How good is your English?

Introduction
This activity allows you to assess your level of English language ability in the four main skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
You will rate yourself against a publicly recognised checklist of language skills based on the European Language Portfolio, which was developed as part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Your score will place you into one of three categories:
•	a basic user (levels A1 or A2)
•	a fairly confident user (levels B1 or B2)
•	a very fluent and skilled user (levels C1 or C2)
For each skill, you will read a series of numbered statements about your language ability.  Choose the highest numbered statement that you can completely agree with.

Statements
Listening  - Conversations and discussions
1)	I can understand simple greetings such as ‘hello‘ and ‘good bye’, and simple questions such as ‘What's your name?’, or ‘Where do you live?’
2)	I can understand most questions addressed to me in a simple conversation about a familiar topic, with the help of the other person.
3)	I can follow everyday conversations if people speak slowly, clearly and are willing to repeat certain words and phrases.  
4)	As well as everyday conversations, I can follow a short talk on a familiar topic, if it is clearly presented.
5)	I can understand the details of any conversation as well as talks on topics that interest me, even if the language is complex.
6)	I can understand specialised debates, talks or presentations, even when they use specific and complex terms (for instance, a formal lecture at college or university).
Listening - General information and recordings
1)	I can understand basic information that includes numbers or times such as ‘It's fifteen euros’ or ‘The train leaves at half past three.’
2)	I can understand the words and expressions used in shops, banks or restaurants as well as simple phone messages.
3)	I can understand the main points of radio and TV programmes on familiar topics, when the delivery is slow and clear. 
4)	I can understand most TV and radio programmes as well as films if they are in a standard dialect.
5)	I can understand TV and radio programmes as well as films on any topic, even when they use idioms or slang.
6)	I can understand all types of recorded speech, identifying subtle meanings and emotions.  
Listening - Instructions and technical information
1)	I can understand’ basic instructions such as ‘Press the yellow button to start,’ or ‘Take the second street on the left.’
2)	I can catch the main point in short, simple messages and instructions such as which platform my train is leaving from. 
3)	I can also understand simple technical information such as how to use everyday equipment.  
4)	I can follow a technical discussion on a familiar topic and identify the main ideas. 
5)	I can understand complex technical information and instructions, even on the phone. 
6)	I have no difficulty in understanding complex and technical information even when it is delivered at a fast pace and the sound quality is poor.

Reading - Information
1)	I can understand simple forms (eg a hotel booking form) well enough to be able to give my personal information (eg name, nationality, address).
2)	I can understand information in leaflets, webpages and adverts, for instance, when looking for a place to rent or a computer to buy.
3)	I can understand the most important information in short simple everyday texts such as signs, menus, brochures.   
4)	I can identify relevant information in a manual and understand explanations of how to solve a particular problem.
5)	I can understand complex reports or summaries of work meetings, as well as technical information describing a new product and how to use it.
6)	I can understand unfamiliar instructions, official regulations and professional contracts (eg employment contracts).
Reading - Correspondence
1)	I can understand short messages from friends or colleagues, such as ‘See you at 6.30’, or ‘Phone home’.
2)	I can understand simple messages and personal letters from friends or colleagues, giving details of everyday life.
3)	As well as personal letters, I can understand simple messages in formal letters from banks, universities or authorities.  
4)	I can understand personal letters that express opinions and emotions, as well as more complex professional correspondence.
5)	I can understand personal correspondence with colloquial expressions, idioms or slang, as well as formal letters involving technical and specialist terms.
6)	I can understand any type of correspondence and identify subtleties and attitudes that might not be directly expressed.
Reading - Narratives (news, fictional stories)
1)	I can understand the information I need on train time tables, TV, film or theatre listings, etc.
2)	I can understand the main information in short articles and texts on familiar topics, especially if they contain pictures.
3)	I am able to read through news summaries and find relevant information, for example who has done what and where.  
4)	I can grasp the main content of newspaper or magazine articles and can understand the basic plot of a novel or a drama.
5)	I can understand longer newspaper articles and essays that analyse different viewpoints; I can also grasp the message of poems and novels.
6)	I can understand a range of modern and classic literary works (eg historical novels, thrillers, biographies) and can handle different writing styles and expressions, including metaphors (eg ‘I'm dying to meet her’) and ambiguity (eg ‘Entire store 25% off).
Speaking - Social conversations
1)	I can use greetings such as ‘hello’ and ‘good bye’, introduce myself and others and exchange simple personal information.
2)	I can greet someone and respond to them by asking and talking about topics of everyday life, such as family, work or hobbies.
3)	I can deal with most everday situations, for example going to the doctor, making travel arrangements etc.  
4)	I can converse or discuss on any general topic, present my own opinions and correct my mistakes if they have led to misunderstandings.
5)	I can take part in a lively conversation and help the flow of dialogue between several speakers, making jokes, expressing irony and subtle emotions.
6)	I can take part, without limitations, in any social conversation or discussion, even if it involves a fast delivery, a local dialect or background noise.
Speaking - Seeking information
1)	I can take part in simple exchanges in shops, hotels, airports or stations.
2)	I can make simple purchases, explain what I want, ask for information or directions and refer to locations on a map.
3)	I can ask for and follow detailed directions (e.g. ‘After the second light, turn left, then right and follow the canal road.’)
4)	I can exchange information within my areas of expertise or interest.  
5)	I can participate fluently in discussions on a wide variety of issues, express my ideas and respond to other people's viewpoints.
6)	I can participate effectively in complex specialised debates or discussions.
Speaking - Giving information
1)	Although I might pause or use gestures to help me, I can talk about myself, my family and friends and daily routines.
2)	I can describe my personal life, my interests and recent experiences such as what I did in my last holiday.
3)	I can describe events in detail and can summarise short articles or a film in my own words.  
4)	I can summarise news, interviews, documentaries or debates and can describe in detail topics that interest me.
5)	I can clearly summarise complex topics and present subjects within my field of expertise, responding fluently to any questions.
6)	I can express ideas and viewpoints fluently; summarise coherently information from many sources; and convey subtle meanings and emotions.

