The Alison English Vertical
The Alison English Vertical is a series of courses designed to be taken in order, with topics ranging from beginner to proficient. Each course was designed with English language learners in mind and focused on specific grammar and vocabulary points while building on the information from previous courses. This structure allows the learner to take the courses in sequential order and reinforce prior knowledge while learning new skills. The English Vertical Courses are built around the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This framework allows learners to gain a solid understanding of English and help them achieve their individual goals.
English Vertical Courses and English Tests
Many standardised English exams also rely on the CEFR to test a learner’s level of English. Since the English Vertical courses align with CEFR standards, they also align with many language proficiency tests, such as Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC.
CEFR Levels
English courses on the Alison website are sorted into six categories, one for each CEFR level. These categories, and their corresponding CEFR levels, are:
- Basic/Beginner (A1)
- Elementary (A2)
- Intermediate (B1)
- Upper-Intermediate (B2)
- Advanced (C1)
- Proficient (C2)
Courses with a three-digit number in the name (e.g., Beginner English 101) are part of the Alison English Vertical and were specifically developed to align with CEFR standards.
Cambridge
Cambridge English offers a variety of exams for learners of all ages. Unlike other exams, Cambridge offers tests for specific levels of English. The most common Cambridge tests are:
- Cambridge English A2 Key exam (KET)
- Cambridge English B1 Preliminary Exam (PET)
- Cambridge English B2 First exam (FCE)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam (CAE)
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam (CPE)
These Cambridge exams align with English Vertical courses with the same CEFR level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS is a standardised English test that measures the language skills of non-native speakers and is often used for work, study, or migration purposes. The test has a possible score from 0 to 9, scored in half-point (.5) increments. Each level of the English Vertical corresponds to a score range.
- Beginner English: 1.0 – 2.5
- Elementary English: 3.0 – 3.5
- Intermediate English: 4.0 – 5.0
- Upper-intermediate English: 5.5 – 6.0
- Advanced English: 6.5 – 7.5
- Proficient English: 8.0 – 9.0
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is a standardised English test that measures the language skills of non-native speakers who want to enrol in an English-speaking university. The test has a possible score from 0 to 120, scored in whole-point (1) increments. Each level of the English Vertical corresponds to a score range for the TOEFL iBT.
- Beginner English: 0 – 29
- Elementary English: 30 – 41
- Intermediate English: 42 – 71
- Upper-intermediate English: 72 – 94
- Advanced English: 95 – 113
- Proficient English: 114 – 120
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
The TOEIC is an international standardised English test that measures the everyday language skills of non-native speakers working in the international community. The test has a possible score from 10 to 990, scored on a question-to-point conversion scale. Each level of the English Vertical corresponds to a score range.
- Beginner English: 120 – 220
- Elementary English: 225 – 545
- Intermediate English: 550 – 780
- Upper-intermediate English: 785 – 940
- Advanced English: 945 – 990
Scores below 120 are considered pre-beginner and do not have a corresponding level. The maximum level for this test is advanced.
Conclusion
The Alison English Vertical can help you grow your skills and prepare for a variety of English tests, regardless of your current level. If you’re new to Alison, start by taking the free English test and get recommended courses based on your results.
