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Pre-Intermediate level - who is suitable, program, training period. What is the Pre-Intermediate level? Pre intermediate level what does it mean

What does English grammar look like by levels?

In this post, we will discuss in detail what grammar is taught at different levels of learning English - from beginner to advanced. Let's see examples of this grammar and do a little test.

Just in case, let me remind you that grammar is just one aspect of learning a language. Necessary, useful, yes. But far from the only one.

And how good it would be - I learned grammar and, consider, mastered English))


English grammar by levels

You will see that often the same grammar is repeated at different levels. Read more about why this happens in. Briefly:

  • not all grammatical constructions are learned the first time (repetition is the mother of learning)))
  • at lower levels, phenomena are considered separately from each other, and at more high levels- compare with each other
  • as the level of English improves, it turns out that each grammatical construction has nuances and subtleties, about which insidious teachers are silent for the time being, so as not to create confusion

English grammar by levels - in different textbooks - looks about the same. Therefore, I will take as a basis one of the most popular textbooks - English File.

By the way, this English grammar by levels can be a kind of test. Take a look at any section and see if you understand sentences with grammar examples? But - more importantly - do you use such constructions in speech? If not, it might not be your level yet. If yes, go to the next level and do the same.

English grammar by levels - a short way to the desired section:

Grammar level Beginner / Starter

At the Beginner level, the basics of the basics go through - the simplest constructions. At the same time - and the most important, because all the complex grammar of higher levels will be based on them.

At this level, a lot of attention is paid to forms - again, to achieve a certain automatism in simple things like I am, you are, he is. Grammar constructions at the Beginner level are mostly treated separately from each other to avoid confusion of comparisons and nuances.

What grammar
pass at the level
Beginner / Starter

Grammar example

statements
denial
questions
I "m from Russia / You" re in class 2 / He "s 30 years old.
I "m not from Moscow / You aren" t late / He isn't French.
Am I late? Are you from the UK? Is he French?
How are you? Where is he from?
The only and
plural
number
a book - books
a watch - watches
an umbrella - umbrellas
this, these
that, those

What's that? What are those?
Possessive
pronouns

he - his / she - her / it - its
Possessive "s
Maria "s children, John"s birthday, my parents" car
adjectives
It "s a fast car - This car is fast
They "re expensive shoes - These shoes are expensive

statements
denial
questions
I have breakfast at home / She lives in a flat.
I don't go to work by bus / She doesn't have a pet.
Do you understand me? / Does she work here?
Where do you live? / When does she start work?
Adverbs
(adverbs of frequency)
always, usually
often, sometimes,
hardly ever, never
Questions with be and do
Where are you from? / Where do you live?
can, can't
I can play the guitar / I can "t sing. / Can I park here?
like, love, hate
with gerund
I like swimming / I love reading
I hate doing housework
Present Continuous
I "m driving to the airport at the moment
What are you doing?
There is / there are
There is a bar in this hotel but there aren't any restaurants.
past simple:
was / were
regular verbs
(regular verbs)
irregular verbs
(Irregular Verbs)
I was born in 1988.
Where were you at 7 o "clock last night?
I arrived in Stockholm early in the morning.
What time did you arrive?
I bought some souvenirs.
What did you buy?
Present Continuous
for future tense
I"m arriving in Venice on April 10.
Where are you staying?

Elementary Grammar

The Elementary level is very similar to the previous level. I will say more, often instead of Beginner, my students and I take on Elementary right away, we just go through it a little more carefully.

Grammar Elementary almost one to one repeats the grammar of the previous level.

What grammar
pass at the level
Elementary

Grammar examples
to be: am / is / are
statements
denial
questions
My name "s Anna / You" re early / My email address is...
I "m not English / It isn't far
Where are you from? / What's your phone number?
How old are you?
Possessive
pronouns
I - my / you - your / we - our / they - their
he - his / she - her / it - its
The only and
plural
number
a book - books / a watch - watches
an umbrella - umbrellas
a man - men, a woman - women, a person - people
this, these
that, those
What's this? What are these? How much is this bag?
What's that? What are those?
adjectives
It "s an empty box- This box is empty.
They're cheap / quite cheap / really cheap
imperative
inclination (imperative)
Let's
Open the door / Sit down / Turn off your mobile.
Let's take a break / Let's go to the cinema.

statements
denial
questions
I wear glasses / They drink tea / It rains a lot
I don't have children / They don't live here / It doesn't work
Do you live in a flat? / Does she speak German?
What time does it open?
Possessive "s
Whose
Justin Bieber's sister, George Clooney's father
Whose bag is it?
prepositions of time
and places
at 7am, in the morning, at the weekend, in March
on Monday, at school, in the park
Adverbs
always, usually, often, sometimes, hardly ever, never
every day, twice a week, three times a year
can / can't
Where can I park? / I can't hear you.
Present Continuous
What's happening? What are you looking at?
object pronouns
I - me / we - us / they - them
he - him / she - her / it - it
like/love/enjoy
don't mind
hate with gerund
I like / love / enjoy reading in bed.
I don't mind cooking.
I hate getting up early.

