The number of words you know is a reliable gauge of your language level. What is knowing a word? The ability to provide at least one accurate synonym or use a combination of different words to convey its meaning.
The number of words you know is a reliable gauge of your language level. What is knowing a word? The ability to provide at least one accurate synonym or use a combination of different words to convey its meaning.
A 1000-words vocabulary will allow you to understand about 80% of most regular conversations.
Wow, I only need to learn 1000words to understand 80%? Only if you are a tourist or only need English for basic greetings. Try to understand this sentence missing the 20%:
Skydiving is a ____ sport, my father ___ me on it’s ____...
At this level, you can hold a basic conversation and get the general ideas and concepts of most of the articles you read and it will help you to pick up new words from the context in which they are used. You might even get through a day’s work in an English-speaking office and be able to achieve a TESOL sore of Level 5 or 6.
At 5000 words, you can understand about 98% of most ordinary texts. At this level, you are a functioning English speaker and should be able to achieve a TESOL score of 6 or 7. Working among professionals might still be challenging and formulating abstract concepts will be a big challenge.
8000 to 10000 Words
10000 words allow you to understand about 99% of most texts. If your goal is to attend a university, or to communicate in a professional business environment, this is the goal you need to set for yourself. You will be able to express your ideas with precision and pass as a native English speaker (assuming you work on your pronunciation)and achieve a TESOL speaking score of 7 and above.
Now you know where to set the bar in relation to your specific language needs – but – what is your strategy for accomplishing those goals?
Test Your Vocabulary Level
Now that you know where to set your immediate English speaking level test your present level by clicking the link below.
It is a simple test that you need only check the next to the listed words you know. It’s free, confidential, and has no strings attached.
