Every CSOL program sits on a 10-level proficiency framework aligned to international standards such as the CEFR. Wherever you start, your level - and your next step - is always clear, in General, Academic and Business English.
Choose your stream. Each level lists the speaking, listening, reading and writing outcomes you will achieve before moving up. A free placement test tells you exactly where you begin.
1
Beginner
≈ CEFR A1
Speaking
Introduce themselves, ask and answer simple personal questions, basic daily interactions.
Listening
Understand basic instructions and short everyday conversations with support.
Reading
Read very short texts, grasp familiar words and phrases.
Writing
Write simple sentences, complete basic forms.
2
Elementary
≈ CEFR A1+
Speaking
Express basic needs and opinions, handle short social exchanges.
Listening
Understand main points of clear speech on familiar topics such as daily life.
Reading
Read simple texts with everyday vocabulary, find specific information.
Writing
Write short personal messages, describe simple experiences.
3
Pre-Intermediate
≈ CEFR A2
Speaking
Describe familiar topics, handle routine situations with some confidence.
Listening
Follow simple narratives, understand instructions in a familiar context.
Reading
Understand straightforward texts on familiar subjects.
Writing
Write simple paragraphs on personal topics, basic emails and letters.
4
Intermediate
≈ CEFR B1
Speaking
Participate in conversations on a wider range of topics, express opinions.
Listening
Understand the gist of conversations on familiar matters like work and school.
Reading
Read articles and reports with some unfamiliar vocabulary.
Writing
Write descriptive paragraphs, express thoughts on familiar topics.
5
Upper-Intermediate
≈ CEFR B1+
Speaking
Converse with a degree of fluency, handle unexpected situations.
Listening
Understand extended speech, follow the main points of discussions.
Reading
Understand a variety of texts, both factual and literary.
Writing
Write clear, organised texts, express opinions and provide summaries.
6
Advanced
≈ CEFR B2
Speaking
Communicate with fluency, precision and a good understanding of nuance; discuss complex topics and adapt language style to different situations.
Listening
Understand extended speech, even with regional accents; follow complex lines of argument and grasp implicit meaning.
Reading
Read demanding texts with confidence, comprehend specialised vocabulary, appreciate nuances and subtleties.
Writing
Produce clear, well-structured texts; write complex reports, essays and summaries, expressing viewpoints effectively.
7
Advanced +
≈ CEFR C1
Speaking
Communicate spontaneously and flexibly with strong awareness of idiomatic usage; argue a case convincingly and handle complex questioning skilfully.
Listening
Understand most forms of spoken language, including abstract or technical speech, even at speed.
Reading
Read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, understanding different styles and registers.
Writing
Write in a variety of styles with control of the finer points of grammar; produce sophisticated, nuanced texts on complex subjects.
8
Proficient
≈ CEFR C1+
Speaking
Speak fluently and tailor language to precise needs; express fine shades of meaning and debate complex issues effectively.
Listening
Understand fully any kind of spoken language, even non-standard or heavily accented, grasping finer details and implications.
Reading
Read with full understanding, appreciating stylistic nuances and authorial intent; handle abstract ideas.
Writing
Express themselves naturally and precisely in a wide range of styles for professional, social and academic purposes.
9
Very Proficient
≈ CEFR C2
Speaking
Fluent, spontaneous communication with effortless precision; formulate and negotiate ideas skilfully in highly complex situations.
Listening
Effortless comprehension of all spoken language, distinguishing slight variations in style and emphasis.
Reading
Complete and effortless understanding of all texts, recognising implicit meanings, subtle nuances and authorial tone.
Writing
Write sophisticated texts fully adapted to audience and purpose, with complete control of style and grammar.
10
Mastery
≈ CEFR C2+
Speaking
Communication virtually indistinguishable from a native speaker, fully idiomatic and natural - even on highly abstract or specialised topics.
Listening
Effortlessly understand everything heard, with complete awareness of nuanced meaning and speaker's intent.
Reading
Read effortlessly with full comprehension of complex and nuanced language, including highly specialised or archaic texts.
Writing
Produce fluid, nuanced texts exhibiting full mastery of grammar, style and structure, in any genre for any purpose.
1
Beginner
≈ CEFR A1
Speaking
Introduce themselves and their academic interests, ask and answer basic questions about studies.
Listening
Understand simple instructions and short talks on familiar academic topics.
Reading
Read short academic texts with basic vocabulary, find main ideas and specific details.
Writing
Write simple sentences using academic vocabulary, complete basic forms.
2
Elementary
≈ CEFR A1+
Speaking
Describe their field of study, participate in short discussions on familiar academic topics.
Listening
Understand the main points of simple lectures, follow basic academic arguments.
Reading
Understand straightforward academic articles and reports with some support.
Writing
Write short paragraphs on familiar topics, basic summaries of academic texts.
3
Pre-Intermediate
≈ CEFR A2
Speaking
Explain their research interests, handle discussions on academic subjects with some confidence.
Listening
Follow lectures on familiar topics, understand instructions with multiple steps.
Reading
Read academic texts and identify main ideas, supporting details and the author's purpose.
Writing
Write simple essays with a clear structure, paraphrase ideas from sources.
4
Intermediate
≈ CEFR B1
Speaking
Participate actively in academic discussions, express opinions and present basic research.
Listening
Understand academic lectures on familiar topics, grasp the main points of arguments.
Reading
Read and analyse academic articles, identifying key arguments and evidence.
Writing
Write organised essays with introduction, body and conclusion; use simple citations.
5
Upper-Intermediate
≈ CEFR B1+
Speaking
Participate in seminars expressing viewpoints clearly; handle questions and debate respectfully.
Listening
Understand extended lectures on both familiar and unfamiliar academic subjects.
