Assess Your Language Level

LEVEL 1 Year 1 of study

Module 1
If you have no knowledge of the language.

Module 2
If you have studied the language for approximately 3 months (30 hours) or if you can:

  • understand by listening or reading a few familiar words and phrases
  • say and write short simple phrases (e.g. saying your name, nationality, profession, etc.)
  • understand letters/symbols of the alphabet/sound system

Module 3
If you have studied the language for approximately 6 months (60 hours) or if you can:

  • understand by listening or reading a range of familiar spoken phrases (greetings, personal introduction etc.)
  • answer simple questions and/or give basic information orally or in writing (e.g. personal/family details, nationality, job etc.)

LEVEL 2 Year 2 of study

If you have studied the language for approximately 1-2 years or if you can:

  • hold a simple conversation and ask and answer simple questions on a variety of everyday topics (e.g. personal introduction, shopping, directions, time and numbers etc.)
  • read and write simple sentences or a short message on a variety of everyday topics (e.g. personal introduction, shopping, directions, time and numbers etc.)
  • attempt to express yourself in the present, past and possibly future

LEVEL 3 Year 3 of study

If you have studied the language for approximately 2/3 years or if, with some errors but increasing confidence, you can:

  • take part in a conversation on a variety of everyday topics
  • express your likes, dislikes and opinions
  • write and/or understand a piece of formal or informal writing (e.g. a short letter, note or summary)
  • express yourself in the present, future and past

LEVEL 4 Year 4 of study

If you have studied the language for approximately 3-4 years or if, with minor errors but increasing fluency, you can:

  • understand the gist of a range of authentic conversations (e.g. interviews, adverts, news broadcast etc)
  • take part in a discussion, giving and justifying opinions and ideas
  • understand a wide range of authentic texts (e.g. articles from the press)
  • communicate in writing to complete more complex tasks (e.g. short essay, summary, longer/formal letter)
  • use a wide range of grammar structures (e.g. for romance languages basic conditional and subjunctive tenses, pronouns etc.)

LEVEL 5 Year 5 of study

If you have studied the language for approximately 4-5 years or if you can do the following (though minor errors may still occur, but you feel confident and use the language with fluency):

  • listen/read and understand details of authentic passages of moderate length and complexity (e.g. interviews, adverts, news broadcast etc)
  • participate in discussion, debate and conversation on a range of topics using reasonably accurate language
  • communicate accurately in writing still with occasional minor errors to complete more complex tasks
  • confidently use a wide range of grammar structures including for example conditional and subjunctive tenses, pronouns etc.

Holiday courses
Short courses for students who want to learn everyday holiday language.

Introductory courses
Short courses for complete beginners who want to progress onto Level 1,
module 1.