Language Levels

Our Language Levels

Our course levels are based on internationally recognized systems, so you have a universally accepted reference for your studies. We recommend at least 100-200 hours of study to adequately cover each CEFR / ACTFL level. This represents a mix of guided study and self-study in the form of homework and other revision / practice. The number of hours of face-to-face time necessary to progress varies significantly depending on a number of important factors such as; the amount of time you are able to dedicate to self-study, whether you are learning the language in the country it is spoken, whether you have the opportunity to practise the langugae you are learning on a daily basis.

The guideline given is reflected in our course structure, which is designed to give you a solid foundation in the language whilst providing you with enough time to cover each level sufficiently. The structure is of course flexible and adaptable, depending on your prior language skills, individual preferences and goals.

CEFR*/ ACTFL** ReferenceCEFR* Level NamesACTFL** Level NamesCactus Levels
A1BeginnerNovice
(Low/Mid/High)
Beginner 1
Beginner 2
Beginner 3
A2ElementaryIntermediate
(Low/Mid)
Elementary 1
Elementary 2
Elementary 3
B1IntermediateIntermediate
(High)
Intermediate 1
Intermediate 2
Intermediate 3
B2Upper IntermediateAdvanced
(Low/Mid/High)
Upper Intermediate 1
Upper Intermediate 2
Upper Intermediate 3
C1AdvancedSuperiorAdvanced 1
Advanced 2
Advanced 3
C2ProficientDistinguishedProficient 1
Proficient 2
Proficient 3

Our Language Levels

The language level descriptions below help to explain the results of your language level test. Before you start a course with Cactus it is important to have a good understanding of your current level, to be able to plan out the level you want to achieve and the number of hours of tuition and study that will be necessary to achieve your goals. Our level descriptors are internationally benchmarked to provide clear indicators of how levels are assessed and to find out what you should be able to say and understand at each language level, from beginner level through to proficient. All our levels follow the CEFR and ACTFL guidelines.

Test score: 0-9

  • You are a complete beginner and have no prior knowledge of the language, with the exception of perhaps a few key words.
  • You are a “false beginner” i.e. you have some prior, but very basic, knowledge of the language, and find it difficult to produce more than a few key words and phrases. Maybe you haven’t used the language in a while and/or want to start at ‘the beginning’.
  • You have a very basic knowledge of the language. Your vocabulary is very limited and you have no real understanding of the grammar.
  • e.g. You can introduce yourself, ask simple directions and order food and drink in a café or restaurant.

At the end of Beginner (A1):

  • You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • You can introduce yourself and others.
  • You can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, what you do, people you know and things you have.
  • You can ask and give directions.
  • You can order food and drink
  • You can make very basic travel and accommodation arrangements.
  • You can have a basic conversation, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Test score: 10-19

You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. You can introduce yourself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have. You can interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

At the end of Elementary (A2):

  • You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas including basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography and employment.
  • You can communicate in simple and routine tasks, requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters
  • You can describe, in simple terms, aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
  • You can comfortably ‘get by’ when visiting the country, albeit with some difficulty.

Test score: 20-29

You 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). You can communicate in simple and routine tasks, requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. You can describe, in simple terms, aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

At the end of Intermediate (B1):

  • You can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
  • You can describe experiences and events.
  • You can talk about dreams, hopes and ambitions
  • You can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
  • You could consider working in the country using the language (e.g. bar/counter work, waiting service in cafés or basic office work).

Test score: 30-35

You can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

At the end of Upper Intermediate (B2):

  • You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation.
  • You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible, without strain for either party.
  • You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
  • You can do business with speakers of the language in most run-of-the-mill situations.

Test score: 36-39

You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible, without strain for either party. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

At the end of Advanced (C1):

  • You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
  • You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • You can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • You can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, logical flow of text, and clear awareness of the audience.

Test score: 40

You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

At the end of Proficient (C2):

  • You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
  • You can summarise information from different spoken and written sources.
  • You can reconstruct arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
  • You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely.
  • You can differentiate finer shades of meaning, even in the most complex situations.

Choose from over 20 languages

Whether you are looking to improve your, or your team’s language skills for expansion, or to interact more effectively with clients. Cactus offer language training in over 20 different languages. For those looking for specific, industry-tailored training, Cactus can provide specialist language training in any language from across the world.

Whether you are planning on studying online, face-to-face, or through one of our blended courses, we can offer the right solution for your needs.

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