Welcome to the Language Level Description page at the International Language Institute (ILI), where we provide a clear roadmap for determining your proficiency level in a language.
What is my language level?
At ILI, we understand that language learning journeys vary, and we prioritize assessing your speaking ability to ensure you’re placed in the right level for your skills.
ILI’s World Language Program is built around 9 progressive levels, guiding you from beginner to advanced communication skills. Each level aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the international standard for language learning.
Our courses focus on real communication, integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing with meaningful cultural insights. Whether you’re starting from zero or refining advanced abilities, our step-by-step approach supports steady progress and builds the confidence you need to use your new language in real-life situations.
The 9 Proficiency Levels for Language Classes at ILI
Level 1 (A1.1) – Novice Mid to Novice High
Perfect for true beginners, this level builds a strong foundation in communication. You’ll learn greetings, numbers, time, and essential vocabulary for everyday situations. By the end, you’ll be able to introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and talk about your daily life using simple expressions.
Level 2 (A1.2) – Novice High
This level expands on the basics of Level 1, helping you gain confidence in conversations. You’ll learn to describe people, places, and daily routines, talk about your surroundings, and make simple plans. By the end, you’ll be able to express yourself more comfortably in familiar situations.
Level 3 (A2.1) – Novice High to Intermediate Low
At this level, you’ll refine your ability to communicate about familiar topics and daily activities. You’ll learn to describe routines and preferences, ask and respond to questions, and handle common social and travel situations. By the end, you’ll feel more confident reading and listening to short authentic texts and engaging in everyday conversations.
Level 4 (A2.2) – Intermediate Low
This level strengthens your ability to communicate beyond basic exchanges. You’ll expand your vocabulary to describe experiences, places, and activities, and begin to talk about events in the past. By the end, you’ll be able to share personal experiences and explain reasons for your opinions clearly and simply in your target language.
Level 5 (B1.1) – Intermediate Mid
Here you’ll gain confidence talking about experiences, plans, and aspirations. You’ll practice narrating stories, expressing opinions, and engaging in more complex conversations. By the end, you’ll be able to describe events in detail and follow everyday conversations with ease.
Level 6 (B1.1/B1.2) – Intermediate Mid to High
This level builds your ability to discuss past and future events and compare experiences. You’ll expand your vocabulary and express opinions with reasons, while working with longer and more detailed listening and reading materials. By the end, you’ll be able to communicate with greater independence in a wide range of situations.
Level 7 (B1.2) – Intermediate High
At this level, you’ll refine your storytelling and persuasive skills. You’ll participate in group discussions, share ideas, and explore more complex spoken and written texts. By the end, you’ll be able to express opinions and ideas on familiar and some abstract topics with confidence.
Level 8 (B2.1) – Advanced Low
This level pushes you toward fluency. You’ll practice connecting ideas across time frames, expressing emotions and hypothetical situations, and participating in debates and discussions. By the end, you’ll be able to interact naturally and follow extended conversations on a wide range of topics.
Level 9 (B2.2/C1) – Advanced Mid (pushing into Advanced High)
Designed for advanced learners, this level refines your ability to speak and write with fluency and precision. You’ll express nuanced ideas, sustain arguments, and analyze authentic materials. By the end, you’ll communicate confidently and accurately in academic, professional, and social contexts.
How ILI’s World Language Levels Compare to International Standards
We want to make it easier for you to understand where our courses fit in internationally recognized frameworks. The table below shows how ILI’s levels align with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) proficiency scales.
These comparisons can help you understand your progress, whether you’re learning for personal enrichment, academic goals, or professional development.
| ILI Level | CEFR Equivalent | ACTFL Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | A1.1 | Novice Low to Novice Mid |
| Level 2 | A1.2 | Novice Mid to Novice High |
| Level 3 | A2.1 | Novice High to Intermediate Low |
| Level 4 | A2.2 | Intermediate Low |
| Level 5 | B1.1 | Intermediate Mid |
| Level 6 | B1.1/B1.2 | Intermediate Mid to High |
| Level 7 | B1.2 | Intermediate High |
| Level 8 | B2.1 | Advanced Low |
| Level 9 | B2.2 to C1 | Advanced Mid (pushing into Advanced High) |
How Long You May Need to Study to Reach Your Language Goals
The answer is not simple, because many factors can affect the rate of your progress, such as:
- Your study language level at the beginning of your studies.
- The number of hours in class practicing the language.
- Your degree of immersion in the language outside of school.
- Your own learning pace.
- Your commitment to homework, self-study, and using your study language outside of school.
- The methodology of student-centered, study language-only instruction in the classroom.
- Your comfort level with active participation and self-directed, student-centered learning.
- Your native language. For instance, speakers of languages related to English, such as Spanish or French, tend to progress in English more quickly than speakers of languages unrelated to English, such as Arabic and Chinese.
In our World Language Program, students might choose to repeat a certain level to reinforce their grasp of certain grammar and vocabulary, either because they want to or because their teacher suggests it. When students reach the intermediate level, it’s typical for their progress to slow down a bit and that is considered a normal part of the process of learning a language. We will guide you along the way!
Need help with level placement?
Unsure of the language level you are at? Don’t worry, we are here to help.
Ask Heather for a language assessment. She will arrange for an instructor to assess you in a 5-minute conversation, and then when you register, we can place you in the class that will be best for you.
If you are a zero-level beginner, you’ll start in our Level 1 class, so no need for an assessment.
What to do next
- Read through our level descriptions and choose the one that suits you best
- If you are still unsure, request a level check
- Then, chose the language you want to learn and register for your chose course!
The ILI Promise
At ILI, we believe that all our actions should stem from grace and loving kindness.
- We operate as an equal opportunity organization.
- We nurture relationships beyond the classroom.
- We are committed to providing the highest quality language instruction and teacher training.
- We promote intercultural understanding and celebrate the diversity in our local communities.
- We work collaboratively to build and sustain the communities we serve.
- We believe in life-changing teaching and learning.