What does intermediate-level English mean? New rules

Since 2001, Europe has moved to a fundamentally new language standards, so the classic British textbooks now also reissue in accordance with new levels. Has anything changed seriously with the introduction of the levels? No, but a strict classification put an end to heterogeneous self-division into groups in language schools. And the trend was obvious - first, create levels more than necessary (this is to take more money), and secondly, to overestimate your level for self-esteem. This is when the intermediate level of English was given out by A2, which can only be called average, given its position between A1 and B1.

Total new standards of language knowledge 6 (well, or 7 - if you take into account zero). So, the intermediate level of knowledge of the English language is not one, but two levels of modern classification - B1 and B2. People who own it in this degree are called still Independent Users, especially those ranked in the B2 column in the classification. And in the new system it is recommended to move away from the old name "intermediate level of English" and either call B1 and B2 Lower and Upper Intermediate, respectively, or generally use other, very specific terms - Threshold and Vantage levels. In other words, the old terms will not help you navigate the modern sea of textbooks.

Knowledge of English at the intermediate level, if the language school did not deceive you, most likely corresponds to the level of B1. What does this practically mean? A person well understands a clearly pronounced speech when the vocabulary refers to the often used or related to his professional activities. Can cope with almost any emerging situation, if necessary, to travel the country of the studied language (hence the term "independent", as we discussed above). Can deliver a coherent speech on topics related to work or personal interests. Briefly justify your opinion, state evidence or plan of action. That is, the intermediate level of English, even on the lowest graph, is a good degree of language proficiency.

How do you describe a person belonging to the B2 user category? He understands a wider range of texts, is capable of perceiving the basic ideas of even complex scientific texts, whereas B1 is a level for everyday interaction. The speech is fluent, with a great deal of spontaneity, which makes conversations with carriers devoid of tension for both sides. Is able to create a clear and detailed text on a large number of topics, not just workers and households. Is able to clearly state the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of opinions. Such a language user is rightly called independent. Level B2 allows you to begin your education at the level of an English-speaking country. It occurs among the brightest graduates of the most powerful specialized schools or graduates of good non-linguistic universities.

These two levels are intermediate, there are two more - C1 and C2, and they should be aimed at everyone who already has an intermediate level of English. After all, higher categories give the opportunity for professional immigration or work on expensive language courses for English teachers. In general, the level of C1 - the average for horoshistov and excellent students of language universities. But C2 can not get to all the carriers.