Understand your English level

Sam Colley
Reading time: 4 minutes

Learning English as a second language is a journey that can be fun and tough. A key part of this journey is knowing your current skill level. The Global Scale of English (GSE) helps learners check their skills. The GSE is a scale from 10 to 90 that measures English ability. It gives clear information about what learners can do at each level. In this blog, we’ll look at how to find out your English level using GSE scores, levels, and "I can..." statements.

Why understanding your English level matters

You may wonder, ‘Why is it important for me to know my language level’? If you start studying without knowing your skill level, you might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or find learning too easy and be put off or not make any learning progress.
Knowing your English level helps you in many ways, such as to:

  1. Set realistic goals: Tailor your learning objectives to your current abilities.
  2. Choose appropriate materials: Select books, courses, and resources that match your proficiency.
  3. Track progress: Measure improvement over time and stay motivated.

GSE levels and what they mean

The GSE levels range from Starter to Expert, each with specific "I can..." statements that describe what you should be able to do at that level. Here’s a breakdown of each level, along with some practical examples:

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.

GSE 10-19: Starter – CEFR <A1

At this level, you can use and understand a small number of words and phrases.

For example: You can say hello and introduce yourself. Simple phrases like "My name is John" or "How are you?" are within your grasp.

GSE 20-29: Beginner – CEFR <A1-A1

As a beginner, you can ask and answer simple questions, write short sentences, and share personal information.

For example: You can order food and drink in a simple way. For instance, you might say, "I would like a coffee, please," or "Where is the bathroom?"

GSE 30-39: Pre-intermediate – CEFR A2+

At this stage, you can talk about everyday topics and understand the main information in conversations.

For example: You can make a hotel reservation over the phone. You might say, "I need a room for two nights," or "Do you have free Wi-Fi?"

GSE 40-49: Intermediate – CEFR B1

Intermediate learners can share their opinions, explain their reasoning, and write longer texts, such as short essays.

For example: You can describe your weekend plans. For example, "This weekend, I am going to visit my grandparents and go hiking."

GSE 50-59: High Intermediate – CEFR B1+

At this level, you can 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. You might say, "I am not satisfied with the service because my order was incorrect."

GSE 60-69: Pre-advanced – CEFR B1-B2

Pre-advanced learners can speak more fluently about a broad range of topics and share detailed ideas and explanations in writing.

For example: You can understand a wide range of TV shows and films. For example, you can follow the plot and dialogue of a drama series without subtitles.

GSE 70-79: Advanced – CEFR B2+-C1

At the advanced level, you can 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. For instance, you might understand a pun or a play on words in a conversation.

GSE 80-90: Expert – CEFR C1-C2

Expert learners can talk spontaneously, fluently, and precisely, read and write documents with ease, and understand spoken English in all contexts.

For example: You can participate in fast-paced conversations on complex topics. You might discuss global economic issues or debate philosophical ideas with ease.

Assessing your English proficiency

To accurately find out your GSE level, consider taking a standardized test that provides a GSE score. Many language schools and online platforms offer assessments specifically designed to measure your English proficiency according to the GSE framework or you could try the ÃÛÌÒapp Test of English (PTE) or ÃÛÌÒapp English International Certificate (PEIC).

Understanding yourself to improve your English study

Understanding your English level as an ESL learner is an essential step in mastering the language. Whether you're a beginner who can recognize simple greetings or an advanced learner who can understand complex arguments in newspaper articles, the GSE provides a clear pathway for your language learning journey so you can clearly see where you stand and what you need to work on next.

Read our blog posts ‘Learning a language while working full-time’ and ‘English conversation mistakes to avoid’

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Woman with a open book to her face in a bookshop

    Books to improve your English: Sci-fi and fantasy edition

    By

    Are you a fan of science fiction and fantasy books? These genres are not only very entertaining but can also help you improve your English skills. You can enhance your language proficiency by reading books with captivating storytelling, unique vocabulary and imaginative concepts.

    Following on from 9 great novels to help improve your English, we've gathered a list of great sci-fi and fantasy books that will transport you to amazing worlds and improve your language skills.