Are you a fan of any band?
When do you usually listen to music?
past simple
was / were
regular verbs
(regular verbs)
irregular verbs
(incorrect ch.)
Where were you?
I was at a party last weekend / They were angry
They chatted and listened to music.
What did they do?
I wore a black dress.
What did you wear?
there is / there are
some / any
There's a dining room. There are three bedrooms.
Are there any neighbors? There are some paintings.
there was/there were
Was there a mini-bar in your room?
There were 3 other guests.
Countable and
uncountable
nouns
an apple, a banana
some sugar, some rice
We need some sugar / There isn't any milk.
how much / how many
a lot of, some, none
How much free time do you have?
How many friends do you have on Facebook?
Comparative
adjectives
A proton is heavier than an electron.
Mosquitoes are more dangerous than sharks.
good - better / bad - worse / far - further
Excellent
adjectives
It's the longest river in the world.
It's the most popular art gallery in the world.
Going to plans
I "m going to travel round Europe.
Going to for predictions
You're going to like it.
Adverbs
speak fast, know him well, drive carefully
Verbs
with infinitive
want to talk to you, would like to learn to cook
need to stop
Articles
I "m a student / It" s the oldest university in Europe.
Present Perfect
I "ve seen Harry Potter but I haven't read the book.
Have you ever eaten sushi?


Pre-intermediate grammar

At the Pre-intermediate level, they are already starting to compare different designs with each other and find out the nuances. Why is somewhere better to say I study economics, and somewhere I'm studying economics.

What grammar
pass at the level
Pre-intermediate

Grammar example
Word order
in questions
Do you speak English? What languages ​​do you speak?
Did you go out last night? Where did you go?
Present Simple
She has a lot of hobbies. We don't get on very well.
Present Continuous
John is wearing a suit today! He usually wears jeans.
past simple
Where did you go on holiday last year? We went to Italy.

When you called me, I was talking to my boss.
unions
although, but, so, because
going to
plans
forecasts

What are you going to do when you leave school?
We are going to be late for work!
Present Continuous
for future
agreements

I "m meeting Joe at 3 o" clock.
When are you coming back?
Relative clauses
This is the restaurant where they make great pizza.
Present Perfect
yet, just, already
I"ve just started a new job.
I "ve already seen this film. / Have you finished yet?
Present Perfect
and Past Simple
Have you ever been to Mexico?
When did you go there?
something / anything
nothing (where / one)
Did anyone phone? No, no one.
Is there anywhere to park?
Comparative
adjectives
and adverbs
Driving is more dangerous than flying.
I "m as tall as my brother.
Can you speak more slowly, please?
Excellent
adjectives
It "s the best film I"ve seen this year.
It "s the worst meal I" ve ever eaten.
Quantifiers
how much / how many / too / enough
will / won't / shall
forecasts,
spontaneous decisions
promises, etc.
Shall I open the window?
You'll like it.
I think I'll go home now.
I'll always love you.
Use
infinitive
Try not to talk about politics.
I came to this school to learn English.
Be careful not to drive too fast.
Using -ing form
(gerund)
Waking up early in the morning makes me happy.
He left without saying goodbye.
Modal verbs
have to, don't have to
must, mustn't
I have to get up at seven every day.
I don't have to wear a uniform.
You mustn't leave your bags here.
should
What do you think I should do? You should see a doctor.
First Conditional
(first conditional)
If I miss the last train, I "ll get a taxi.
Possessive
pronouns
mine, yours, theirs, ours
his, hers, its
Second Conditional
(second conditional)
I "d do more exercise if I had more time.
What would you do if you won a million dollars?
Present Perfect
for, since
How long have you lived here?
I "ve known her for 15 years / since we were children.
passive
present and past
Nowadays a lot of toys are made in China.
This morning I was woken up by the neighbor's dog.
used to
She used to wear glasses.
mightShe might come with us, she's not sure yet.

into, out of, over, along, across, through
So do/am/did I
Neither do / am / did I
I "m married. - So am I.
I don "t know him. - Neither do I.
past perfect
The show had already finished by the time I arrived.
Reported speech
(indirect speech)
He said that he was hungry.
She told me that her car had broken down.
Questions without
auxiliary
verbs
How many people came to the meeting?
Who invented the radio?


Grammar at the Intermediate level

At the Intermediate level, they also compare already familiar phenomena with each other and, of course, study new ones.

What grammar
pass at the level
intermediate
Grammar example


action / non-action
I never cook vs What are you cooking?
I have a dog vs I "m having lunch
I think it "s a good idea vs I" m thinking about you
Future:
will / won't
going to
Present Continuous

