A1 Beginner (EF SET score 1-30)

English level A1 is the first level of English in the Common European Framework of
Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of
Europe. In everyday speech, this level would be called “beginner”, and indeed, that
is the official level descriptor in the CEFR, also used by EF SET. In practice it is
possible to be at a pre-A1 level of English. A student who is just beginning to learn
English, or who has no prior knowledge of English, is at a pre-A1 level.

What can you do with an A1 level in English?

An A1 level of English would be sufficient for very simple interactions, for example as a tourist in
an English-speaking country. An A1 level would not be sufficient for other academic or
professional purposes.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the A1 level in English:

1. Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
2. Can introduce herself and others and can ask and answer questions about
personal details such as where she lives, people she knows, and things she has.
3. Can interact with other people in a simple way provided the other person talks
slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A1 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller chunks for
teaching purposes. This more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess
your own English level, or help a teacher assess a student’s level. For
example, a student at the A1 level in English will be able to:

● introduce himself simply and use basic greetings.

● tell where he and others are from and give a basic description of his city.
● talk simply about family and colleagues, describing their appearance and
personalities.
● discuss clothing at a basic level and ask salesclerks simple questions about it.
● talk about favorite foods and make simple orders for take-out food.
● talk about daily activities and arrange meetings with friends and colleagues.
● describe current weather conditions and suggest activities according to the
weather forecast.
● talk in general terms about his health and describe common medical
symptoms to a doctor.
● describe the location of his home and give simple directions.
● talk about his hobbies and interests and makes plans for fun activities with
friends or colleagues.
● complete basic transactions at a hotel, including checking in and checking
out.
● discuss common products, make basic purchases and return faulty items.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can
expect to reach the A1 level in English with 60 to 80 hours of instruction.
 A2 Elementary (EF SET score 31-40)
English level A2 is the second level of English in the Common European Framework
of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council
of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be described as “basic” as in “I speak
basic English”. The official level descriptor in the CEFR is “elementary”, which
means the same thing: it is the foundation. At this level, students have mastered the
basics of English and can communicate simple, basic needs.

What can you do with a A2 level in English?

An A2 level of English is sufficient for tourism in an English-speaking country and socializing with
English speakers, although to develop deeper friendships an A2 level is not adequate. An A2
level of English also allows for networking with English-speaking colleagues, but working in
English is limited to very familiar topics at the A2 level. An A2 level of English is not sufficient for
academic study or for consuming most English-language media (TV, movies, radio, magazines,
etc.).

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the A2 level in English:

1. Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of

most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information,
shopping, local geography, employment).
2. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct
exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
3. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate
environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

A2 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller pieces for teaching purposes. This
more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher
assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the A2 level in English will be able to do all
the things that a student in level A1 can do, and in addition he will be able to:

● evaluate coworkers' performance in the workplace.

● relate events from your past, including your weekend activities and
interesting stories.
● describe your past life, giving details about important milestones.
● entertain someone in your home or visit a friend or colleague in their home.
● discuss your vacation plans and tell friends and colleagues about your
vacation afterwards.
● talk about the natural world and travels to see animals and natural areas in
your country.
● talk about movies that you like and choose a movie to see with friends.
● discuss clothing and what kind of clothes you like to wear.
● engage in basic communication at work, including attending meetings on
familiar topics.
● describe an accident or injury, get medical help from a doctor and fill a
prescription for medicine.
● engage in basic business socializing, welcoming guests and attending
networking events.
● understand and make basic business proposals in your area of expertise.
● talk about and explain the rules of games.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can
expect to reach the A2 level in English with 200 hours of cumulative instruction.

B1 Intermediate (EF SET score 41-50)

A B1 level of English would be sufficient for interactions with English speakers
on familiar topics. In the workplace, people at a B1 level of English are able to
read simple reports on familiar topics and write simple e-mails on subjects in
their field. However, a B1 level is not adequate to function fully in the
workplace in English.

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

What can you do with a B1 level in English?

A B1 level of English would be sufficient for interactions with English speakers on familiar topics.
In the workplace, people at a B1 level of English are able to read simple reports on familiar topics
and write simple e-mails on subjects in their field. However, a B1 level is not adequate to function
fully in the workplace in English.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the B1 level in English:

1. Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
2. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling
3. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal
interest.
4. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly
give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B1 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller chunks for teaching purposes. This
more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher
assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the B1 level in English will be able to do all
the things that a student in level A2 can do, and in addition he will be able to:

● discuss your personal and professional hopes and dreams for the future.
● arrange a job interview and interview for a job in your area of expertise.
● talk about your television viewing habits and favorite programs.
● describe your education and your plans for future training.
● talk about your favorite music and music trends and plan a night out to
listen to live music.
● talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and give and get advice about
healthy habits.
● talk about relationships and dating, including meeting people through social
media.
● go to a restaurant, order food, engage in polite dinner conversation and
pay for your food.
● participate in negotiations in your area of expertise, if you have help
understanding some points.
● discuss workplace safety issues, report an injury and explain rules and
regulations.
● discuss polite behavior and respond appropriately to impolite behavior.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can
expect to reach the B1 level in English with 400 hours of cumulative instruction.

