Language learning resources and checklists

This page collects practical, ready-to-use tools to help you place yourself on the CEFR scale, plan your exam preparation and keep a study routine that actually sticks. Everything here is free to download, print or bookmark, and each checklist is designed to give you a concrete next step rather than vague advice. Use them alongside our level-based courses and named tutors to move from A1 toward C2 with a clear sense of direction.

Level self-assessment checklist

Take a short reading and listening sample at A2 and B1 and mark which one you can follow without pausing repeatedly.
Write a 150-word text about your daily routine and count how many times you reach for a dictionary.
Record yourself speaking for two minutes on a familiar topic and note where you hesitate or switch to French.
Check whether you can understand the main points of a slow news bulletin or a simple podcast episode.
List the tenses you can use confidently in conversation versus those you only recognise when reading.
Compare your results against the CEFR 'can-do' statements for A1, A2, B1 and B2 to find your honest starting point.
Book a short placement conversation with a tutor to confirm your level before enrolling in a course.

Exam preparation checklist

Confirm the exact exam (DELF, DELE, Goethe, IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge) and target level at least three months in advance.
Download the official exam format and note the number of sections, timing and marking criteria for each.
Complete one full past paper under timed conditions to establish a realistic baseline score.
Build a weekly plan that rotates all four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
Learn the specific task types, such as summary writing or opinion essays, and practise the exact word counts required.
Schedule at least four mock speaking sessions with a tutor who can give exam-style feedback.
Prepare logistics one week before: ID documents, test centre location, arrival time and permitted materials.

Quick reference: CEFR at a glance

A1–A2 (Basic user): handle everyday phrases, simple exchanges and familiar topics with support.
B1–B2 (Independent user): manage travel, work and study situations and express opinions with growing fluency.
C1–C2 (Proficient user): understand demanding texts and use the language flexibly for academic and professional purposes.
Reaching B2 from zero typically requires several hundred hours of study, and progress slows as levels rise.
Consistent daily contact of 20–30 minutes usually beats occasional long sessions for retention.
Most official exams test all four skills separately, so a strong overall score still requires balanced preparation.

How do I know which CEFR level to start at?

Use the level self-assessment checklist above and compare your reading, listening, writing and speaking against the CEFR can-do statements. If your results fall between two levels, a short placement conversation with a tutor will settle it, and it is usually better to start slightly below your ceiling so you build confidence.

How long does it take to reach a conversational level?

Most learners reach a solid B1, enough for everyday conversation, after several hundred hours of focused study spread over roughly a year with regular practice. The exact time depends on how close your native language is to the target language, how often you practise speaking and whether you study alone or with a tutor.

Are these checklists suitable for self-study learners?

Yes. The checklists are written so you can follow them independently, and they work equally well as a framework you bring to a tutor. If you study alone, pay particular attention to the speaking and writing steps, since those skills are the hardest to develop without feedback.

How much time should I set aside for exam preparation?

Plan for at least three months for a full CEFR-level exam, starting with a timed past paper to find your baseline. From there, a weekly rotation of all four skills plus regular mock speaking sessions gives you enough time to close gaps without cramming in the final week.

Can conversation clubs replace formal lessons?

Conversation clubs are excellent for fluency, listening and confidence, but they rarely cover grammar and exam technique systematically. Most learners get the best results by combining structured, level-based courses with regular conversation practice to apply what they have learned.

Guides

How to choose the right language level for you

Learn how to assess your current ability and pick the right starting level for a language course, so you progress without gaps or boredom.

Understanding CEFR levels from A1 to C2

A clear guide to the CEFR framework and what each level from A1 to C2 means for your speaking, listening, reading and writing.

How to prepare for a language exam

Step-by-step advice on preparing for a language exam, from planning your study to practising each skill and managing exam-day nerves.

How to get the most from conversation clubs

Practical tips for using conversation clubs to build speaking confidence, overcome hesitation and turn classroom learning into real fluency.

How long does it take to learn a language?

Realistic timelines for reaching each CEFR level, and the factors that speed up or slow down your language learning progress.

Self-study vs tutor-led language learning

Compare self-study and tutor-led learning to decide which approach fits your goals, budget and motivation, or how to combine both effectively.