I "ll help you. Do you think it" ll rain? You"ll love this film!
I "m going to buy a new car. Barcelona are going to win.
They are getting married in October.
Present Perfect
vs Past Simple
I "ve been to London before. He hasn" t found a new job yet.
When did you go there? How did the interview go?
Present Perfect
Pres. Perf. Continuous
for, since
They"ve known each other for 5 years / since 2010.
I"ve been studying English for 10 years.
How long have you been waiting?
Degrees of comparison
adjectives
(comparative adj.,
superlative adj.)
My brother is a bit/much taller than me.
This chair isn't as comfortable as that one.
It's the most expensive city in the world.
He "s the smartest person I" ve ever met.
Articles
I saw a nice house with a fancy porch.
The porch was decorated with plants.
can, could, be able to
I can sing. I could swim when I was 4.
I "ve never been able to dance. I" d like to be able to draw.
must / mustn "t
have to / don't have to
should / shouldn't
You must wear a seatbelt / You mustn "t exceed the speed limit.
Do I have to pay now? / You don't have to come.
You should stop smoking / You shouldn't drink so much coffee.
past simple
Past continuous
past perfect
When I got home, my family had dinner.
When I got home, my family were having dinner.
When I got home, my family had had dinner.
usually
vs used to
I usually get up at 6am.
I used to get up at 11 when I was unemployed.
The Passive
(all times)
A lot of films are shot on location. The film is being shot.
The film has been shot. The film will be shot on location.
might, must, can("t)
for guesswork
She might like the idea. This must be difficult for you!
You can't be serious!
First Conditional
future time clauses
The boss won "t be happy if you are late for work again.
As soon as you get your exam results, call me.
Second Conditional
What would you do if you met a celebrity?
If I were you, I "d buy a new car.
Reported speech
(indirect speech)
I asked him if he wanted to join us.
She told me she had lost her wallet.
Gerund and infinitive
(gerund
and infinitive)
I "m not good at remembering names. I don" t mind getting up early.
Shopping is my favorite pastime. I don't know what to do.
My house is easy to find. Try not to make a noise.
Third Conditional
If I had known about the party, I would have gone.
Quantifiers
I eat a lot of chocolate. She earns a lot. We have plenty of time.
There aren't enough parks. There's too much traffic.
Relative clauses
That's the house where I was born.
Question tags
They live in New York, don't they? You aren't angry, are you?


Upper-intermediate grammar

By the advanced level of Upper-intermediate, the basics of the basics are usually enlightened. The basics have already been completed. It remains to repeat them a little and proceed to the interesting and subtleties of grammar.

What grammar
pass at the level
Upper-intermediate

Grammar examples
Question formation
(word order
in questions)


Are you talking about me?
What are you talking about?

What time does it open?
Do you know what time it opens?

Auxiliary verbs
(auxiliary
verbs)
I like dogs, but my wife doesn't.
- I loved the film! - So did I.
- I "ve finished. - Have you?
the ... the ...
comparisons
The sooner, the better.
The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
Present Perfect vs
Present Perfect
continuous
She has been writing novels
since she was a student.
She's written 30 novels.
Adjectives as nouns
adjective order
(adjectives
as
nouns,
adjective order)
The Chinese invented paper.
The poor are getting poorer.
They need to create more jobs
for the unemployed.

I bought a beautiful Italian leather bag.

Narrative tenses:
past simple,
past continuous,
past perfect
Past Perfect Continuous
We had been flying for about two hours
when suddenly the captain told us to
fasten our seat belts because we
were flying into a thunderstorm. When
this happened, most passengers
hadn't finished their meals yet.
so ... that
such ... that
There was so much traffic that we nearly missed the flight.
It was such a great show that I want to see it again.
Position of adverbs
and adverbial phrases
(adverbs)
He walks slowly.
I "ve almost finished.
Ideally, we should leave at 8.
Future Perfect

Future Continuous

They will have finished painting
the house by Monday.
Don't phone between 6 and 7, we'll be
having dinner then.
Zero and First
Conditionals
future time clauses
If you haven't been to Paris, you haven't lived.
If we are lucky, we "ll have sold the house by Christmas.
I "ll call you as soon as I" ve talked to the boss.
unreal conditionals
If you exercised more, you "d be much healthier.
He would have died, if he hadn't been wearing a helmet.
Constructions
with wish
I wish I was 20 years younger!
I wish I hadn"t bought this car! / If only I hadn"t bought ...
I wish you would stop calling me at night.
Gerunds and infinitives
(gerund and infinitive)
Remember to lock the door VS I remember locking the door.
I stopped to smoke VS I stopped smoking.
Used to, be used to
get used to
I used to live in the countryside. I was used to the peace
and quiet. I can't get used to the noise of the city.
must have been/done
might have been/done
can't have been / done
It must have been difficult for you.
They might have left.
I can't have lost it.
Verbs of the senses
(verbs of perception)
It smells good. It feels comfortable.
You look tired. sounds interesting.

(passive voice)
+ it is said that ...
+ have something done
My car has been stolen. You can be fined for making noise.
The church was being renovated when I last saw it.
The criminals are believed to have fled the country.
I need to have my car fixed.
Reporting verbs
He persuaded me to quit my job.
She apologized for not being on time.
Clauses of contrast
and purpose
(subordinate clauses
opposition
and goals)
I went to work even though I wasn't feeling well.
Although I was tired, I didin't want to go to bed.
In spite of / Despite the fact that she's 85, she's very active.
I went to the bank in order to speak to my bank manager.
I wrote it down so as not to forget.
whatever, whenever
whoever
Have a seat wherever you like.
Whatever happens, stay calm.
Uncountable
and plural nouns
(uncountable nouns and
noun in sets. number)
I need some advice. I "ll give you two pieces of advice.
It's made of glass. Can I have a glass of water?
The hotel staff is very friendly.
The police are canvassing the area.
Quantifiers
All fruit contains sugar VS All the animals in this zoo look sad.
She wanted to study either physics or mathematics.
articles
My father is in hospital. They're building a new hospital.


Advanced Grammar

What grammar
pass at the level
Advanced

Grammar examples
Have - auxiliary
or main verb
(have like
auxiliary
and main verb)
Do you have any money on you?
Have you got any cousins?
I haven't a clue.
Do I have to pay now?
I need to have my eyes tested.
Discourse markers
and linkers
(conjunctions and copulas)
Despite / In spite of her age, she's still very active.
Despite / In spite of the fact that she's 85, she's very active.
I keep checking my email in case there's an urgent message.
Pronouns
(pronouns)
They say it's never too late to change your life.
We decorated the house ourselves.
past events:
habitual or specific
Habitual and
single events
in the past
I "d wanted to buy a new car for a long time. I" d been saving up
for 2 years and when I finally bought it, I was over the moon.

