For many students, navigating the world of English language proficiency tests can be a daunting experience. Whether you're preparing for university, looking to enhance your career prospects, or simply aiming to improve your communication skills, understanding what your Global Scale of English (GSE) score means is crucial.
In this blog post, we'll break down the GSE, explain what your score represents and provide you with actionable steps to improve it.
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The Global Scale of English (GSE) is a pioneering framework developed and validated by a team of experts in learning science and global research. It's not just another scoring system but a robust measure designed to give you unparalleled insights into your English language abilities.
The GSE serves as a central pillar in ÃÛÌÒapp’s English Journey and is recognized globally as a significant advancement in language learning, teaching and assessment.
David Nunan, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at the University of Hong Kong.
Your GSE score can be obtained by taking any standardized tests aligned with the GSE, such as the ÃÛÌÒapp Test of English (PTE). These tests measure your proficiency across various aspects of English, providing a comprehensive score that reflects your abilities.
Your GSE score will be a number from 10 (Starter-level proficiency) to 90 (Expert-level fluency). But the GSE score is more than just a number—it's a detailed insight into your English proficiency.
You might be familiar with other scales, such as the CEFR. The GSE is aligned to the CEFR, but it goes beyond it to help you understand your current language skill level and identify areas for improvement.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding your GSE score:
GSE score |
GSE level |
I can... |
| GSE 10-19 |
Starter | Use and understand a small number of words and phrases. For example, you can say hello and introduce yourself. |
| GSE 20-29 |
Beginner | Ask and answer simple questions, write short sentences and share personal information. For example, you can order food and drink in a simple way. |
| GSE 30-39 |
Pre-intermediate | Talk about everyday topics and understand the main information in conversations. For example, you can make a hotel reservation over the phone. |
| GSE 40-49 |
Intermediate | Share your opinions, explain your reasoning and write longer texts, such as short essays. For example, you can describe your weekend plans. |
| GSE 50-59 |
High intermediate | Lead and participate in conversations on familiar and unfamiliar topics, and write documents expressing opinion or fact, such as reports and articles. For example, you can make a complaint. |
| GSE 60-69 |
Pre-advanced | Speak more fluently about a broad range of topics and share your detailed ideas and explanations in writing too. For example, you can understand a wide range of TV shows and films. |
| GSE 70-79 |
Advanced | Speak fluently in personal, professional and academic contexts and understand unfamiliar topics, even colloquialisms. For example, you can make and understand jokes using word-play. |
| GSE 80-90 |
Expert | Talk spontaneously, fluently and precisely, read and write documents with ease and understand spoken English in all contexts. You can participate in fast-paced conversations on complex topics. |
Improving your GSE score is about more than just studying harder; it's about studying smarter. Here are some practical steps you can take to fast-track your progress and build confidence:
Understanding your GSE score is the first step towards unlocking your full potential in English. By getting detailed insights into your language skills, you can personalize your learning path, build your confidence and fast-track your progress. Remember, the key to improvement lies in regular practice and engaging with comprehensive learning tools.
Ready to take the next step? Download Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp today and fast-track your progress with the GSE.
Around 20%Ìýof the , making it an integral component in global business operations. But the question remains for business leaders and HR professionals: how can language learning, specifically, business English courses, drive your organization forward?ÌýHere are 8 ways language training can impact your business.
Language learning is more than just something you study—it's a strategic move that integrates into every aspect of your life—socially, professionally and mentally. With English often being the common ground for global business, communicating effectively in this language has never been more important.
In this post, we uncover the benefits of language proficiency, particularly in English, backed by relevant statistics and insights from ÃÛÌÒapp's recentÌýground-breaking new research.
Did you know? According to our research, employees who work for a company that provides English language training are more thanÌýtwice as likelyÌýto say they are very satisfied at work, compared to those working in companies that do not.
To retain top talent in an increasingly competitive marketplace, all evidence points to developing communication and language skills.
showed that communication skills including English language skills are the most in-demand power skills across the board. PwC’s agrees: the top five predictors for employee turnover all had the same themes in common – communication, empathy and listening skills.
According to , a focus on developing employees’ strengths (as opposed to focusing on fixing weaknesses) can lead to a 20-73% reduction in employee attrition. That’s a startling statistic and one that has the potential to transform your business.
So, the message is clear: by investing in your employees’ existing communication and language strengths, you’re helping them refine a comprehensive range of business power skills. In turn, this will make them feel more engaged and therefore far more likely to stay with you.
Let’s explore three ways to implement an English language skills learning and development plan that underpins communication skills, refines business soft skills and makes your employees want to stay.
To tailor a culture of learning that supports the development of your employees’ language and communication skills, you’ll find it helpful to get their input first. Survey and interview your team to better understand current barriers to language-specific learning, skills gaps, preferred learning styles and current frustrations.
For example, is it speaking, listening or reading English that they currently struggle with the most? The better you understand your employees’ needs, the more consulted and engaged with the process they’ll feel.
In 2023, Forbes outlined , and perhaps unsurprisingly, reward featured strongly. Your performance management system should include a structure that acknowledges employees who are committing to achieving their objectives and developing their skills, and demonstrates the career trajectory that might be possible with improved communication and language skills.
What that looks like will differ from organization to organization, but it’s important that employees understand the potential opportunities that come with refining their language skills.
Your employees may not naturally make the link between developing language skills and career progression, so help them understand how better language skills can help them move forward in their role and how you will support them in this.
When they see that language skills have been built into their development plans, they’ll feel invested in staying with your organization and developing their skills with you.
In a world where communication-based soft skills are more valuable than ever before, the ability to confidently converse in different languages within a business context is an impressive skill that’s transferable to a multitude of other business soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.
Once they understand the full range of benefits that come with developing their language skills, they’ll be grateful that you’re committed to helping them do that and will be more likely to stay.
It’s clear that when employees feel that their communication skills are improving, they feel a sense of continued progression and engagement – not only in their language abilities but also across a range of other business power skills.
The key to retaining talent lies in increasing engagement, and since higher engagement rates are linked to , according to Gallup, there really is no better way to retain a happy workforce.
Learn how Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp can help you reinforce a culture of learning and retain top talent within your organization, with flexible English language learning solutions for your business.
If you liked this blog post and want to learn more,Ìýdownload the PDF report here.
Find out more about how language training and assessment can drive your business forward by checking out our resources for HR professionals, including articles, whitepapers and research.