    Ìý

  • Buisness people in a workplace stood around a table laughing

    Business English idioms: Understanding corporate lingo

    By ÃÛÌÒapp Languages

    When it comes to business, communication is key. Knowing how to use business English idioms can really help you express yourself, make connections and achieve success. These colorful expressions add depth and nuance to our conversations, making it easier to communicate confidently and effectively.Ìý

    Today, we explore several commonly used idioms you might come across when using English in the workplace, providing examples of how they can be used and shedding light on their meanings.

    Ballpark figure

    A ballpark figure means an estimate or rough guess of a quantity or value. It's a handy way to give a general idea or range without getting too into the details. This can be really helpful during negotiations or planning when you don't need exact numbers. Ballpark figures give you a sense of the bigger picture without bogging you down with specifics.Ìý

    In the redÌý

    If someone says they are "in the red", it means they are having a tough time financially and are experiencing losses or negative cash flow. This happens when expenses are more than the money coming in, resulting in a negative balance or deficit. The term originated from using red ink in financial records to indicate negative numbers.

    Blue-sky thinking

    A way to describe a really creative and outside-the-box approach to problem-solving or brainstorming. Basically thinking or brainstorming without any boundaries or limits. A manager might encourage a team to do some blue-sky thinking, allowing them to come up with some very imaginative ideas and concepts.Ìý

    Square the circle

    An idiom for attempting an impossible task, originating from a math problem where you can't create a square with the same area as a circle using just a compass and straight edge. Someone may say trying to reach a solution all clients were happy with was like trying to square the circle, implying that it was a difficult and almost impossible task.

    Don't put all your eggs into one basket

    This saying suggests that relying on just one strategy or investment is not wise. It emphasizes the importance of diversification and spreading risks for long-term success. To achieve sustained success, a financial advisor may suggest to their client to diversify their investment portfolio and not solely rely on one option.

    Make ends meet

    The meaning of making ends meet involves being able to complete a task or project using the existing income or resources. It requires efficient management of finances to cover necessary expenses, despite having a limited budget or resources.ÌýFor instance, if someone is working on a project with a restricted budget, they may need to make ends meet as they cannot obtain additional funds to support it.

    Cover all bases

    This means considering every possible factor and handling them carefully to prevent problems or risks. Making sure everything is examined, and anticipating any potential challenges or situations. A business doing a report or analysis may want to "cover all the bases" to prevent any surprise issues or gaps.

    The origin of this is likely a reference to baseball. When playing defense, the goal is to protect or 'cover' your bases and stop the other team from getting points.

    Get down to brass tacks

    To solve a problem or task, by focusing on the important details and practical steps needed for success. Avoiding unnecessary distractions and concentrating on what's essential.ÌýFor instance, a project manager might say, "Let's focus on the necessary steps we need to take to complete this project on time by getting down to brass tacks."

    Playing hardball

    "Playing hardball" means being tough and unwavering during negotiations or business deals. It shows that someone is assertive and firm in defending their interests. If the other party is unyielding, a skilled negotiator may suggest "playing hardball" to get a better deal.

    These are just a few of a long list, but by adopting idioms and English phrases like these into your professional interactions, you can strengthen relationships with colleagues and showcase your understanding of the business environment more clearly. Plus, it can give you a boost of confidence in your language learning and in navigating the complex world of corporate English.

    If you want to refine your business English skills even further, make sure to check out our blog postÌý5 ways to politely say no in Business English. You can also check out Mondly, an app developed to help you learn languages for various realistic scenarios.Ìý

  • Two parents sat with their two children, writing in a workbook togeher

    5 essentials every child needs when you're teaching English

    By

    The educational choices available to children are evolving rapidly with apps, online courses, digital games, recordings and videos becoming easily accessible. However, amidst this technological advancement, human evolution has not suddenly accelerated, and the primary aim for teachers remains unchanged - helping children make sense of the world and leaving their mark on it.

    Here are five essential ways we can achieve that for every child, regardless of their circumstances, whether it's teaching English or fostering everyday learning and education.

    Ìý