Beyond The Test

5 min read

“Levels are a guide, not the full picture."
- Julianna

Look at the picture above—what do you notice?
Sometimes, things appear one way, but there’s more to the story. Think of your language level the same way. It’s just one piece of a bigger picture, not the full story of what you can do.

What’s My Level?

Ever been asked about your English level and suddenly felt like you were being judged? You're not alone."

Language levels can feel confusing. You hear terms like A2, B1, or “intermediate,” but what do they actually mean? And more importantly—do they really define your ability to communicate? Let’s break it down.

What Is CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a system that categorizes language learners into levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native). It’s useful for setting learning goals, taking standardized tests, and proving your language ability (Council of Europe, n.d.).

But here’s the thing—levels are arbitrary. They don’t always capture everything you can do in English.

Standardized Tests: Useful but Not Everything

Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or CELPIP can be important for work, study, or immigration. They measure your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a controlled setting. But they don’t measure your personality, creativity, or ability to handle real-life conversations.

Know when to focus on a test, how to use the results,
and when other measures are more useful.

Think about it: Have you ever had a full conversation in English?
Ordered food? Made a friend?
Not all of that was on a test
but it is proof you can use your real skills.

Self-Assessment: What Can You Really Do?

Instead of only relying on a test, take a moment to reflect on your abilities:

• What conversations have I had in English?

• What topics have I discussed? Read or written about?

• How confident do I feel when I speak?

• Who have I talked to? Friends? Colleagues? Strangers?

• What have I accomplished using English? Have I travelled, made new friends, or lived abroad?

If you’ve done any of these things, congratulations—you’re using English in the real world, and that’s a major success.

Want to practice in a supportive space to see how much you already know?
Book a free session!

What Are High-Frequency Words?

Regardless of your level, learning high-frequency words—words used most often in everyday speech—will help you communicate faster and more naturally.

You don’t need to know every word;
you need to know the right words to build your confidence.

Conclusion: Your Level, Your Progress

If you need a CEFR for an application, take it seriously and work with a teacher or professional to prepare for the exam. But also remember to track your own progress through self-assessment.

Your level doesn’t define you! Keep pushing forward, focus on your strengths, and don’t forget to celebrate your wins!

Want to assess your level in a way that makes sense beyond the test?
Let’s chat!

Sources

1. Council of Europe. (n.d.). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Retrieved January 2, 2025, from https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/