I used to have a car but I don't anymore.
Every night my mom would tell me a bedtime story.

Get
Values
and use
Let's get a taxi. / It's getting dark. / He might get sacked.
I need to get my passport renewed.
Get Jane to call me.
Discourse markers:
adverbial expressions
As a matter of fact, I don't like football.
On the whole, I believe women are better drivers than men.
As far as the price is concerned...
Speculation
and deduction
Guess and
assumptions
I must have forgotten to lock the door.
You might have been injured.
It can't have been easy.
It ought to have arrived by now.
inversion
(reordering
words in a sentence)
Never have I heard such a ridiculous argument.
Not only is he attractive, (but) he's also smart.
Little did I know.
Distancing
It appears that the situation is going to get worse.
There seems to be a mistake in the bill.
There is thought to be some tension between them.
Unreal uses of
past tenses
If only you hadn "t forgotten the map!
I "d rather you left the dog outside.
It's time we stopped arguing.
verb + object +
infinitive / gerund
We expect the bus to arrive at 7.
I want Real Madrid to win.
Conditional
sentences
+ mixed conditionals
They won't get a table unless they've booked it in advance.
Provided the bank lends us the money, we're going to buy it.
If I "d listened to your advice, I wouldn't be in trouble now.
permission, obligation
necessity
You don "t need to take a jacket VS You needn" t lock the car.
You aren't supposed to park here.
verbs
of the senses
You seem to have made a mistake.
I saw him cross the street VS I saw him crossing the street.
complex gerunds
and infinitives
She thanked him for having helped her.
By the time I "m 30, I hope to have started a family.
future plans and
arrangements
My brother is due to arrive at 8.
I am about to get promoted.
The Prime Minister is to visit India next week.
Ellipsis
- You must see his latest film. - I already have.
He did it even though I told him not to.
- It wasn't my fault. - Well, if you say so...
nouns
-s"
of
compound nouns
I borrowed my mother's car / She's at the hairdresser's.
She "s got ten years" experience.
Can you remember the name of the film?
I opened the car door, got in and fastened the seat belt.
Adding emphasis
(gain)
cleft sentences
What I need is some rest.
What happened was we left our umbrellas in the taxi.
The reason why I bought it was because it was cheap.
Relative clauses
My brother who lives in Australia is a programmer.
VS
My brother, who lives in Australia, is a programmer.
I haven't seen him for 2 weeks, which is a bit worrying.

That's all English grammar by levels.

Does English grammar really end after the Advanced level? No, of course)) If you look at the levels, there is also the Proficiency level, but the lines of conversational courses really end at the Advanced level.

Perhaps this is because:

  • even an ambitious English user rarely needs a level higher than Advanced (not to mention the average learner who stops in the Intermediate area)
  • at high levels, people already know how to find the necessary authentic materials on their own and organize their own learning
  • at high levels, many think about a more practical and targeted use of English - for example, preparing for international exams (IELTS, TOEFL and others) or specialized courses in a profession

And there are still a lot of subtleties even after the Advanced level!

How do you like English grammar by level?

Did you manage to determine your level with it? Share in the comments!

Sooner or later, any person studying English wonders what his level of proficiency in this language is. It is quite important to know why such a division is generally adopted and how the various groups are designated - with their help it will be much easier to understand whether the result planned in the study has been achieved or not.

English levels

We know only six levels of English proficiency. With their help, you can easily divide students into different groups and categories, taking into account knowledge and skills in different areas of the language: speaking, reading, listening and writing. There is also a list of international exams that use this leveling system; people take them to prepare for travel, immigration, business trips and admission to educational institutions.

If you want to independently determine which level of English you are at, then try to correctly assess the amount of your skills and learned information in several aspects. Below you will find a list of the features of each of the six levels, based on which it will be easier for you to make your choice.

Elementary

This level is the very first in training and is otherwise referred to as A1. Here, on this level of "survival", you vocabulary does not exceed 1500 words, and short phrases and sentences about simple things, such as household needs, are easy to understand. You speak a little English: you can introduce yourself and others, ask the simplest questions and give elementary answers. Speaking of listening, it is worth noting that by ear you understand only slow and clearly spoken speech, in which the interlocutor will help you understand the meaning of what you hear.

Pre-Intermediate

The so-called pre-threshold level with the designation A2. It is he who is the transition to professional knowledge of the language. Here you can form coherent sentences, express simple judgments and thoughts, know the very basics of grammar. This level of language can be called the lower bar before preparing for passing international tests and exams.

intermediate

Intermediate is considered to be the intermediate level of English proficiency. It is designated as B1 and is suitable for you if you can reason on various topics, watch videos in English, read simple texts like brochures and advertisements, and are also able to write an elementary short letter or essay. Here you will need a larger vocabulary - already at the level of 2750-3250 words.

