What are the ABC levels of English?

What is B1, B2, and C1, C2?

A2 (Elementary) B1 (Pre-Intermediate) B2 (Intermediate) C1 (Upper-Intermediate) C2 (Advanced)

Is B1 or B2 considered fluent?

Perhaps the best general reference point is the European Common Framework of Reference, which divides proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. In my view, B2 is the benchmark level for fluency. At a B2 level, you can understand and express yourself in a wide variety of contexts and subjects.

What is English level ABC?

The CEFR has six levels, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for users who are proficient in the language. Levels are divided into three blocks: A or basic user, B or independent user and C or proficient user. For each level, the CEFR describes what a learner can do when speaking, reading, listening and writing in English.

Is C level English good?

It is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for. More than 9,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.

What's Your ENGLISH Level? Take This Test! (2025 Edition)

Is B2 level English good?

If a person is at B2, this is upper intermediate level. He/she can do the following: Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation.

Is B1 to B2 the hardest?

Going from B1 to B2 is quite hard. The hardest thing in my experience, though, is going from B2 to C1, because most people plateau at B2.

How do I determine my English level?

The most reliable way to find out your English level is to take a well-designed assessment test. There are many tests to choose from, but taking the EF SET is a good place to start. You can use your EF SET score as an English level certification on your CV and on LinkedIn.

What is A1, A2, B1, B2?

There are six levels of language proficiency (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) according to the CEFR scale. They are grouped into three broader levels: A1-A2 (Basic User), B1-B2 (Independent User), and C1-C2 (Proficient User).

Are native speakers C1 or C2?

C2 is the highest level in the CEFR, so it describes native speaker abilities. The CEFR is intended to characterize learners' skills.

What are the five language skills?

We traditionally get the four macro skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and three areas of knowledge (vocabulary, grammar, and phonology). Contained within these are countless micro-skills, such as skimming and scanning for reading or shadowing for speaking.

How do I know if I am B2 or C1?

Speaking: If you communicate confidently in debates or detailed discussions, you may be at C1. If you can discuss general topics with occasional hesitation, you're likely at B2. Writing: At C1, your writing will be structured, nuanced, and error-free. B2 learners may show clarity but struggle with complexity.

Is GCSE French equivalent to B1?

GCSE level learners are likely to be working at less than B1 level. A level (and equivalent) students should reach approx B2 level at the end of the A level course.

How do I check my CEFR level?

How can I find out my CEFR level? The best way to find out your CEFR level is to take a well-designed standardized test. In English, the EF SET is the best choice because it is free and the first standardized test to be fully aligned to the CEFR.

What level of English is fluent?

C1 = fluent to business fluent language skills (proficient user) B2 = fluent language level (independent user) B1 = good language skills (independent user) A2 = in-depth basic language skills (basic user)

How to tell if you're at a B2 level in English?

At this level you can understand: Main ideas of complex text. Standard spoken language, live or broadcast. Texts with a broad reading vocabulary and large degree of autonomy.

Is B1 level English good?

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.

What is the pass mark for the B1 English test?

If you achieve a scale score of 160–170 (Distinction) in your exam, you will receive the Preliminary English Test certificate at Level B2. If you achieve a scale score of 140–159 (Pass, Pass with Merit) in your exam, you will receive the Preliminary English Test certificate at Level B1.

Do I get B2 if I fail C1?

For example, in the Cambridge English exam , you can get B2 if you fail the C1. BUT that's only if your score is something like 10-15 points under the pass score (and that one's roughly 200 points). Under that, you just fail.

Is B2 impressive?

The B2 level, also known as Upper-Intermediate, is a strong proficiency level. At B2, you can: Communicate effectively in most situations, including work and study contexts. Understand complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics.

Can you fail the B1 English test?

Candidates who fail

If you fail either or both parts of the exam, you will receive: a letter confirming that you did not achieve a pass grade in all 4 parts of the exam and therefore you do not receive a certificate.

Is B2 English level enough for a job?

Generally speaking, you need a B2/C1 level of English or higher to thrive in an English-speaking company.