Writing - Forms and summaries
1)	I can fill in simple forms, giving personal details such as my name, nationality, address etc.
2)	I can fill in forms (eg an employment form) to give information about my education, my job, my interests and skills.
3)	I am able to write my CV in summary form and can write simple texts about experiences and events, for example for a newsletter.  
4)	I can summarise articles on topics of general interest and can write a short review, for instance of a book or a film.
5)	I can integrate information from a variety of sources (eg. internet articles, books, newspapers, TV) and can present a wide range of topics in a well-structured way.
6)	I can write any type of text, from summaries to essays, providing facts and critical commentary, using a style appropriate to the reader.
Writing - Correspondence
1)	I can write a simple postcard, greeting card, email or text message.
2)	I can write a short, simple description of my daily life, family, or interests.
3)	I can share news in a personal letter to friends and can reply to adverts, asking more information about products, for example a car or an academic course.  
4)	I can write both personal letters and more formal letters or reports on topics within my area of interest or expertise.
5)	In personal letters, I can describe in detail experiences and emotions, while in formal letters I can present complaints and arguments, supported with examples.
6)	I can write fluently and in the appropriate style, both personal letters and more complex formal ones such as applications or requests to authorities or commercial clients.

Important note
The results from this activity are simply a guide, based on your own reflection, about your current level of language ability. They refer to your level of skill for general tasks, not necessarily academic study at university level. 
For reading and writing, a score of B1 is the minimum you require to study a Level 1 course at the Open University. Our Level 1 courses are designed to help you begin to develop your language and study skills. We expect that, by the end of a 15-point or 30-point Level 1 OU course, you should be able to score at least a B2 in reading and writing. By the end of a 60-point Level 1 course, you should be able to score C1 for reading and writing. 
As for listening and speaking, we recommend a minimum score of B2 in order for you to make the most of the audio and video materials which form an important component of OU courses at Level 1 and beyond. 
Summary feedback 
If you have chosen statements that are mainly 1s and 2s 
You are likely to be basic user of English (ie level A1 or A2 for your language skills) 
As you have identified that you are at basic level for a number of your language skills, you will need to improve your English before you begin study with the OU.
You may want to consider private tuition if you want to do this quickly. In addition, to help you identify your problem areas, you might want to take a full assessment of your language skills, including an analysis of your written and spoken English. Check our table of recognised proficiency tests to find out the level you will need for university level study.
For courses to improve your English, try the following options:
•	your local college or adult learning centre. If English is not your first language, English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) tells you where to find basic English courses.
•	the LearnDirect site provides information on local courses in basic English for UK residents.
•	English UK allows you to search for English language courses at associated language schools and centres. These usually offer assessment tools to help you to diagnose your needs and offer tuition to suit your ability.
You may decide to improve your skills before you start studying with the OU, but can still discuss your study plans with us. Your National or Regional centre may be able to tell you about local colleges or centres which run language classes.
If you have chosen statements that are mainly 3s and 4s
Your are likely to be a fairly confident user of English (ie B1 or B2 for your language skills) so studying a Level 1 OU course is a possibility for you, though it may be demanding.   
You may want to improve your study skills a little more before starting a subject course or module.  If so, try one of our Openings courses.  These short modules  have been specially designed to
•	give an idea of what it’s like to study with us
•	offer a taste of a specific subject area
•	develop your study skills
•	build your confidence.
They offer intensive tutor support by phone but focus mainly on academic study skills rather than improving your English language. They include 3 short written essays and an optional online forum where you can exchnage ideas and get support from other students. These courses contribute up to 15 credit points towards any qualification you take with the OU.
If you do enrol on a course in a particular subject area, you may wish to complement  this with the OU course, English for academic purposes online. This Level 1 module will help you develop your skills of reading, writing and communicating in academic English. It includes material from a range of disciplines, including science and technology, maths, the arts, social sciences, business and health studies. This allows you to develop the academic English that is most relevant to your study. Studying this course will contribute 30 credit points towards any qualification you take with the OU.
If you have chosen statements that are mainly 5s and 6s 
You are likely to be a very fluent user of English (level C1 or C2 for your language skills).  
You should feel confident about studying at degree level and a course at the OU should be well within your ability. You would be considered a very able user of the language whose skills are similar to a skilled native speaker and you should be able to deal with the technical and specific language used in OU courses.
However, because the English used for university study is not the same as everyday English,  you may wish to improve your command of academic English by studying the OU course English for academic purposes online.  This Level 1 module will help you develop your skills of reading, writing and communicating in academic English. It includes material from a range of disciplines, including science and technology, maths, the arts, social sciences, business and health studies. This allows you to develop the academic English that is most relevant to your study.  Studying this course will contribute 30 credit points towards any qualification you take with the OU.