Upper Intermediate

This is an advanced intermediate level with the short designation B2. Requires serious knowledge and a fairly wide vocabulary - about 3250-3750 words. Here you should discuss and express your opinion on topics of various subjects, including complex ones. For example, your skills should allow you to easily describe your field of activity. You need to communicate freely and without difficulty, raising a wide variety of topics and problems in dialogues, and finding ways to solve them. You also need to be able to write at a more serious level: writing a letter or essay on an unfamiliar or unfamiliar topic is also included in the B2 level of preparation. By ear, speech is perceived much easier: you already watch English-language television, for example, TV shows.

Advanced

This proficiency level is designated as C1 and assumes that you are fluent in Everyday life. It is necessary to have a large vocabulary - at least four thousand - this will help to perceive and understand texts of any complexity of a large volume. The owner of C1 speaks confidently, freely and without using pauses in speech to select the right words. The spheres of life and activity in which you can use the advanced level are very different: science, culture, work, domestic issues. You can easily write texts of any orientation and conduct correspondence on a wide range of topics.

Proficiency

If you speak English at the level of a native speaker, then you are assigned this level called C2. Here it is necessary to demonstrate perfect mastery of all facets of this foreign language. You spontaneously speak on any of the proposed topics, speak and argue your opinion freely, perfectly perceive speech by ear and are able to understand any read text.

This classification by levels of knowledge was proposed back in 1989-1996, and has the full name of the Common European Scale of Language Competence. The goal of creating CEFR is simple - to provide training recommendations for everyone who studies foreign languages ​​(this also includes Russian).

How to understand that you need to start learning a language with Pre-Intermediate?

If you studied English at the previous level and completed it, then you should move on to Pre-Intermediate. Perhaps, once you started learning a language at a university or school, but you are not sure that the necessary knowledge has been obtained. A2 is also suitable for people who remember something from foreign lessons, but have not put it into practice for a very long time.

We list some of the skills that you must have in order to secure your Pre-Intermediate level of English:

  • you know a little about the basics of grammar, but you confuse tenses and you can speak using only the simplest sentence structures;
  • you have a good vocabulary (about 1500 words);
  • you practically do not perceive the speech of an English-speaking interlocutor by ear, or understand, but very poorly. Especially when it comes to a native speaker.

A variety of students can possess this level: someone does not have a well-developed grammar, someone does not perceive the speech of the interlocutor by ear, and some do not have enough vocabulary to express their thoughts more widely.

What material do you need to master?

Knowledge of any foreign language should not be considered by you from any one side - there is a whole list of categories for learning that you should pay attention to. You must have appropriate knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, reading, listening and writing. Each category has its own material, the development of which will bring you closer to reaching level A2.

Grammar

One of the most difficult parts in learning English involves knowledge of the following topics:

  • basic English tenses:present, Past and Future Simple, present and Past continuous, present and past perfect;
  • ability to work with structuresto be going to, used to do and to be used to;
  • interrogative sentences different types, where word order can be different);
  • all degrees of comparison of adjectives;
  • Are you familiar with the concept ofQuantifier(sentences usinga little and a few);
  • you understand the principles of using the infinitive and gerund, you know in which cases the ending is used after verbs -ing, and in which - infinitive withto;
  • understanding various modal verbs likehave to/don't have to, must/musn't, can/could, may/might, should/shouldn't is also an important indicator;
  • you know what conditional sentences are and what types they are;
  • understanding the principles of passive voice;
  • the ability to correctly paraphrase direct speech into indirect speech.

Vocabulary

As mentioned earlier, a good vocabulary at this level of English is indispensable. Have 1,500 to 2,000 words and phrases on hand that you can easily use in your daily life.

You should have an idea of ​​what idioms and phrasal verbs are - some of them you need to know, as well as different forms of words.

In oral and written speech at the level of language proficiency A2, words such asso, either, neither, no more, anymore, too, enough, no longer, whenever, if, when, as, like.

speaking

What does speaking at level A2 involve? First of all, you must correctly and clearly pronounce all the words you know.

You will be able to talk in a few sentences (about 15) about a topic, such as your family, profession, hobbies or outlook on life.

It is also important to use phrasal phrases in speech and to know that a preposition in combination with a verb does not have to be translated literally, but can have another, unusual meaning.

You are well oriented in stories on simple everyday topics, you are able to catch their main idea, even if not all words and phrases are known to you.

Talking with a native speaker, using all the words you know in speech, is also not difficult.

Some words that you cannot pronounce in English, you can describe in other, easier and more appropriate phrases.

Reading

Reading also has its own standards, with the help of which language proficiency is achieved at the Pre-intermediate level:

You know that you are able to read literature adapted to this level, as well as brochures, advertisements, simple articles from newspapers and magazines.

In texts that are not adapted to the level, you can also orientate, albeit not so well: even among unfamiliar words, you manage to catch the main idea of ​​what is written.

listening

Spoken language that has an average pace and includes words from your vocabulary is understood by you without difficulty.

Viewing all kinds of videos in English such as TV shows, movies or series is carried out using subtitles in the original language.

You know about the role of intonation in speech and distinguish between stress and pronunciation of various sounds.

Audiobooks adapted for A2 will also be within your power.

Letter

This level of language proficiency involves the ability to write short stories on elementary topics: a story about yourself, about your place of birth, family, describing what you saw or expressing an opinion on any issue.

You will also be able to write short letters on general simple topics or postcards with congratulations.

What does the A2 Pre-Intermediate level give?

First, yourVocabulary . You will learn a lot of set expressions, phrasal verbs, new vocabulary that is widely used by native speakers in speech. You will have access to a much larger number of topics for conversation and free reasoning.

