Understanding your GSE score

Samantha Ball
placeholder
Reading time: 3 minutes

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.

Understanding your ÃÛÌÒapp Global Scale of English (GSE) score
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

What is the GSE?

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.

"The Global Scale of English represents the most significant advance in performance-based approaches to language learning, teaching and assessment since the development of the Common European Framework of Reference."

David Nunan, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at the University of Hong Kong.

How do I get my GSE score?

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.

What does my GSE score mean?

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.

How can I improve my GSE score?

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:

  • Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key. Incorporate English into your daily routine, whether through reading, writing, or speaking.
  • Use Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp: ÃÛÌÒapp language learning courses and apps, like Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp, help you improve your English skills and align with the GSE, so you can continually track your progress on one scale. Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp offers interactive language exercises that make learning enjoyable and effective.
  • Engage with the community: Follow ÃÛÌÒapp Languages on social media platforms for fun and helpful language-learning tips and advice. Engaging with a community of other language learners can also help you stay motivated and provide support when you need it.

Boost your English skills with us

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.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Business woman presenting and discussing with two people in front of her

    How to recruit more effectively: leveraging language assessment AI

    By Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    There areÌýÌýwhy recruiters use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their hiring process: to save time, provide valuable insights and to make their jobs easier.

    The recruitment process is vital to any thriving business, but it can be time-consuming and labor intensive. Sourcing candidates, screening resumes, conducting interviews and making hiring decisions can be stop-start, with some time-wasting tasks and reprocessing. However, as technology continues to evolve, the role of AI in recruitment is becoming increasingly important.

    With the help of AI, Talent Acquisition leads can improve their recruiting processes, save time and find better-quality candidates. believe AI greatly enhances talent acquisition and retention.

  • A teacher stood at a students desk helping them

    How the GSE can help teachers personalize activities

    By

    Reading time: 4.5 minutes

    Teaching is an art form that thrives on adaptation and personalization. When dealing with language instruction, ensuring that each student is engaged and effectively learning is of paramount importance. In my experience as a teacher, I have learned that we should always teach our students rather than the coursebook or the syllabus. I think most teachers would agree with this.

    However, it may be challenging to adapt activities to cater to our learners’ needs. What does personalizing an activity mean? How can we make it more accessible to our English learners? One would think that making the answers more obvious can be the way to go. Yet, this does not really help students learn and make progress. That's where the Global Scale of English (GSE) comes in as a valuable tool for personalizing teaching activities.

    The essence of personalized learning

    Personalizing an activity in language teaching does not simply mean making the responses more obvious. Instead, it's about tailoring the exercise to elevate the student's learning experience and potential for progress. This demands an insightful approach during the preparation phase of any given lesson.

    Utilizing the GSE in language teaching

    Let’s analyze this listening activity at A2 level for a group of adults:

    Audio script example:

    Emma: Are you working on the Media project?

    Vic: Yes. I may start working on a new project in a couple of weeks, but for now I’m writing the objectives for Media. Why?

    Emma: Well, Adam wants to see the photos for the project. He needs them for the ads.

    Vic: Oh, they’ll be ready next week. OK?

    Emma: Awesome! Thanks. Any plans for the weekend?

    Vic: Well, I have to work on Saturday. We’re taking the Media pictures in the morning, but we’re just going to have fun at the beach in the afternoon.

    Emma: Nice!

    Vic: What about you? What are you doing this weekend?

    Emma: I’m going to a concert on Sunday at 3 pm.

    Vic: That sounds fun!

    Listen and write T (true) or F (false)

    1. Vic is working on a new project.

    2.Ìý Vic is working on Saturday morning.

    3. Emma is going to a concert on Sunday evening.

    GSE Descriptors

    Upon dissecting this example by the GSE descriptors, we can identify the learning objectives that align with an A2 level:

    • Can identify simple information in a short video, provided that the visual supports this information and the delivery is slow and clear. (GSE 30)

    • Can identify basic factual information in short, simple dialogues or narratives on familiar everyday topics, if spoken slowly and clearly. (GSE 32)

    • Can understand the main information in short, simple dialogues about familiar activities, if spoken slowly and clearly.Ìý(GSE 33)

    • Can identify key information (e.g., places, times) from short audio recordings if spoken slowly and clearly. (GSE 33)

    We know that learners should be given a global task first for overall listening, which is also one of the communicative objectives in the Global Scale of English:

  • a group of friends smiling and looking at the one who is writing in a notepad

    Tips to help achieve your language learning resolutions

    By ÃÛÌÒapp Languages

    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Welcome to the beginning of a new year, filled with countless possibilities and exciting opportunities for learning a new language. If you're like most people, you probably have some language learning resolutions and goals you'd like to achieve this year.

    While setting these goals is easy, sticking to them can appear daunting. But don't worry, we’re here to help you not only set those goals but also achieve them like a pro. Below are some useful tips to help turn your language aspirations into reality this year and to keep you motivated towards your goals.