Reading
Read a variety of academic texts, synthesise information from different sources.
Writing
Write well-structured academic essays, incorporating sources with correct citation style.
6
Advanced
≈ CEFR B2
Speaking
Express complex ideas clearly and persuasively in seminars; present research findings confidently, using discipline-specific vocabulary with appropriate formality.
Listening
Understand extended lectures on unfamiliar topics; grasp explicit and implied meaning and take detailed notes effectively.
Reading
Analyse complex academic texts across fields; evaluate sources critically and synthesise multiple sources coherently.
Writing
Write well-structured essays and reports with a clear thesis; incorporate sources smoothly and master citation styles such as APA and MLA.
7
Advanced +
≈ CEFR C1
Speaking
Engage in in-depth academic discussions with insightful analysis; adapt language style to formal presentations and debates with sophisticated command of academic discourse.
Listening
Follow complex academic arguments, including nuanced or specialised terminology and non-standard accents; discern implicit assumptions.
Reading
Critically evaluate research articles and complex theoretical texts, reading for implicit meaning, bias and underlying assumptions.
Writing
Produce well-researched papers with originality and a strong authorial voice; use sources strategically across academic genres.
8
Proficient
≈ CEFR C1+
Speaking
Lead academic seminars and debates with intellectual leadership; fluently adapt language across academic contexts and registers.
Listening
Comprehend the most demanding academic lectures, perceiving subtleties of argumentation, tone and emphasis.
Reading
Read primary and secondary research literature with ease, analysing methodology and theoretical frameworks with fresh insight.
Writing
Demonstrate high-level research and analysis in writing, with an authoritative academic voice and nuanced style.
9
Very Proficient
≈ CEFR C2
Speaking
Communicate complex theories and original research with exceptional clarity; facilitate in-depth discussions and sophisticated debates.
Listening
Effortlessly comprehend any academic discourse, accurately interpreting intricate nuances and unstated implications.
Reading
Masterfully evaluate research, analyse complex theories and identify gaps in knowledge with original, critical thinking.
Writing
Produce publishable-quality research papers and critical analyses, crafted for academic journals and conferences.
10
Mastery
≈ CEFR C2+
Speaking
Engage in scholarly discourse at the highest level, contributing meaningfully to the field.
Listening
Understand virtually all academic discourse with effortless precision, appreciating complex nuances and multiple perspectives.
Reading
Critically analyse and synthesise research findings within the context of a broader academic discipline.
Writing
Produce original research and publications that advance existing knowledge in an academic field.
1
Beginner
≈ CEFR A1
Speaking
Introduce themselves in a professional context, ask and answer basic questions about their job and company.
Listening
Understand simple business instructions and everyday business conversations with support.
Reading
Read short emails and memos on familiar topics, grasp main ideas.
Writing
Write simple emails, complete forms and take basic notes.
2
Elementary
≈ CEFR A1+
Speaking
Participate in simple business meetings, express basic needs and opinions.
Listening
Understand the main points of short business presentations on familiar topics.
Reading
Read straightforward business reports and correspondence with some understanding.
Writing
Write short emails and memos with a clear structure.
3
Pre-Intermediate
≈ CEFR A2
Speaking
Describe their job duties, participate in business discussions, handle simple phone calls.
Listening
Follow presentations on familiar business topics, understand instructions with multiple steps.
Reading
Read business articles and identify key information and opinions.
Writing
Write basic business reports, summarise meeting notes, draft emails with a professional tone.
4
Intermediate
≈ CEFR B1
Speaking
Participate actively in meetings, express opinions and make simple presentations.
Listening
Understand business meetings on a range of topics, grasp main points of arguments.
Reading
Read and analyse business reports, understand company policies and procedures.
Writing
Write clear, concise business emails and letters, draft meeting minutes.
5
Upper-Intermediate
≈ CEFR B1+
Speaking
Engage in negotiations, handle customer enquiries, give presentations with confidence.
Listening
Understand detailed business discussions, follow complex arguments.
Reading
Read and analyse business contracts, understand financial reports, identify key trends.
Writing
Write proposals, persuasive business letters and contributions to company documents.
6
Advanced
≈ CEFR B2
Speaking
Confidently lead negotiations, network with international clients and speak persuasively.
Listening
Thoroughly understand complex proposals, strategies and discussions in business meetings.
Reading
Grasp legal contracts, analyse detailed market research and understand cultural nuances in business communication.
Writing
Write executive summaries, complex reports and marketing materials.
7
Advanced +
≈ CEFR C1
Speaking
Deliver impactful presentations tailored to diverse audiences, handle media enquiries.
Listening
Interpret subtle nuances in negotiations, grasp implicit meanings in presentations.
Reading
Critically evaluate business articles and analyse competitor strategies.
Writing
Draft policy documents and contribute to strategic business plans.
Follow intricate business discussions and identify unspoken implications.
Reading
Analyse complex business data, financial statements and market trends.
Writing
Write persuasive grant proposals and contribute to publications.
9
Very Proficient
≈ CEFR C2
Speaking
Engage in high-stakes negotiations, represent the company at international conferences.
Listening
Effortlessly understand nuanced arguments and business jargon.
Reading
Interpret legal documents and complex financial forecasts.
Writing
Author business plans and contribute to industry publications.
10
Mastery
≈ CEFR C2+
Speaking
Act as a leading voice in professional circles, influencing decision-making at the highest levels.
Listening
Decipher intricate business arguments and complex negotiation tactics.
Reading
Critically analyse industry trends and innovations, foreseeing their implications.
Writing
Produce authoritative white papers and thought-leadership articles.
Progress is checked continuously - regular formative assessment, level-end exams and proficiency certification - so moving up is earned, evidenced and celebrated.
Find your level in fifteen minutes.
Book a free placement test and start exactly where you should.
