LANGUAGE LEVELS:
SA Buenos Aires #1

The Spanish language school offers courses to students at all levels, from those for complete beginners to those for advanced foreign language teachers wishing to perfect their knowledge and use of the language they teach. Prior to the start of your course you will take a special oral entrance exam that has been specifically designed to accurately place you within the language school curriculum. Based on these results the school will know at just what level you are, and with what material you should begin working.

Please note that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the right of this pages.

Level 0: Beginner

A beginning level student’s knowledge may range from knowing nothing of the language, to having basic vocabulary and knowledge of some phrases, but unable to communicate in the language.

Level 1: Elementary

At level one a student can ask and respond to simple questions, ask for information, and relate basic biographical data. Reserving a hotel room, ordering a meal at a restaurant and asking for a taxi by phone are all within the student’s capabilities.

At work, people at this level may be able to understand basic instructions, receive limited directions and understand a predictable telephone message. A student may understand the basics of a lecture if it is a familiar topic and visual aids are used.

Level 2: Intermediate

At this level, students are capable of managing the language within everyday situations that are predictable. They can talk about personal interests, have survival skills for travel, and can express and recognize some degree of opinion, attitude and mood within a limited conversation.

At the work level, intermediate students can interact with clients and colleagues when the topic is within their field of knowledge and predictable. If studying, a student will be able to ask basic questions and understand a lecturer if allowances are made for non-native speakers.

Level 3: Advanced

At the advanced level, the student can manage the basic structures of the language, has an substantial vocabulary, and is confident within routine situations that arise socially, or while traveling. Users at this level can communicate about a substantial range of subjects, express opinions, and give detailed information.

At work, a person at level three can understand and participate in meetings to a limited degree, and exchange opinions on familiar topics. A person who is studying can understand lecturers when the subject is predictable and in turn can ask questions that are not complicated.

Level 4: Very Advanced

At this level, students have a high degree of fluency and comfortable use of language structure. Users are aware of the role that the language plays within the culture and can adapt their language use according to the situation. They can manage themselves easily within routine areas, can maintain lengthy casual conversations, and have a wide range of expressions. They are able to entertain socially and manage well the niceties of the language. Students at this level may have some difficulty when discussing unfamiliar, sensitive, or complex topics.

At level four, users can easily discuss work-related topics, give presentations and effectively argue a point or defend a position. Likewise they can follow meetings on topics within in their area of knowledge. A student at this level can understand lectures and give presentations if the topic is not too complex.

Level 5: Native Speaker

At level five the student is approaching the competence of a native speaker, and has a sure command of the language in a wide range of situations. Any improvement needed will be in the areas of vocabulary, intonation, and style rather than grammatical structures.