A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. | Beginners
To enter into this level no previous knowledge of the language is required.
It is also recommended if you have just finished our 5- week Survival course (once a week option for European languages). | 0-50 |
A1 (as above) | Beginners Continuation
To enter this level you should be able to convey extremely basic information and use basic greetings. Your ability to communicate is limited to basic structures and vocabulary in tourist situations. Recommended if you have just finished our 5- week Survival course (twice a week option for European languages). | 50-100 |
A1 (as above) | Elementary
To enter this level you should be able to understand simple questions and statements. You should be able to survive in environments where the target language is spoken, for example travelling, booking accommodation, shopping and socialising. Your understanding of the language is limited. You mainly use the present tense, with some set phrases for the past. | 100-150 |
A2
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). Can communicate in simple tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters of immediate need. | Elementary continuation
To enter this level you should be able to understand simple questions and statements. You should be able to survive in environments where the target language is spoken, and use a wider range of every day vocabulary. Your understanding of the language is limited. You use mainly present and the past tenses in simple conversations. | 150-200 |
A2 (as above) | Pre-intermediate
You should be able to communicate adequately in simple everyday situations. You can name common objects and events, and people in familiar roles. You can use simple expressions for past, present and future although you still make basic errors. | AI + 150 hours |
B1
Can understand the main points of familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. | Intermediate
To enter this level you should be able to communicate your ideas in most everyday situations and discuss common topics. You can use a variety of tenses and expressions with reasonable accuracy. You can confidently deal with authentic listening and reading material. | A2 + 150 hours |
B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. 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. | Upper Intermediate
To enter this level you should be able to express themselves quite fluently, although not always accurately, with a wide range of vocabulary and a command of comprehensive grammar structures. You should be able to use the target language in a variety of contexts. | B1 + 150 hours |
C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. | Advanced
To enter this level you should be able to use an extensive range of tenses and idiomatic expressions. You should have the language skills to deal with highly specialised tasks. | B2 + 150 hours |
C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. | Advanced Club
At International House our post-advanced students are automatically placed in this level once they have covered all grammar main points and their language skills are similar to a native speaker. At this level students focus on maintaining their level of proficiency through activities related to culture, literature and media. | C1 + 150 hours |
