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Specialist Bookshops for Language Learners in London
Grant and Cutler at Foyles
107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT020 7734 2012
123 Gloucester Road, London, SW7 4TE020 7734 5259
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Exam Board Specifications
GCSE English
GCSE French
GCSE Italian
A-Level English
A-Level French
A-Level Italian
Test Your Language Level
Website Recommendations
These platforms often use recognised frameworks like the CEFR to evaluate your level, and they cover a wide range of languages.
Duolingo English Test
Languages: English (primarily)
Overview: A widely used test for English proficiency, especially for non-native speakers applying for university admissions. It offers an adaptive test that adjusts to the test taker's ability, with a focus on real-world language usage. The test is quick (about 1 hour), and results are available within 48 hours.
Cambridge English Online Tests
Languages: English
Overview: Cambridge English offers free online tests to help determine your level of English. They have tests for general English, business English, and academic English. These tests are aligned with the CEFR and provide a rough indication of your language proficiency.
EF SET (English First)
Languages: English
Overview: EF SET offers free, comprehensive English language level tests. They are CEFR-aligned and provide a detailed score report that includes your level in reading and listening skills. The test lasts 50 minutes for the full version or 15 minutes for a shorter version.
Babbel Placement Test
Languages: Multiple languages (including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more)
Overview: Babbel provides an interactive language learning platform that includes a placement test to assess your current language level. The test is tailored to your learning needs, helping to place you at the right course level based on your knowledge.
DELF/DALF Practice Tests (French)
Languages: French
Overview: For those interested in French, the official DELF/DALF tests are the standard. You can find practice tests on the official website to determine your level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These tests are used for both academic and professional purposes.
Busuu Language Test
Languages: Multiple languages (Spanish, French, German, etc.)
Overview: Busuu offers an online language test that assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. After completing the test, you get a CEFR-aligned score and a personalised study plan.
Lingoda Language Level Test
Languages: English, German, French, Spanish
Overview: Lingoda offers a free placement test to determine your proficiency level in any of the languages they teach. After taking the test, you get a CEFR level and tailored course recommendations.
Lingvist English Test
Languages: English (primarily)
Overview: Lingvist offers a personalised and adaptive language test to assess your English level. This test is quick, and based on your answers, it tailors further lessons to match your language skills.
Memrise Language Placement Test
Languages: Multiple languages (Spanish, French, Italian, etc.)
Overview: Memrise offers an initial placement test to help assess your current level in various languages. The test adapts as you progress and provides a recommendation for a suitable course to begin with.
Language Level (TestYourLanguage.com)
Languages: Multiple languages (including Spanish, French, Italian, and German)
Overview: This platform offers a variety of language tests. The tests are fairly simple and help provide a rough estimate of your language level in various languages.
These platforms are ideal for getting an estimate of your language level before deciding which course or learning approach to take. If you’re looking for a test that also provides official certification, I recommend considering tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or DELF, as they're internationally recognised.
Please let me know if you need more information on a specific test or platform.