If you're just starting to learn English, you may be wondering: what does A2 level mean? This is a very valid question, as this is a very important level for anyone who wants to become fluent in the language. After all, it introduces basic English vocabulary that allows you to communicate in everyday situations.
If you want to learn about the A2 level of English, don't miss the opportunity to read this article to the end. In it, we'll talk about the content covered, how many hours of study are needed to complete this level with mastery and what the next steps are to advance your learning.
Read on and find out!
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international system that classifies levels of proficiency in foreign languages and divides English levels into six categories: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Each category represents a different ability to understand and produce the language in different contexts and degrees of complexity.
This division provides a smoother learning experience for the student, who can train gradually and not feel overwhelmed by the number of subjects. It also ensures that all English students have the same level of instruction and can be assessed equally.
Following this logic, it's easier to understand what A2 level means in an English course. It is the second level of category A, i.e. the second stage of basic English. According to the CEFR, a student with A2 level English is able to:
Understand frequent phrases and expressions related to areas of personal interest (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, leisure).
Communicating in simple and routine tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and usual matters.
Describe, in a simple way, aspects of your past, your environment and issues related to your immediate needs.
Level A2 is a deep dive into grammatical structures and everyday vocabulary and helps you form the foundation of your language knowledge. You'll need around 200 hours of study to progress (assuming you've already completed level A1) and by the end you'll have mastered the content below:
Regular and irregular verbs in the simple past;
Modal verbs (can, could, would, should);
Adverbs of frequency (always, sometimes, never);
Comparatives and superlatives (bigger, smaller, the biggest, the smallest);
Possessive pronouns (my, your, his, her);
Prepositions of place (in, on, under);
Basic vocabulary related to topics such as family, work, hobbies, travel, food, health, weather, etc.
There are two ways of knowing if you are at the A2 level of English. The first is for students who started learning English from scratch and began their studies at level A1 (beginner). At the end of this level, which has around 70 - 100 hours of content, the student can take a test to check that they have mastered all the subjects covered during the lessons. If they pass, they progress from A1 to A2 level.
Another way to find out if you're at A2 level in English is to take a reliable, internationally recognized level test. A great option is the EF SET (EF Standard English Test), a free online test that assesses your language skills and follows the CEFR standards. It assesses your reading and listening skills in English and indicates at what level you should start your course.
If you're a beginner and want to reach A2 level in English, it's possible with dedication and a good teaching method. The first step is to complete level A1 in English, which corresponds to the beginner level of the language. Here you learn the basics of grammar and vocabulary to introduce yourself and interact in simple situations.
The second step is to dedicate yourself to studying A2 level English, doing exercises to improve your grammar and vocabulary, taking part in live classes with native teachers, interacting with other students and practicing the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. For this, however, it is recommended that you choose an English course that offers complete and up-to-date content, an interactive and dynamic platform and personalized teaching support.
If you already have A2 level English or are close to achieving it, congratulations! You already have a solid foundation in the language that will help you express yourself in simple situations. But don't stop there! Continue your studies and progress to the following levels to develop your English writing and speaking skills until you become fluent in the language.
If acquiring fluency in English is your goal, here's what your next steps should be:
Level B1 (Intermediate)
The intermediate level marks the beginning of independence in English. Here, students learn to produce and understand texts on familiar subjects or those of personal interest, express opinions, experiences and plans for the future, and deal effectively with everyday situations. To complete this level, you need to study for around 300 hours.
Level B2 (Post-intermediate)
At this level, you are prepared to understand and produce complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, participate in technical discussions in your field, and communicate fluently and naturally. To reach this level, you need to study approximately 200 hours.
Level C1 (Advanced)
At advanced level you improve your oral and written expression in English and start to produce and assimilate long texts on complex and abstract subjects such as philosophy, psychology, literature and cinema. You also learn to recognize implicit meanings and use the language effectively for different purposes. To complete this level, you need to study for around 200 hours.
Level C2 (Post-advanced)
Level C2 is finally proficiency in the language. At the end of this level, you will be able to understand and produce texts of any kind with ease, precision and coherence, master the linguistic and cultural aspects of the language, and express yourself spontaneously and confidently. To complete this level and become an English speaker, you need to study for around 200 hours.
We hope this article has helped to clarify what the A2 level of English is, its importance, the content covered and the steps you need to take to achieve fluency in the language. However, to really learn English, you need a good school by your side. And EF English Live is the best option for those who want to study with flexibility, quality and interactivity.
We are the largest online English school in the world, with over 50 years' experience in the market and millions of students satisfied with our teaching methodology. When you decide to study English at EF English Live, you have access to:
A course that can be adapted to your level of English and your objectives, be they personal, academic or professional;
Complete and up-to-date content covering all levels of English, from beginner to post-advanced;
An interactive and dynamic platform with video, audio and text lessons so you can study anytime, anywhere, on your computer, tablet or cell phone;
Personalized teaching support that includes live classes with native teachers 24/7;
Live group or individual lessons;
A community of students from all over the world who help you practice the language and make new friends;
Modern and efficient assessment system, with constant feedback on your progress and guidance towards your goals;
International certificate at the end of each level to prove your language skills according to the CEFR.
So don't waste any time and start your online English course at EF English Live today. Take your free level test, enroll and find out once and for all what A2 level English means in practice!
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