Work on skillsReading will also go a long way. You will significantly improve your skills in understanding complex texts: articles from magazines and newspapers, correspondence, guidebooks, texts adapted to the A2 level. By understanding what you read, you will be able to discuss it with others and express your opinion more fully.

At this level, tasks forlistening . Here, many begin difficulties that can be overcome by training a lot. As a result, you will be able to understand a fairly fast pace of speech, large texts and extensive lexical content.

Skill trainingWriting will let you know how good your knowledge of the grammatical foundations of the language is. You will put a lot of emphasis on this part of the program, delve into understanding the structure of the text, clichéd phrases, the use of conjunctions, and so on. You will learn how to write informal letters and essays on a variety of topics.

At this level, you will start to use skills much better.Speaking , but so far only on topics familiar to you, such as a story about family, yourself, hobbies, preferences. You can feel free to talk about your trip or chat in cafes and shops with English-speaking staff. Expressing your thoughts and opinions on a number of issues will not be very difficult.

If you master the level of English called A2, you will open up a world of confident and high-quality use of this language in everyday life. You will be able to successfully prepare for international exams, communicate abroad, express your opinion and much more.

Surely many have heard about the international system of levels of the English language, but not everyone knows what it means and how to classify it. The need to know your level of English proficiency may arise in some life situations. For example, if you need to pass an interview at work or at the embassy, ​​if you need to pass some international exam (IELTS, TOEFL, FCE, CPE, BEC, etc.), when entering a foreign educational institution, when getting a job in another country, and also for personal use.

The international system for determining knowledge of the English language can be divided into 7 levels:

1. Beginner - Initial (zero). At this level, the student knows almost nothing in English and begins to study the subject from scratch, including the alphabet, basic reading rules, on-duty greeting phrases and other tasks of this stage. By the end of the Beginner level, students can usually answer questions easily when meeting new people. For example: What is your name? How old are you? Do you have brothers and sisters? Where are you from and where do you live? etc. And they can also count up to a hundred, spell their name and personal data. The latter in English is called spelling.

2. Elementary - Elementary. This level follows immediately after zero and implies knowledge of some basics of the English language. The Elementary level gives students the opportunity to use previously learned phrases in a more free form, and also instills a whole range of new knowledge. At this stage, students learn to briefly talk about themselves, their favorite colors, dishes and seasons, weather and time, daily routine, countries and customs, etc. In terms of grammar, at this level there is an initial acquaintance with the following tenses: Present Simple, Present Continuous, Past Simple, Future Simple (will, to be going to) and Present Perfect. And also some modal verbs (can, must), different types pronouns, adjectives and their degrees of comparison, categories of nouns, forms of simple questions. Having firmly mastered the Elementary level, you can already take part in the KET (Key English test) testing.

3. Pre-Intermediate - Below Intermediate. The level following the Elementary is called Pre-Intermediate, literally translated as Pre-Intermediate. Having reached this level, students already have an idea of ​​how many sentences and phrases are built, they can speak briefly on many topics. The Pre-Intermediate level adds confidence and expands the learning potential. There are longer texts, more practice exercises, new grammatical topics, and more complex sentence structures. Topics encountered at this level may include compound questions, the Past Continuous, different forms of the future tense, conditional sentences, modal verbs, infinitives and gerunds, repetition and reinforcement of the Past Simple tenses (regular and irregular verbs) and Present Perfect, and some others. In terms of oral skills, after passing the Pre-Intermediate level, you can safely go on a journey and look for any opportunity to use your knowledge in practice. Also, a solid knowledge of English at the Pre-Intermediate level makes it possible to participate in the PET (Preliminary English Test) test and the BEC (Business English Certificate) Preliminary exam.

4. intermediate. At the Intermediate level, the knowledge gained at the previous stage is consolidated, and a lot of new vocabulary is added, including complex ones. For example, personal characteristics of people, scientific terms, professional vocabulary and even slang. The object of study is active and passive voices, direct and indirect speech, participial and participle phrases, phrasal verbs and prepositions, word order in complex sentences, varieties of articles, etc. Of the grammatical tenses, the difference between Present Simple and Present Continuous, Past Simple and Present Perfect, Past Simple and Past Continuous, as well as between various forms of expression of the future tense, is considered in more detail. Texts at the Intermediate level become longer and more meaningful, and communication becomes easier and freer. The advantage of this stage is that in many modern companies, employees with knowledge of the Intermediate level are highly valued. Also, this level is ideal for avid travelers, as it allows you to freely understand the interlocutor and express yourself in response. From international exams, after successfully passing the middle level, you can take the following exams and tests: FCE (First Certificate in English) for B / C, PET Level 3, BULATS (Business Language Testing Service), BEC Vantage, TOEIC (Test of English) for International Communication), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) by 4.5-5.5 points and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) by 80-85 points.

5. Upper Intermediate - Above average. If students progress to this level, it means that they are able to understand fluent English fluently and communicate easily using the vocabulary that they have already acquired. At the Upper-Intermediate level, it becomes possible to use English much more in practice, since there is a little less theory, and if there is, it basically repeats and reinforces the Intermediate level. Of the innovations, Narrative Tenses (Narrative tenses) can be noted, which includes such difficult times as Past Continuous, Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous. It also covers the Future Continuous and Future Perfect, the use of articles, modal conjectural verbs, indirect speech verbs, hypothetical sentences, abstract nouns, causal voice, and more. The Upper-Intermediate level is one of the most popular in both business and education. People who are fluent in English at this level can easily pass any interviews and even enter foreign universities. At the end of the Upper-Intermediate course, you can take exams such as FCE for A / B, BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage or Higher, TOEFL for 100 points and IELTS for 5.5-6.5 points.

