Our English Proficiency Programme is targeted towards those in francophone countries, non-natives and those with English as a second language. We provide fully furnished accommodation for students all over the world who want to improve their English language. We do pickup and drop-off to and from the airport. Whatsapp or call to make a booking on 0246682412.
Duration of course: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months. Tuition fee: Ghc 2000 per month
Since everyone has various learning techniques, skills, and shortcomings, it can be challenging to gauge language ability. You can distinguish between someone who speaks a few words of English and someone who speaks it as their first language, but what about everyone else? How can you assess your proficiency in English? What is the number of different levels of English proficiency?
Understanding English Levels
English levels of proficiency comprises 6 distinct English levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These standards are used to determine language ability for speakers all over the world. Let’s take a closer look at each English level to see what they mean:
A1 – Beginner (Basic)
Average Time to Reach A1 | Topics | Rate of Speech (Words Per Minute) | Pronunciation and Grammar | Vocabulary |
1-3 months | Simple questions and answers, information about oneself, very common and familiar topics | 60 WPM or less | Very basic knowledge with frequent errors | Situation-specific |
The A1 level refers to speakers who have a basic grasp of the English language. If you are at the A1 level, you can understand some common phrases and words in English. You can ask and answer simple questions (i.e. How old are you? Where do you live? What’s your favorite color?).
Your interactions will be relatively basic, and you may need other people to speak slowly with you in order to understand.
This level is common among those who have only been studying English for a short time (less than 6 months) or those who have not studied English for many years and do not practice regularly.
A2 – Beginner (Basic)
Average Time to Reach A2 | Topics | Rate of Speech (Words Per Minute) | Pronunciation and Grammar | Vocabulary |
6-12 months | The same topics as Level A1 plus expanded social interactions like varied greetings, hobbies, future arrangements, etc. | 80 WPM or less | Basic knowledge with frequent errors | Situation-specific |
At the A2 level, you can speak in full sentences and phrases on simple topics. Your vocabulary covers a broader array of subjects than it did at the A1 level, but your interactions are still limited to direct exchanges of information.
You can likely have a full conversation about yourself and various parts of your life. While your listening comprehension has improved, you might still need others to speak slowly or repeat themselves from time to time.
This level is common among adults in their first year of study or those who have not studied English for many years.
B1 – Intermediate (Independent)
Average Time to Reach B1 | Topics | Rate of Speech (Words Per Minute) | Pronunciation and Grammar | Vocabulary |
1-2 years | The same topics as Level A2 plus maintained speech in a wider range of contexts, including personal opinions and other informal discussions | 100 WPM or less | Frequent errors with new or complex words | Adapted to a broad range of circumstances |
Once you reach B1 level English, your English abilities are at the “intermediate” level. This means that you can speak and understand English for matters related to your daily routine. You can also be much more descriptive about your life and experiences. Finally, you can talk (using relatively simple terms) about more abstract or subjective topics, like aspirations, dreams, or opinions.
This level is common among adults who have been continuously studying English for more than one year or those who have the opportunity to practice English on a semi-regular basis.
B2 – Intermediate (Independent)
Average Time to Reach B2 | Topics | Rate of Speech (Words Per Minute) | Pronunciation and Grammar | Vocabulary |
2-4 years | The same topics as Level B1 plus the ability to express more complex viewpoints, arguments, and hypothetical situations | 120 WPM or less | Occasional errors with new or complex words | Extensive knowledge of conversational English plus some basic technical vocabulary related to work or personal hobbies |
The B2 level is often referred to as the “upper intermediate level.” As a B2 English speaker, you can take part in conversations on a variety of concrete and abstract topics. You may not know a lot of technical vocabulary, but you can still convey complex thoughts, explanations, experiences, or concepts with moderate accuracy.
This English proficiency level is common among adults who have been studying English for several years and practice regularly.
C1 – Advanced (Proficient)
Average Time to Reach C1 | Topics | Rate of Speech (Words Per Minute) | Pronunciation and Grammar | Vocabulary |
4-6 years | The same topics as Level B2 plus the ability to speak on completely new topics spontaneously | 140 WPM or less | Infrequent errors with new or complex words | Extensive knowledge of conversational English and technical vocabulary |
Once you have reached the C2 level, you are considered an advanced student of the English language.
You now have a firmer grasp of more complex grammar structures, implicit meaning in both text and speech, as well as the ability to speak English fluently in almost any environment. Though you will naturally make some errors from time to time, they are likely small and infrequent.
In order to reach the C1 level, you will likely need to study English formally for several years and practice speaking or reading English on a regular basis. This level of English proficiency is common among those who have lived in an English-speaking country for an extended period of time.
C2 – Advanced (Proficient)
Average Time to Reach C2 | Topics | Rate of Speech (Words Per Minute) | Pronunciation and Grammar | Vocabulary |
6-8 years | All or nearly all of the same topics as a native English speaker | 160 WPM or less | Very infrequent errors | Extensive knowledge of conversational English and technical vocabulary |
C2 is the highest assessment of all 6 levels.
At this level, you can understand the vast majority of English, spoken or written, that you encounter. Though you may make rare errors, your proficiency is near or equal to that of a native English speaker. You can understand the finer nuances of tone, pacing, and word choice, even in complex texts or situations.
C2 level speakers have likely been studying English for many years, practicing the language regularly or even on a daily basis with native speakers.