B2 Upper intermediate (EF SET score 51-60)

A B2 level of English would allow you to function in the workplace in
English, and indeed, many non-native English speakers in
international workplaces have this level of English. A person working
in English at a B2 level will, however, lack nuance particularly outside
his own field. He may also miss some of the subtleties and implied
meanings in conversation.

What can you do with a B2 level in English?

A B2 level of English would allow you to function in the workplace in English, and indeed, many
non-native English speakers in international workplaces have this level of English. A person
working in English at a B2 level will, however, lack nuance particularly outside his own field. He
may also miss some of the subtleties and implied meanings in conversation.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the B2 level in English:

1. Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.
2. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular
interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
3. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a
viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various
options.

B2 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller pieces for teaching purposes. This
more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher
 assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the B2 level in English will be able to do all
the things that a student in level B1 can do, and in addition he will be able to:

● participate in meetings in your area of expertise, if you have help

understanding some points.
● discuss gender issues as they relate to perceptions of rudeness and cultural
norms.
● talk about your personal finances and give advice to friends and
colleagues about their finances.
● talk about your personal and professional lifestyle, including a description of
your life at work.
● explain your education, experience, strengths and weaknesses, and
discuss your career path.
● talk about mental processes and how you can use them to improve your
effectiveness on the job.
● talk about what you like to read and make recommendations about good
things to read.
● use appropriate language in social situations, including praising and
expressing sympathy.
● discuss leadership qualities and talk about leaders whom you admire.
● deal with relatively complex awkward situations that arise in social and
business contexts.
● discuss common political situations and the behavior of politicians.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can
expect to reach the B2 level in English with 600 hours of cumulative instruction.

C1 Advanced (EF SET score 61-70)

English level C1 is the fifth level of English in the Common European Framework of
Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by the Council of
Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be called “advanced”, and that is the
official level descriptor for this level as well, also used by EF SET. At this level,
students can function independently and with a great deal of precision on a wide
variety of subjects and in almost any setting without any prior preparation.

What can you do with a C1 level in English?

A C1 level of English allows for a full range of functionality at work or in an academic setting. The
C1 level would allow for full autonomy in a native English-speaking country.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C1 level in English:

1. Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
meaning.
2. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for
expressions.
3. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional
purposes.
4. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing
controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C1 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller chunks for teaching purposes. This
more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher
assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the C1 level in English will be able to do all
the things that a student in level B2 can do, and in addition he will be able to:

● discuss in detail issues related to success, including building a

motivated, successful team.
● talk in some detail about your favourite paintings and the architecture of
buildings that you like.
● discuss societal problems, possible solutions for problems and what role
corporations can play.
● participate in discussions about conservation, sustainability and habitat
protection.
● talk about events and issues in the news and how they affect people and
companies.
● talk about risks in life, including changing jobs and doing dangerous sports.
● compare and contrast various forms of education and individual schools.
● discuss various types of humour, including subtle forms like sarcasm.
● understand various communication styles, including direct, indirect,
formal and informal.
● discuss issues related to your quality of life, including work-life balance
and home environment.
● understand and discuss issues related to ethics, like civil disobedience.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can
expect to reach the C1 level in English with 800 hours of cumulative instruction.

C2 Proficient (EF SET score 71-100)

English level C2 is the sixth and final level of English in the Common European
Framework of Reference (CEFR), a definition of different language levels written by
the Council of Europe. In everyday speech, this level might be called “bilingual”, as in
“I am bilingual in English and French.” A well-educated native English speaker is
technically at a C2 level. Relatively few English learners reach this level because
their professional or academic goals do not require it.

What can you do with a C2 level in English?

A C2 level of English is essentially a native level. It allows for reading and writing of any type on
any subject, nuanced expression of emotions and opinions, and active participation in any
academic or professional setting.

According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C2 level in English:

1. Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
2. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources,
reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
3. Can express him/herself spontaneously (=naturally), very fluently and precisely,
differentiating/ finer/ shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

C2 level English skills in detail

The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller chunks for teaching purposes. This
more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher
assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the C2 level in English will be able to do all
the things that a student in level C1 can do, and in addition he will be able to:

● discuss issues related to science and technology, including robots and new
inventions.
● talk about celebrities, celebrity activism and gossip about celebrities.
● use a variety of techniques for promoting creativity in your speech and writing.
● discuss financial planning and give and understand advice about personal
finance.
● talk about stress in your life and the lives of friends and colleagues.
● discuss techniques for doing research on a wide range of topics.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can
expect to reach the C2 level in English with 1000 hours of cumulative instruction.