6. Advanced 1 - Advanced. The Advanced 1 level is required for professionals and students who want to achieve high fluency in English. Unlike the Upper-Intermediate level, a lot of interesting turns appear here, including idioms. Knowledge of tenses and other grammatical aspects studied earlier is only deepened and considered from other unexpected angles. Discussion topics become more specific and professional, for example: environment and natural disasters, legal processes, genres of literature, computer terms, etc. After the Advanced level, you can take a special academic exam CAE (Cambridge Advanced English), as well as IELTS for 7 and TOEFL for 110 points, and you can apply for a prestigious job in foreign companies or a place in Western universities.

7. Advanced 2 - Super advanced (native speaker level). The name speaks for itself. We can say that there is nothing more than Advanced 2, because this is the level of a native speaker, i.e. a person born and raised in an English-speaking environment. With this level, you can pass any interviews, including highly specialized ones, and pass any exams. In particular, the highest test of English proficiency is the CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam) academic exam, and as for the IELTS test, it can be passed to the highest score of 8.5-9 with this level.
This gradation is called ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) level classification and is used by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe). The level system may vary, move around depending on the country, school or organization. For example, some organizations reduce the presented 7 levels to 5 and call them a little differently: Beginner (Elementary), Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Lower Advanced, Upper Advanced. However, the meaning and content of the levels does not change from this.

Another similar system of international exams under the abbreviation CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) divides the levels into 6 and has other names:

1. A1 (Breakthrough)=Beginner
2. A2 (Waystage)=Pre-Intermediate - Below Intermediate
3. B1 (Threshold)=Intermediate
4. B2 (Vantage)=Upper-Intermediate
5. C1 (Proficiency)=Advanced 1 - Advanced
6. C2 (Mastery)=Advanced 2 - Super Advanced

The list of grammar topics has been compiled to help self-taught English learners. To get started, determine your current level of English by going through. Then read the recommendations in the article . After that, start learning grammar.
This program is compiled in accordance with European standards. It may differ slightly from other similar programs in other sources, but this does not make it less effective.

1. Word order in questions

Where does your sister work? - Where does your sister work?

What did they talk about? - What were they talking about?

What was that noise? - What was that noise?

2. Present Simpleа adverbs of frequency

She's never late - She's never late

Do you often go to the gym? - Do you often go to the gym?

She doesn't like her job - She doesn't like her job

3. Present continuous or Present simple

What are you doing?- What are you doing now?

What do you do?— What do you do in life? (What's your job?)

We aren't working at the moment. We're eating We are not working at the moment, we are eating

4. Past simple: regular and irregular verbs

I stayed with a friend - I'm staying with a friend

We went to Costa Rica We went to Costa Rica

5. Past Continuous

Last Saturday I was working in my office — Last Saturday I worked in my office.

She was wearing black dress — She wore a black dress

6. Past Simple & Past Continuous

While I was reading the book, she phoned me While I was reading a book, she called me.

When we left home, it was raining — When we left the house, it was raining.

7. To be going to + infinitive

I'm not going to talk to him again - I'm not going to talk to him anymore.

It's winter so the weather is going to be cold It is winter now so the weather will be cold

8. Present continuous (for future)

She's meeting her friend tonight She is meeting a friend tonight

We're watching the movie tomorrow We are watching a movie tomorrow

9. Defining relative clauses: who, which, where, that

Cat is an animal which lives with people - A cat is an animal that lives with people

Friend is a person who is always ready to help A friend is a person who is always ready to help

10 Present perfect: yet, just, already

I've already finished my homework - I've already finished my homework

She's just phoned She just called

11. Something/anything/nothing (for people, places, things)

Somebody has taken my pen - Someone took my pen

I can't see anybody - I don't see anyone.

Nobody is here - Nobody's here

12. Comparatives

It's more interesting to watch a film than to read a book It is more interesting to watch a movie than to read a book

My brother's taller than me - My brother is taller than me.

13. Superlatives

It's the biggest city in the world - It is the largest city in the world.

It's the most beautiful flower I've ever seen - This is the most beautiful flower I have ever seen.

14. Quantifiers (too much, too many, enough)

I have too much stress at work I have too much stress at work

Do you eat enough vegetables? Are you eating enough vegetables?

This chair is not comfortable enough This chair is not comfortable enough

15. Future simple: will/won't (predictions)

The film is in French so I won't understand anything The film is in French, so I don't understand anything.

I think I'll fail the exam — I think I will fail the exam.

16. Future simple: will/won't (decisions, offers, promises)

I'm tired so I'll go home I'm tired so I'm going home

Shall I open the window - Let me open the window.

I won't tell anybody - I will not tell anyone

17. Infinitive with to & gerund (verb + -ing)

I need to buy some new clothes — I need to buy new clothes.

He left without saying goodbye He left without saying goodbye

18. Have to, don't have to, must, mustn't

I have to get up at 7 o'clock every day — I have to get up at 7 am every day.

We don't have to wear a uniform at work We don't have to wear a uniform at work

You must do your homework tonight You have to do your homework tonight.

