, etc. At grammar level they have generally covered adjectives, adverbs, comparatives, articles, possessives, and basic prepositions.

At Upper-Intermediate level students have an effective, but not perfect, use of the English language. They can take part in extended conversations on a wide range of topics. If they don't know the appropriate term for something they are able to find a way of describing it. They have a knowledge of some idiomatic English, phrasal verbs, and colloquial expressions. All main areas of English grammar have been covered at this level.