It is well known that the English language is one of the essential languages to learn in our current time. Therefore, it was necessary to learn this language, undergo testing to determine your actual level, and work on upgrading your level to the best possible. It was essential to get acquainted with the levels of the English language, the systems followed, and what system is suitable for you, dear student. This will be discussed as follows:

Levels of Learning in the English Language

The levels of learning in the English language are a set of classifications that determine an individual’s skill level in the English language. These classifications are used to assess an individual’s skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and they can also be used to determine the level of difficulty of educational materials.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international framework that defines six levels of learning in the English language:

1. A1: Beginner
2. A2: Elementary
3. B1: Intermediate
4. B2: Upper Intermediate
5. C1: Advanced
6. C2: Proficient

• Level A1: Beginner
  At level A1, the learner can understand and use common daily expressions and very basic sentences aimed at meeting basic needs.

• Level A2: Elementary
  At level A2, the learner can understand more complex sentences and expressions, and can communicate in familiar situations.

• Level B1: Intermediate
  At level B1, the learner can understand the main points of conversations and speeches, and can communicate clearly and comprehensibly in a wide range of daily life situations.

• Level B2: Upper Intermediate
  At level B2, the learner can understand the main ideas of complex topics, and can communicate effectively in most situations.

• Level C1: Advanced
  At level C1, the learner can understand complex and lengthy ideas, and can communicate creatively and effectively in a wide range of situations.

• Level C2: Proficient
  At level C2, the learner can understand any type of discourse, and can communicate fluently and accurately in a wide range of situations.

How to Determine Your Level in English?

There are several ways to determine your level in the English language.
You can:
1. Take an English Language Assessment Test: There are many tests available online and at testing centers. Our educational platform, GoTalky, offers an English language test to assess your linguistic level, suitable for starting your improvement journey.

2. Seek Help from an English Language Teacher: An English language teacher can assist you in evaluating your skills and developing a learning plan. This is where our educational platform, GoTalky, comes into play by providing assistance.
3. Evaluate Yourself: Review your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Tips to Improve Your English Language Skills:

There are many things you can do to enhance your English language skills. Here are some tips:

• Read in English: Read books, newspapers, magazines, and articles in English.
• Write in English: Keep an English journal, write articles, or create stories in English.
• Listen to English: Watch informative TV shows and listen to helpful podcasts in English.
• Speak in English: Communicate with friends, family, and other English speakers.

English Language Assessment Tests:

There are many tests available online and at testing centers. These tests are designed to assess your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Some of the most popular English language assessment tests include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A commonly used test for migration and studying abroad.

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A widely used test for admission to American universities.

• Cambridge English: A set of tests that assess English language skills at various levels.

Here is a brief explanation of this type of test:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

IELTS is an international standardized test for assessing the English language skills of non-native speakers, jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. It was established in 1989.

IELTS is widely popular and accepted by over 10,000 organizations in more than 140 countries, including governments, universities, and employers.

The test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, and the overall score is the average of the four sections.

IELTS is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is designed for students seeking to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country, while the General Training test is for those planning to migrate or work in an English-speaking environment.

To prepare for the IELTS test, students can enroll in IELTS preparation courses, use IELTS practice materials, and practice speaking and writing in English with other students or native English speakers.

2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

TOEFL is a standardized test developed and published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the United States.

Similar to IELTS, TOEFL is widely recognized, accepted by over 10,000 educational institutions, and other organizations in more than 160 countries.

The test comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 30, and the overall score is the average of the four sections.

The Listening section includes 60 questions and is based on human-spoken audio. The Reading section involves 30 questions answered based on three texts, lasting for 60 minutes. The Writing section includes two tasks: an integrated task and an independent task. The Speaking section consists of an interview with a TOEFL examiner, lasting for 20 minutes.

Scores range from 0 to 30 for each section, with 0 indicating no understanding of English and 30 indicating complete understanding.

Test results are typically sent to students within 10 days of taking the test, and students can also access their results online.

TOEFL is widely accepted as a standard for evaluating English language skills for study or work in English-speaking countries.

3. Cambridge English Test:

Cambridge English is a set of tests developed and published by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge.

The Cambridge English test series includes the following:

• Cambridge English: Young Learners (YLE):
  These tests are designed for children aged 7 to 12.

• Cambridge English: Key (KET):
  These tests are intended for students with a basic level of English.

• Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET):
  These tests are suitable for students with an intermediate level of English.

• Cambridge English: First (FCE):
  These tests are for students with a good level of English.

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):
  These tests are for students with an advanced level of English.

• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE):
  These tests are for students with a very high level of English.

Each test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is assessed on a scale from 0 to 5, and the overall score is calculated as the average of the four sections.

In summary, the differences between all the tests can be outlined as follows:

Test Formats and Duration:

• Cambridge English tests can be paper-based or electronic, while IELTS is a center-based test, and TOEFL is a computer-based test.
  Cambridge English tests typically take from one to three hours, IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, and TOEFL takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

• Scoring: Cambridge English tests are scored on a scale from 0 to 5, IELTS on a scale from 0 to 9, and TOEFL on a scale from 0 to 120.
• Acceptance: Cambridge English tests are widely accepted by educational institutions and companies globally, as are IELTS and TOEFL.

In conclusion, the choice between Cambridge English, IELTS, or TOEFL depends on your individual needs and goals.

Challenges Faced by English Learners:

English learners encounter various obstacles, including:

• Fear of Mistakes:
  Some students fear making mistakes when speaking or writing in English, leading to avoidance of practice and learning.

• Linguistic Differences:
  English differs in rules and vocabulary from many other languages, making learning challenging.
• Lack of Suitable Resources:
  Some students may lack access to appropriate resources for learning English, such as textbooks or teachers.
• Lack of Motivation:
  Some students may lack sufficient motivation to learn English, leading to a lack of persistence in learning.

Tips to Overcome Obstacles:

• Accept Mistakes:
  Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Do not fear making them; instead, learn from them.
• Address Linguistic Differences:
  Many resources are available to help you learn English grammar rules and vocabulary.
• Find Suitable Resources:
  Explore various methods of learning English to find what suits you best.
• Find Motivation:
  Identify a reason for learning English and use it as motivation to continue learning.

How to Succeed in an English Language Test:

To succeed in an English language test, you should:

• Plan Ahead: Set goals and understand the type of test you will take before starting your studies.

• Study Regularly: The more you practice English, the more fluent you will become.

• Focus on Basic Skills: Ensure you understand the fundamentals of English, such as grammar and vocabulary.

• Practice with Different Question Types: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that will be asked and practice answering them.

• Get Adequate Sleep: You need to be awake and alert during the test, so ensure you get enough sleep.
• Arrive Early to the Test Center: Arrive early to the test center to prepare adequately.