In order to better build training or present your skill to the employer, it is necessary to present your current level of language knowledge. Fortunately, there are six levels for this, which clearly reflect this skill. Let us consider, in order, what degrees of language knowledge are, indicating in brackets the assessment according to the pan-European CEFR system (it is used less often, but you still need to know).
Beginner (A1)
This is a basic level. On it, you do not have any knowledge of grammar. You understand only the simplest phrases, and even then not always. Speech can be compared with the level of a child who has just learned to speak: he expresses his thoughts with difficulty, and if he tries, then almost nothing is clear.
The texts are understood a little more than "no way." Ignorance of words and grammar does not allow us to understand what is written, except, perhaps, simple jokes or children's songs.
Conducting a full-fledged dialogue at this level is impossible: incorrect statement of words in a sentence, incorrect pronunciation and a small vocabulary do not allow even a simple monologue. Understanding by ear is also very limited: the maximum is to catch individual words from the context. The general meaning of what was heard is very difficult to understand. Television broadcasts, radio and any conversational speech are practically not perceived.
Elementary (A2)
At this level, basic grammar skills are anchored. The pronunciation becomes closer to the correct, and the vocabulary increases. It becomes easier to understand simple expressions. The speech is also "lame", but it becomes possible to express the general meaning of elementary things.
When reading well-known texts, the speaker picks up the general direction, but the details slip away. Complicated or unfamiliar texts remain a mystery.
Everyday dialogue is still impracticable, but the general meaning of simple and familiar topics is captured. From colloquial speech, not single words are understood, but simple semantic constructions. This allows you to build some kind of communication with a native speaker (if he is interested in this). Ordinary colloquial speech is still too difficult to understand.
Pre-Intermediate (B1)
Grammar moves on to more complex things. Simple expressions are easily understood, for complex vocabulary is used. Speaking on familiar topics is easy, while narrower ones are characterized by pauses, errors, and peeping into the dictionary.
Texts of any complexity make up the “backbone” of learning and it becomes possible to understand subtle details. It can’t do without a dictionary, but the semantic component is easily acquired.
Dialogue on everyday topics is difficult, but nonetheless makes sense for both sides. By hearing it turns out to catch many of the details of the story, but as soon as the narrow topics begin - difficulties come. Slow perception due to the small active vocabulary does not allow to catch most of what has been said.
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
Grammatically complex rules are fixed. The meaning of most expressions is well understood. Speech can be used to establish communication with a native speaker at the proper level.
Texts of any complexity no longer present special difficulties. Only the meaning of slang or rare words or phrases escapes.
A dialogue is a complete exchange of information. Most of what is said is perceived by ear. Problems can arise only with very quick speech, slang or various accents.
Advanced (C1)
This level involves "pulling up" the subtle details of the language and filling in the gaps in knowledge. Any expressions are understood easily and immediately. Speech with a native speaker on an equal level.
Texts are read without any difficulty, even scientific or artistic.
The dialogue is a full conversation on any topic. The words of the interlocutor are perceived easily and quickly analyzed. At this level, in fact, the theory ends.
Proficiency (C2)
This level differs from the previous one, for the most part, practice. The degree of knowledge of the Advanced language already implies full communication with native speakers. Proficiency is, so to speak, "absolute" knowledge of the language. You indicate all linguistic nuances in any situations, are familiar with the most subtle aspects of grammar and, in fact, think in this language.
A little explanation
In this article, although we are talking about a foreign language, such levels are quite applicable to the "native". The fact that a person speaks Russian all his life, for example, in Russian, does not mean at all that he owns it at the level of Proficiency. At best, Advanced, more often Upper-Intermediate. Also with the English language: most ordinary people (not linguists) do not speak the language at the Proficiency level. So Advanced is ideal for comfortable communication, further development takes place only due to practice, constant communication in this language.
How to determine the degree of knowledge of the language?
First of all, you need to take an objective look at your abilities. Many tests do not always correctly reflect the degree of knowledge and language proficiency. This happens due to the same orientation. Such tests, in most cases, do not evaluate the auditory perception or speech of the test person. But, if there is no other option, then such will do.
For a more accurate assessment, it is necessary to test a person not only by the level of grammar or vocabulary, but also test your understanding by ear and speaking ability. Such tests are usually not free and quite long.
A good example is the IELTS English proficiency test. This is a volumetric test of knowledge on all "floors", the cost of which varies within 20 thousand rubles. According to the results of the passage, a certificate of knowledge of the language (depending on the final score) is issued, which is quoted almost all over the world.
How to write in a resume?
In vacancies often indicate the required degree of knowledge of a foreign language. Well, if this is a specific level, such as those described above. However, more often these are very vague expressions, such as “confident knowledge of English” or “conversational English”.
“Confident knowledge” is quite an Upper-Intermediate. Most often, it is implied by employers.
"Conversational level" - in the same way - Upper-Intermediate. By "conversational" is meant precisely the ability to conduct a conversation, and at this level it is present in the right amount.
The following is a list of degrees of language proficiency for resumes. Employers usually use these or similar designations:
- Beginner, Elementary - entry level, basic level.
- Pre-Intermediate or Intermediate - Intermediate.
- Upper-Intermediate - advanced level, knowledge of the language is above average.
- Advanced, Proficiency - Fluency.
In addition, you must take into account the specifics of the position. If your task is to convince foreign buyers, sales or direct negotiations - a level below Advanced will not work. And if you need a simple transfer of information, such as technical support or a help desk, then Pre-Intermediate for written communication or Upper-Intermediate for oral communication may well be suitable.