What are all the levels in ISI?

The levels at ISI are aligned to CEFR, “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment“. The levels are as follows:

A:  Basic User

Pre-A1 Beginner

A1 Elementary

A2 Pre-Intermediate

B:  Independent User

B1 Intermediate

B2 Upper-Intermediate

C:  Proficient User

C1 Advanced

C2 Proficiency

What can I do at each of the levels?

Basic user – Pre-A1 – A1

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases to communicate what they need. Can introduce themself 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.

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 and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Independent user

B1

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on 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.

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.

Proficient user

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.

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 more complex situations.

How long?

Your stating level will be based on your online test results, and your speaking test on your first day at ISI.

Cambridge exams estimate that each level is reached with the following guided learning hours: A1, 90 to 100; A2, 180–200; B1, 350–400; B2, 500–600; C1, 700–800, and C2, 1,000–1,200.

Individual learners will progress differently depending on many factors, hours attended at school, exposure to the language and culture, motivation, and opportunities to practise English outside of class. You can expect to move through the basic levels quickly. In the other levels, you should except move up at least one level by the end of your six-month course.