GENERAL ENGLISH
General English Language - A1
An A1 level of English would be sufficient for very simple interactions, for example as a tourist in an English-speaking country. An A1 level would not be sufficient for other academic or professional purposes. According to the official CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) guidelines, someone at the A1 level in English:
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Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
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Can introduce herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where she lives, people she knows, and things she has.
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Can interact with other people in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
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A1 level English skills in detail
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The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller chunks for teaching purposes. This more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the A1 level in English will be able to:
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introduce himself simply and use basic greetings.
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tell where he and others are from and give a basic description of his city.
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talk simply about family and colleagues, describing their appearance and personalities.
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discuss clothing at a basic level and ask sales clerks simple questions about it.
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talk about favorite foods and make simple orders for take-out food.
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talk about daily activities and arrange meetings with friends and colleagues.
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describe current weather conditions and suggest activities according to the weather forecast.
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talk in general terms about his health and describe common medical symptoms to a doctor.
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describe the location of his home and give simple directions.
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talk about his hobbies and interests and makes plans for fun activities with friends or colleagues.
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complete basic transactions at a hotel, including checking in and checking out.
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discuss common products, make basic purchases and return faulty items.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can expect to reach the A1 level in English with 60 to 80 hours of instruction
General English Language - A2
An A2 level of English is sufficient for tourism in an English speaking country and socializing with English speakers, although to develop deeper friendships an A2 level is not adequate. An A2 level of English also allows for networking with English-speaking colleagues, but working in English is limited to very familiar topics at the A2 level. An A2 level of English is not sufficient for academic study or for consuming most English-language media (TV, movies, radio, magazines, etc.). According to the official CEFR(Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) guidelines, someone at the A2 level in English:
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Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
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Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
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Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
A2 level English skills in detail
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The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller pieces for teaching purposes. This more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the A2 level in English will be able to do all the things that a student in level A1 can do, and in addition he will be able to:
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evaluate coworkers' performance in the workplace.
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relate events from your past, including your weekend activities and interesting stories.
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describe your past life, giving details about important milestones.
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entertain someone in your home or visit a friend or colleague in their home.
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discuss your vacation plans and tell friends and colleagues about your vacation afterwards.
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talk about the natural world and travels to see animals and natural areas in your country.
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talk about movies that you like and choose a movie to see with friends.
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discuss clothing and what kind of clothes you like to wear.
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engage in basic communication at work, including attending meetings on familiar topics.
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describe an accident or injury, get medical help from a doctor and fill a prescription for medicine.
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engage in basic business socializing, welcoming guests and attending networking events.
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understand and make basic business proposals in your area of expertise.
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talk about and explain the rules of games.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can expect to reach the A2 level in English with 200 hours of cumulative instruction.
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