There are many articles on Habré about how to learn English on your own. But the question is, how to assess your level in self-study? It is clear that there are IELTS and TOEFL, but almost no one passes these tests without additional preparation, and these tests, as they say, do not assess the level of language proficiency, but rather the ability to pass these same tests. Yes, and using them to control self-learning will be expensive.
In this article, I have collected various tests that I myself have passed. At the same time, I check my subjective assessment of language proficiency with the test results. I also compare results between different tests.
If you want to take tests, do not stop at vocabulary, try to pass them all, it is advisable to evaluate test results in an integrated approach.
Lexicon
In this test, you need to choose only those words that you know exactly, exactly the translation and meaning, and not heard somewhere and know approximately. Only in this case the result will be correct.
My result two years ago: 7300, now 10100. The level of native speaker is 20000 - 35000 words.
Here is a slightly different approach, you need to choose synonyms or antonyms for words, the result is quite correlated with the previous test - 10049 words. Well, to further undermine your self-esteem, the test gives out - “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 meaning 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 with simple ones while asking for the meaning or synonym of the word, plus non-existent words often come across. Also a minus for self-esteem - "Your vocabulary quantitatively corresponds to a vocabulary of a native speaker at age 9".
(Note, you need to register on the site to view the result). Your vocabulary is 11655 words. Honesty Index 100%
In general, the tests determine the vocabulary quite closely despite different testing methods. In my case, the result is quite close to reality, and it was on the basis of these tests that I found out that my vocabulary is not very large and I need to work more in this direction. At the same time, I have enough vocabulary to watch YouTube, most TV shows and films without translation and subtitles. But subjectively, it seemed to me that the situation is much better.
Grammar tests
Grammar tests with subsequent assessment are often posted on the websites of online schools, if the links below look like advertisements, know that they are not.
"Your level: Intermediate (B1+)"
“Congratulations on passing the test. Your result is 17 out of 25 ”- here I expected a better rating, but what is, is.
“You scored 64%! Between 61% and 80% suggests your level is Upper-Intermediate"
"Your result: 17 points out of 25 Your level on the test: Intermediate"
In general, for all tests, the result is between Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate, which is quite in line with my expectations, I have never specifically studied grammar, all knowledge “came” from consuming content in English. All tests use the same methodology, and I think they can be used to detect gaps in knowledge.
General Level Tests
The best of the free reading and listening tests. I advise you to take a short test, and then a full one. My result in the full test: Listening Section 86/100 C2 Proficient, Reading Section 77/100 C2 Proficient, total score EF SET 82/100 C2 Proficient. In this case, the result surprised me, three years ago the overall score was 54/100 B2 Upper-Intermediate.
EF SET also issues a beautiful certificate, the result of which can be included in a resume, posted on your LinkedIn profile, or simply printed and hung on the wall.
They also have an automatic Speaking test, currently in beta testing. Results:
EF SET in terms of reading and listening is as close as possible to IELTS / TOEFL.
A simple test on the website of one of the online schools, a little reading / checking vocabulary, a little listening, a little grammar.
Result: Your level is Intermediate! Scored 36 out of 40.
I think there are not enough questions to determine the level of questions in the test, but the test is worth taking. Given the simplicity of the test, the score is a little offensive, but who can I blame but myself.
(Note, you need to register on the site to view the result).
Another general test with an interesting approach, the result quite reflects my level.
It was quite interesting for me to assess my level, since I had never studied English specifically. At school, and at the university, I was very unlucky with teachers (and I didn’t try) and I didn’t get more knowledge of London is the capital ... I couldn’t take it out of there. A much better result was given by games in English, and then the chosen profession of a system administrator, in which there is no way without English. Over the years, the vocabulary was gradually recruited and the ability to perceive the language by ear improved. The greatest result was given by going to freelancing and working for English-speaking customers. Then I made a decision to consume 90% of the content in English. According to the EF SET test, it is clear how the level of understanding and reading has grown over these three years. Next year, the task is to increase vocabulary, improve grammar, and improve spoken English. I really want to do it on my own, without the help of offline/online schools.
The main conclusion: free tests can and should be used to control the level of English proficiency. Passing tests every six months / year (depending on the intensity of training) you can evaluate your progress and find weaknesses.
I would very much like to see your experience in the comments, how your level of language proficiency has changed and how you assessed these changes. And yes, if you know of any other good and free tests, write about it. We all know that comments are the most helpful part of an article.
Source: habr.com