You mustn't be late for work You are not allowed to be late for work.

19. Should/shouldn't

You should take your coat. It's cold outside You should take your coat, it's cold outside.

You shouldn't work so hard, you'll get ill You shouldn't work so hard, you'll get sick

20. First conditional: if + present, will/won't

If I miss the last bus, I'll get a taxi — If I miss the last bus, I will take a taxi.

If you don't go, she won't be pleased If you don't go, she won't be happy.

21. Possessive pronouns: mine, mine etc.

Whose book is this? — Whose book is this?

It's my book - It is my book

No, it's mine! - No, it's mine!

22. Second conditional: if + past, would / wouldn't + inf

If I had one million dollars, I would by an island — If I had one million dollars, I would buy an island

If I were you, I would ask her for a date - I'd ask her out on a date if I were you.

23. Present perfect: for, since

How long have you known your best friend? How long have you known your best friend?

In this article, we will take a closer look at the level Pre-Intermediate.

  1. What an Intermediate Should Know
    1. Reading (reading)
    2. Writing (letter)
    3. Vocabulary (lexicon)
    4. Grammar (grammar)
    5. Listening (listening)
    6. Speaking (speaking)
  2. Level test
  3. Examples of words and expressions of the Pre-Intermediate level

The Pre-Intermediate level of English is a preparatory, "almost intermediate" level, which in the CEFR system is indicated by the A2 code. In Russian, it is often called pre-threshold, or "below average". By switching to it, you can already talk with foreigners on everyday topics, understand simple texts and understand the basics of grammar. At level A2, you will expand your vocabulary, get acquainted with previously unknown grammatical structures, gain new knowledge and skills in writing, listening, reading and speaking.

What a Pre-Intermediate Should Know

Proficiency in English at the Pre-Intermediate level involves expanding the existing knowledge base. Many themes of the Elementary stage are repeated here, but they become more complex and enriched with new nuances. Let's take a closer look at what a Pre-Intermediate student needs to know.

Reading (reading)

Reading texts are becoming more complex and interesting: now you can read simple non-adapted literature, articles in newspapers and magazines. At the prethreshold level, you read without a dictionary and learn to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words from the context.

Writing (letter)

You can write a personal letter or an essay on a free topic, describe an image. You can easily fill out personal information in any questionnaires and correspond with native speakers.

Vocabulary (lexicon)

The lexical minimum of the Pre-Intermediate stage covers the following topics:

  • Family and friends
  • Appearance, character traits and personality
  • Work, profession and jobs
  • Events
  • Houseware
  • Hobby, recreation
  • Habits and lifestyle
  • Food
  • sports and health
  • Living in an urban environment
  • Transport
  • Clothes and fashion
  • Shops and shopping
  • Climate and weather
  • Education
  • fears
  • Animals
  • World News

The vocabulary of a Pre-Intermediate student is 1500-2000 words. You can use the context to understand what an unfamiliar word means and explain it.

Grammar (grammar)

The pre-threshold level means the complication of familiar grammar and its deeper study. The required level of knowledge includes the following topics:

  • Present and Past Tense (Present and Past Simple, Continuous, Perfect)
  • Future Simple and other constructions for expressing the future tense
  • Question types and word order
  • Comparative and superlative degrees of comparison for adjectives
  • Infinitive and gerund, their differences and features of use
  • Modal verbs, their meanings and usage
  • Types of conditional sentences
  • Prepositions of place and time
  • Passive (passive) voice
  • Direct and indirect speech

At Pre-Intermediate, you can talk about the present, past and future, understand in which cases the infinitive is used, and in which gerunds, you know the features of the use of modal verbs, you can translate direct speech into indirect speech and build sentences in the passive voice.

Listening (listening)

Knowledge of English at the Pre-Intermediate level opens up new opportunities for you. You are already able to watch movies, series or TV shows in the original with English subtitles. You understand the main idea of ​​everyday English speech, even if you do not know the translation of individual words.

Speaking (speaking)

You can freely talk with a native speaker on familiar topics, express your opinion, agreement or disagreement with something, likes and dislikes. Your speech becomes more complex and enriched with new grammatical structures, phrasal verbs. If you do not know or do not remember some words, you are able to explain their meaning or find a synonym.

Determine your level

If you are not sure about your level of English, we recommend that you take a short test. It will help you identify weaknesses and strengths and determine at what level to study.

Examples of grammatical constructions of the Pre-Intermediate level

  • Construction used to + Infinitive:

I used to smoke a lot, but I quit five years ago.

My sister used to have long hair but she cut it all off a month ago.

I didn't use to like books but now I do.

  • Construction to be going to + Infinitive:

I "m going to move to the US.

Edward is going to be a writer.

My wife is going to visit her parents.

I "m not going to buy a new coat.

Are you going to stay?

  • Design to be used to:

I am used to getting up early.

We are used to living in a big house.

Are you used to staying up late?

They aren't used to the hot weather here.

Are you used to cold weather?

  • Active and Passive Voice:

I clean my flat every day. — My flat is cleaned every day.

They must turn off the lights. - The lights must be turned off.

The police caught the criminals. — The criminals were caught by the police.

  • Reported Speech:

She said, "I play the piano." — She said she played the piano.

He said, "I like baseball." — He said he liked baseball.

"I enjoy skiing." — He told me he enjoyed skiing.

"I"ve read that book."

 


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