Proficiency Levels
We require to our Italian and English language learners, and particularly to the clients with previous language knowledge, to go through a very simple initial assessment process, and then we begin working with them with accuracy and to meet their goals through:
- An initial meeting in person or via phone/Skype to better understand our clients’ aspirations
- Design and implement personalized study plans through a student-centered teaching approach that focuses on meeting the learner's needs and interests and to achieve the level of proficiency established
Take the written portion of the Italian placement test by clicking here. Please do not use any aids such as a vocabulary. After you answered all questions you were able to, print out the test, and email it back to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The verbal test will be given to you in person or via Skype, by appointment. Please call 312-925-3467 or email us to schedule your verbal exam.
All the Madrelingua Italiana’s Language Courses are based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The CEFR is a guideline used to describe any single step involved in learning a foreign language in order to become efficient speaker and finally achieve mastery of that language. The CEFR sets the rules governing the recognition of proficiency as it pertains different learning contexts and provides a progressive assessment of a learner’s level of achievement at a specific time, and throughout a lifetime.
The CEFR categorizes learners into three broad divisions and six levels, as follows:
- A - Basic User
- A1 - Beginner
- A2 - Elementary
- B - Independent User
- B1 - Intermediate
- B2 - Upper Intermediate
- C - Proficient User
- C1 - Advanced
- C2 - Mastery
PROFICIENCY LEVELS
From day one, we start teaching all our language courses using Italian or English. Students are required to speak the target language from the very first lesson.
Level 1 / Basic User - Beginner
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Level 2 / Basic User - Elementary
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Level 3 / Independent User - Intermediate
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal.
Level 4 / Independent User - Upper Intermediate
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Level 5 / Proficient User - Advanced
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Level 6 / Proficient User - Mastery
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
