There are many articles on Habr about how to study English independently. But the question arises, how do you assess your level while self-studying? It’s clear that there are IELTS and TOEFL tests, but almost no one takes these tests without additional preparation, and these assessments, as they say, evaluate not so much the level of language proficiency, but rather the ability to pass these tests themselves. Additionally, using them for monitoring self-study can be costly.
In this article, I've compiled various tests that I have completed myself. I also compare my subjective assessment of my language proficiency with the test results. Furthermore, I compare the results across different tests.
If you want to take the tests, don’t stop at just your vocabulary; try to complete them all. It’s best to evaluate the test results with a comprehensive approach.
Vocabulary Size
In this test, you need to select only those words that you know for sure, specifically their translation and meaning, not just words you’ve heard and have a vague understanding of. Only then will the result be accurate.
My result two years ago: 7300, now 10100. The native speaker level is 20000 – 35000 words.
Here, the approach is a bit different; you need to select synonyms or antonyms for words. The result correlates quite well with the previous test — 10049 words. To further undermine your self-esteem, the test indicates, "Your vocabulary size is like that of a 14-year-old teenager in the US!"
In this case, you can choose your native language to describe the meanings of the words. Result: 13200 words.
"Your receptive vocabulary is 9200 word families. Your attention index is 100%", Here, you are given relatively complex words mixed in with simple ones while asking for the meaning or synonym of a word, plus often you encounter non-existent words. This also contributes to a hit to your self-esteem — "Your vocabulary quantitatively corresponds to a vocabulary of a native speaker at age 9."
(attention, registration on the site is required to view the result). Your vocabulary size is 11655 words. Honesty index 100%
Overall, the tests fairly closely determine vocabulary despite different testing methods. In my case, the result is quite close to reality, and it was based on these tests that I realized my vocabulary is not very large and that I need to work more in this area. At the same time, I have enough vocabulary to watch YouTube, most series, and movies without translation and subtitles. However, subjectively, I thought the situation was much better.
Grammar Knowledge Tests
Grammar tests with subsequent evaluation are often posted on online school websites. If the links below seem promotional, know that they are not.
Your level: Intermediate (B1+)
Congratulations on passing the test. Your score — 17 out of 25 — I expected a better score, but it is what it is.
You scored 64%! Between 61% and 80% suggests your level is Upper-Intermediate
Your score: 17 points out of 25 Your test level: Intermediate
Overall, the results among all tests fall between Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate, which corresponds well with my expectations. I have never specifically studied grammar; all my knowledge has come from consuming content in English. All tests use the same methodology, and I believe they can be effectively used to identify gaps in knowledge.
General Level Assessment Tests
The best of the free reading and listening tests. I recommend taking a short test first, then the full one. My score in the full test: Listening Section 86/100 C2 Proficient, Reading Section 77/100 C2 Proficient, overall EF SET score 82/100 C2 Proficient. In this case, the result surprised me; three years ago, my overall score was 54/100 B2 Upper-Intermediate.
EF SET also provides a nice certificate, the result of which can be included in your resume, posted on your LinkedIn profile, or just printed and hung on the wall.
They also have an automatic Speaking test, currently in beta testing. Results:
EF SET in reading and listening is very close to IELTS/TOEFL.
A simple test on the website of one of the online schools, a bit of reading/vocabulary checking, a bit of listening, and a bit of grammar.
Result: Your level — Intermediate! Points scored 36 out of 40.
I think the test has too few questions to adequately determine the level, but it’s worth taking. Considering the simplicity of the test, the score is a bit disappointing, but who can I blame but myself.
(attention, registration on the website is required to view the result).
Another general test with an interesting approach, the result reflects my level quite well.
I was quite interested in assessing my level since I have never studied English specifically. In school and university, I was unlucky with teachers (and I didn't try hard), and the knowledge I gained was limited to London is the capital... I took away nothing from that. Playing games in English contributed much more, and later, my chosen profession as a system administrator required English. Over the years, I gradually built my vocabulary and improved my listening skills. The biggest improvement came from freelancing and working with English-speaking clients. At that time, I decided to consume 90% of my content in English. The EF SET test clearly shows how my understanding and reading skills have grown over these three years. Next year, my goal is to expand my vocabulary, improve grammar, and enhance my conversational English. I really want to do this on my own, without the help of offline/online schools.
The main takeaway: free tests can and should be used to monitor your English proficiency level. Taking tests every six months/year (depending on the intensity of learning) helps assess your progress and identify weaknesses.
I would love to hear in the comments about your experiences regarding how your language proficiency level has changed and how you assessed these changes. And yes, if you know any other good and free tests, please share them. We all know that comments are the most useful part of the article.
Source: habr.com
