GSE 10-19: Starter – CEFR <A1
At this level, you can use and understand a small number of words and phrases.
For example: You can say hello and introduce yourself. Simple phrases like "My name is John" or "How are you?" are within your grasp.
GSE 20-29: Beginner – CEFR <A1-A1
As a beginner, you can ask and answer simple questions, write short sentences, and share personal information.
For example: You can order food and drink in a simple way. For instance, you might say, "I would like a coffee, please," or "Where is the bathroom?"
GSE 30-39: Pre-intermediate – CEFR A2+
At this stage, you can talk about everyday topics and understand the main information in conversations.
For example: You can make a hotel reservation over the phone. You might say, "I need a room for two nights," or "Do you have free Wi-Fi?"
GSE 40-49: Intermediate – CEFR B1
Intermediate learners can share their opinions, explain their reasoning, and write longer texts, such as short essays.
For example: You can describe your weekend plans. For example, "This weekend, I am going to visit my grandparents and go hiking."
GSE 50-59: High Intermediate – CEFR B1+
At this level, you can lead and participate in conversations on familiar and unfamiliar topics, and write documents expressing opinion or fact, such as reports and articles.
For example: You can make a complaint. You might say, "I am not satisfied with the service because my order was incorrect."
GSE 60-69: Pre-advanced – CEFR B1-B2
Pre-advanced learners can speak more fluently about a broad range of topics and share detailed ideas and explanations in writing.
For example: You can understand a wide range of TV shows and films. For example, you can follow the plot and dialogue of a drama series without subtitles.
GSE 70-79: Advanced – CEFR B2+-C1
At the advanced level, you can speak fluently in personal, professional, and academic contexts and understand unfamiliar topics, even colloquialisms.
For example: You can make and understand jokes using word-play. For instance, you might understand a pun or a play on words in a conversation.
GSE 80-90: Expert – CEFR C1-C2
Expert learners can talk spontaneously, fluently, and precisely, read and write documents with ease, and understand spoken English in all contexts.
For example: You can participate in fast-paced conversations on complex topics. You might discuss global economic issues or debate philosophical ideas with ease.
Assessing your English proficiency
To accurately find out your GSE level, consider taking a standardized test that provides a GSE score. Many language schools and online platforms offer assessments specifically designed to measure your English proficiency according to the GSE framework or you could try the ɫèAV Test of English (PTE) or ɫèAV English International Certificate (PEIC).
Understanding yourself to improve your English study
Understanding your English level as an ESL learner is an essential step in mastering the language. Whether you're a beginner who can recognize simple greetings or an advanced learner who can understand complex arguments in newspaper articles, the GSE provides a clear pathway for your language learning journey so you can clearly see where you stand and what you need to work on next.
Read our blog posts ‘Learning a language while working full-time’ and ‘English conversation mistakes to avoid’
