Free English Level Test
Thirty grammar and vocabulary questions, from everyday English to advanced, in twenty minutes. Your estimated CEFR level (A2 to C2) appears as soon as you finish, with every answer explained.
How your score works
Questions rise through five levels of difficulty. Your level is the highest one where you still get most answers right: A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 on the Common European Framework (CEFR). It is an estimate, not an official certificate.
Sample English Level Test questions with answers
1. What does the idiom "to bell the cat" mean?
- A. To waste time on trivial matters
- B. To take on a dangerous task for the common good
- C. To flatter someone in authority
- D. To make an easy profit
The idiom comes from the fable in which mice agree that a bell around the cat’s neck would warn them, but none is willing to attach it. To bell the cat therefore means to undertake a risky task for the benefit of the group.
Discuss this question2. Choose the correct form: "Each of the boys ___ present in the hall."
- A. were
- B. was
- C. have been
- D. are
"Each" is a singular pronoun and governs the verb regardless of the plural noun that follows in the prepositional phrase. The subject is "each", not "the boys", so the singular "was" is correct.
Discuss this question3. Choose the correct form: If it rains tomorrow, we ____ the match.
- A. will cancel
- B. would cancel
- C. cancelled
- D. will cancelled
A first conditional describes a real and likely future possibility, taking the present simple in the if clause and will plus the base verb in the main clause. Would belongs to the second conditional, which describes an unlikely or imaginary situation. Note that the if clause never takes will in this pattern.
Discuss this question4. Choose the word most similar in meaning to METICULOUS.
- A. careless
- B. extremely careful about detail
- C. hurried
- D. generous
A meticulous worker attends to the smallest details, so the word is close to scrupulous, painstaking and thorough. Its opposites are slapdash, careless and cursory. The word carries a positive tone, unlike pedantic, which suggests fussiness over trivial points.
Discuss this question5. Choose the correct transitional device: He studied hard; ____, he passed with distinction.
- A. nevertheless
- B. consequently
- C. although
- D. whereas
The second clause states the result of the first, so a consequence connector such as consequently, therefore or as a result is needed. Nevertheless and whereas both signal contrast, which does not fit. Although is a subordinating conjunction and could not follow a semicolon in this way.
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English Level Test: common questions
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference is the international scale for language ability, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near native). IELTS, universities and employers all describe English requirements in CEFR terms.
What IELTS band does my level match?
Roughly: B1 is IELTS 4.0 to 5.0, B2 is 5.5 to 6.5, C1 is 7.0 to 8.0 and C2 is 8.5 and above. Most universities abroad ask for B2 or C1.
Is this an official English certificate?
No. It is a free estimate of your grammar and vocabulary level. Official results come from tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, which also assess speaking, listening and writing.
How can I improve my level?
Practise the areas you got wrong: every answer in your result is explained. The English grammar and vocabulary chapters on TestUstad have thousands of questions sorted by topic.