Course Levels
Beginners’ levels are A1, A2 and B1.
These are followed by level B1+, in which students revise, deepen and apply what they have learned in the beginners’ courses.
Finally, levels B2, C1 and C2 are the advanced levels. (All levels from B1+ and higher last 10 weeks in the intensive course and 20 weeks in the semi-intensive courses.)
Course Length
Level A1: 9 weeks intensive course or 18 weeks semi-intensive course
Level A2: 10 weeks intensive course or 20 weeks semi-intensive course
Level B1: 11 weeks intensive course or 22 weeks semi-intensive course
Level B1+: 10 weeks intensive course or 20 weeks semi-intensive course
Level B2: 10 weeks intensive course or 20 weeks semi-intensive course
Level C1: 10 weeks intensive course or 20 weeks semi-intensive course
Below you will see a detailed description of the levels from A1 to C1, and a direct comparison with the Common European Framework of Reference. This demonstrates that, thanks to our intensive and efficient approach, the Bellingua levels from B1+ upwards are more advanced than those of the CEFR.
A1 – Bellingua Definition
Reading:
You will be able to understand simple, short texts on everyday topics such as living, leisure, shopping or family, e.g. e-mail, letter, postcard, note or advertisement.
Speaking:
You will be able to express yourself on everday topics in short sentences (e.g. living, leisure, shopping or family), both in the present and in the past. In addition, you will have learnt how to make an inquiry / give information, to describe details about a person and how to formulate a desire/request.
Writing:
You will be able to write short texts in simple structures, e.g. e-mail, greeting card, message or invitation.
Vocabulary:
You will have a simple vocabulary of the most common words and expressions for everyday topics, such as living, leisure, shopping or family.
A1 – CEFR Definition
You will be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at satisfying specific needs. You will be able to introduce yourself and others, and ask other people questions about personal details, such as where s/he lives, people s/he knows and things s/he possesses. You will also be able to answer such questions. Provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help, you will be able to interact in a simple way.
A2 – Bellingua Definition
Reading:
You will be able to understand simple texts (including newspaper articles and non-ficition) on everyday topics, e.g. celebrations, food and drink, school and job, news or country and people.
Speaking:
You will be able to express yourself on everyday topics in simple structures, e.g. celebrations, eating and drinking, school and job, news or country and people, and have a conversation.
Writing:
You will be able to write different types of text in simple structures, e.g. a short story, picture story, description or message.
Vocabulary:
Your vocabulary will include the most common words and expressions on everyday topics, such as celebrating, eating and drinking, school and job, news or country and people.
A2 – CEFR Definition
You will be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, employment, local geography). You will be able to communicate on simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Using simple terms, you will be able to describe aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 – Bellingua Definition
Reading:
You understand virtually everything about everyday subjects (e.g. leisure, work, school, sport, food and drink, health, literature, humour, past/future).
Speaking:
You can talk about everyday subjects (e.g. leisure, work, school, sport, food and drink, health, literature, humour, past/future) with a sound vocabulary and using a variety of simple sentence structures, expressions and sayings. You have also learnt:
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to describe events
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to formulate hypotheses (What would be / What would have happened if …?)
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to speculate about the future
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to express opinions
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to speak appropriately in everyday situations and respond to a conversation partner
Writing:
You are familiar with a wide variety of texts (e.g. letters of apology, newspaper articles, pic- ture stories, opinion pieces) and can formulate ideas and statements, and use appropriate expressions and simple idioms and sayings. You already use a range of different structures to make your text coherent and your style varied.
Vocabulary:
You have a sound basic vocabulary covering everyday subjects (e.g. leisure, work, school, sport, food and drink, health, literature, humour, past/future), including simple idiomatic expressions.
B1 – CEFR Definition
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly en- countered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on to- pics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B1+ – Bellingua Definition
Reading:
You understand the main content of complex texts on concrete topics.
Speaking:
You can speak unprompted and in detail about everyday subjects, building on basic-level topics (e.g. family, school, work, leisure, fashion, films, music), and actively contribute to different speaking situations (e.g. discussions, expressions of opinion, debates, interviews). You can prepare a fluent, detailed speech on a set subject.
Writing:
You are familiar with various types of text (e.g. formal/informal e-mails and letters, readers‘ letters, complaints) and can communicate important statements and information in writing. You are able to use the necessary expressions and more complex structures.
Vocabulary:
You have an extensive vocabulary building on basic-level topics, including idiomatic phrases.
B2 – CEFR Definition, Corresponds to Level B1+ at Bellingua
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.
B2 – Bellingua Definition
Reading:
You can understand a broad spectrum of challenging texts and implied meanings.
Speaking:
You can talk fluently about a variety of social issues (e.g. media, jobs, mobility, healthy life- styles, consumer issues, the future, relationships, psychology), using a variety of more com- plex grammatical structures and a wide repertoire of idiomatic expressions. You are able to give a speech about concrete topics and express yourself with confidence and precision.
Writing:
You are able to write more challenging types of text (e.g. reports, statements, job descrip- tions, application letters, complaints, personal descriptions), clearly express your own opi- nion and describe complex issues. You have a wide range of skills enabling you to write clear, coherent texts and use more complex grammatical structures.
Vocabulary:
You have a broad, precise vocabulary and confidently use idiomatic phrases and expressions.
C1 – CEFR Definition, Corresponds to Level B2 at Bellingua
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.
C1 – Bellingua Definition
Reading:
You can understand detailed texts on abstract subjects (e.g. satire, psychology, art, globali- sation, finance).
Speaking:
You can speak accurately and fluently about concrete and abstract subjects and clearly for- mulate subtle differences in meaning.
Idioms are used with stylistic confidence. You are able to use the language efficiently and accurately in social, professional, educational and academic situations.
Writing:
You are capable of writing different sorts of text using a high level of language and confi- dently use idioms and particular aspects of grammar.
Vocabulary:
You have a wide-ranging, varied and subject-specific vocabulary, which you can use accura- tely according to the situation.
C2 – CEFR Definition, Corresponds to Level C1 at Bellingua
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.