If you have an A-level in your target language, you may be approaching the start point of this level of language training.
Essentially, the B1 and B2 levels are classified as ‘Independent User’ and they each take around 100 hours to complete, depending on private study and whether you are focusing on all four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.
To give you a real-life example, at B1 level you could probably work in a retail environment, at B2 you could be accepted as a student alongside native speakers in some higher education colleges. There may be some inaccuracies but you have some fluency and can express ideas in the past, present and future.
In 2001, the Council of Europe launched a series of language levels (6 in total) evaluating people on their ability to communicate – not on whether they had an Abitur, Baccalauréat or A-level, an Abschluss, diplôme or degree.
These new levels are based around what you are able to do with the language, called logically, can-do descriptors. They are also divided into each of the 4 skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing.
They are therefore useful, not just for student evaluation, but also for your trainer to fine-tune your course plan. In discussions with the student and the sponsor, Dialogue can build goals and set outcomes for your training that mean you study precisely what you need to study.
Do you require group training or individual training?-
What language do you need to learn?-
Which hour block do you require?-
Understand the main points of clear standard language on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
Deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Produce simple sentences on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation.
Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with speakers of the target language perfectly possible without strain for either party.
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.
It is common for students at this level to feel a little frustrated, as they have reached a level of competency where they wish to express themselves more accurately, more fluently and in a more sophisticated way. Dialogue creates a ‘safe’ environment where they can push themselves, experiment and grow.
These holistic descriptors are taken from the Council of Europe website, updated in February 2018. https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale. They are generic, but have since been adapted for more specific situations (eg business, tourism, academia) by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)
Training needs analysis form sent to Dialogue detailing outline requirements.
Assessment of student level and greater exploration of student/sponsor needs by phone, Teams/Zoom or in person.
Outline programme created and submitted for approval from students and sponsor.
Foreign language course delivered and monitored.
Student develops skills and confidence to perform sophisticated business roles.
Feedback with recommendations for future study returned to students and sponsor.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is an international standard for describing language ability, set across 6 levels from A1-C2, and based on what you CAN DO at each level.
If you have a language GCSE, it’s nearest equivalent in CEFR is about A2. But remember, what you were able to discuss at 16 may not be so relevant in your job! If you have an A Level in a language, it’s nearer to CEFR B2. But of course, if time has elapsed since you took your exam, it may not be an indication of your current CEFR level. We can assess your level.
B1-B2 are classified as ‘Independent User’. At B1 level for example, you could probably work in a retail environment, at B2 you could be accepted as a student alongside native speakers in some higher education colleges. There may be some inaccuracies but you have some fluency and can express ideas in the past, present and future.
They each take around 100+ hours to complete, depending on which skill you need to focus on. Less if you already have some knowledge of the language you are studying. The more time you dedicate outside the classroom to homework and practice, the shorter the training time needed.
Yes, we can provide a certificate and you will also receive a detailed report establishing your current level according to the CEFR, language covered, your strengths and areas for improvement.
As a B2B provider for 25 years + Dialogue has the experience you need. We understand time pressures and priorities and work around them. We consult closely with you at the start to prioritise content to your needs to make your course directly relevant to your day-to-day work and industry.
