English levels: what are the official ones and what do they include?
Author
Berlitz
The different levels of English are standardized throughout the world thanks to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This means that no matter where you are, you can learn the language knowing what skills you are going to develop depending on the level of your course.
What are the English levels A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2?
According to the Council of Europe (2022), this scheme of English levels makes it possible to establish teaching and learning objectives, design teaching materials and adequately assess English proficiency to facilitate educational and labor mobility.
It is likely that before starting a new English course, you will have to take a placement test to demonstrate your previous knowledge of the language. This way you will know where to start from. These are the official levels:
A1
This level is known as “Beginner”. It allows you to have your first contact with the language. If you don't know any English, your training will start here.
How to recognize if this is your level? You need others to speak to you carefully and slowly to understand them. In addition, you use the simplest phrases to manage yourself immediately and resolve needs.
A2
Level A2, also called “Basic”, offers you the knowledge necessary to communicate in everyday social situations. For example, introducing yourself, asking for directions to get somewhere, ordering a meal at a restaurant, telling an anecdote or describing a place where you were.
This is one of the most practical and instrumental levels of English: it helps you acquire basic vocabulary and use everyday expressions for everyday routine. It is a good idea to purchase it, for example, to go sightseeing abroad or talk to a friend from another country.
B1
When you reach the “Intermediate” level, you can consider yourself an independent user of the language. You already have the skills necessary to speak fluently with other people, even native English speakers. What can you do with a B1 English? Basically:
- understand simple texts on familiar topics;
- write your own texts on topics in which you feel comfortable;
- give your opinion and support it with arguments;
- talk about your future plans, dreams and experiences.
This is one of the minimum English levels requested by many educational institutions. If you are interested in studying or working abroad, this level is ideal for you. It will allow you to pass an interview, describe your skills and take on new responsibilities, all in English.
B2
Level B2 reinforces your command of the language so that you can express yourself with confidence and fluency. It also helps you interact with others in a spontaneous and natural way. Thus, you will be able to communicate effortlessly with native speakers and use more complex vocabulary.
Furthermore, this level is the key to understanding higher-level texts, even on specialized topics. For example: medicine, law, engineering or any other area of knowledge. Likewise, it allows you to write extensive texts on various topics, making comparisons and describing your point of view.
Of all the levels of English, this is the gateway to the world of business and the most prestigious universities. If you want to give a big boost to your career or grow in a company, the B2 level will help you achieve it.
C1
The C1 level enables you to do practically whatever you want: teaching, research, business, travel and much more. It is known as “Advanced” and allows you to function with ease in a wide variety of situations. You will also be able to:
- understand technical texts and recognize their implicit meanings;
- write well-structured writings on very complex topics;
- use all the richness of the language for academic or professional purposes;
- express yourself spontaneously and fluently, always with the correct expression for each social situation.
C2
Level C2 is the equivalent of a native speaker. It makes you a 100% competent user to function in any scenario. Therefore, you will be able to:
- easily understand and synthesize everything you read or hear;
- defend your point of view with solid and coherent arguments;
- always express yourself precisely and discover any nuance of meaning in a sentence.
Are you thinking about moving to an English-speaking country? Do you have a complex profession that requires great communication skills in English? Then C2 is definitely for you. Each of these levels of English will help you fly higher. Do you want to learn English and break down any barriers? Berlitz is the language school with the most credentials in the world for teaching English. Start changing your life today and sign up for an English class with us! We offer beginner English lessons as well as courses for more advanced learners. You can even master your business English skills with us.
