In our globalized world, mastering English is no longer a luxury, but a basic necessity to open doors in international communication, higher education, and the job market. But how can I really know my level of English? Am I a beginner, intermediate, or do I consider myself advanced? Fortunately, I have discovered several online resources that offer precise and reliable evaluations to determine our proficiency in the language.
Before we begin, it is important to mention that the effectiveness of these online tests largely depends on your honesty and autonomy in taking them. Using a dictionary or translator during the tests can invalidate the results, as they will not reflect your true competence in English.
In this blog entry, I will take you through various websites where you can also evaluate your level of English for free. We will explore each platform in detail, highlighting what makes them special and accessible. To make it easy for you to follow my path, I will include direct links to the tests so you can get instant results. Join me, discover which one best suits your needs, and start your journey towards fluency in English with confidence.
We start by exploring EFSET at EFSET.org, which in 2024 updated its English tests. They now offer three options: a quick 15-minute test and two more extensive ones, a 50-minute test focused on reading and listening, and a 90-minute test that covers all skills. The longer tests are ideal for getting an accurate estimate of your level.
However, in the 90-minute test, the speaking section can be tricky, as it requires memorizing and repeating texts exactly as you hear them. Additionally, the writing part seems to assess below expectations for higher levels, as the tasks often do not require vocabulary or structures beyond the B2 level.
Another notable resource is SmallTalk, which offers an English level test focused on exhaustively evaluating speaking ability. This tool stands out for its precision in assessing speech, providing a detailed report on the user's speaking level. However, it is crucial not to read the statements aloud during the test, as this could lead to inaccurate results. SmallTalk is an excellent choice for those looking to specifically improve and assess their fluency and pronunciation in English.
The next stop on our exploration is the "Test Your English" section of Cambridge. They offer four tests designed for different audiences: General English, for Schools, Business English, and Young Learners. These tests are meticulously tailored to the type of student, making them unique.
Although they are multiple-choice tests and primarily assess your reading ability, they provide a useful indication of your level in this specific area. This can be an excellent starting point if you are looking to improve or validate your English reading skills.
We also reviewed the test offered by the British Council. Similar to Cambridge's, this test is multiple-choice and assesses a general band of English. Notable about this option is its speed: it will take you no more than 20 minutes to complete. It is an efficient and effective way to get a quick evaluation of your overall level of English.
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Additionally, it is common to find that many institutes offer free English level tests on their websites. When you register to take these tests, it is important to know that you will be entered into their databases, which allows them to send you commercial offers later on. Most of these tests are provided by companies specialized in integrating assessments into websites, like English Radar.
On the other hand, there are other free options such as those offered by Exam English, which include a variety of tests, including diagnostic tests. However, most of these tests focus primarily on assessing reading skills and, in some cases, listening comprehension. Although these tests are useful, it is important to keep in mind that they do not cover all linguistic skills.
In conclusion, and based on my personal experience, I believe that the best diagnosis of English level requires combining tools from different sites to effectively cover all linguistic skills. I recommend using the 90-minute test from EFSET, as it is the most complete and provides a comprehensive assessment including reading, listening, speaking, and writing. For specifically evaluating speaking ability objectively, the SmallTalk test is unparalleled, thanks to its ability to provide an exhaustive and accurate report on this skill. Finally, for receiving detailed feedback on your writing ability, the Cambridge Write and Improve platform is the ideal choice; although it does not focus on tests, it offers an excellent assessment of your written English. Combining these three tools, you can obtain a clear and comprehensive picture of your competence in English.