CEFR A2 Level Guide
Your complete guide to elementary English proficiency
What is CEFR A2 Level?
CEFR A2 is the elementary level of English proficiency. At this level, you can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance and communicate in simple routine tasks.
You Can Do
- Communicate in routine tasks
- Exchange information on familiar topics
- Describe your background and environment
- Express immediate needs simply
Study Time
Typically requires 150-200 hours of guided study to progress from A1 to A2 level.
Perfect For
- Post-beginner students
- Secondary school students
- Adult learners with basic knowledge
A2 Language Skills Breakdown
Listening Skills
At A2 level, you can understand:
- Phrases and expressions about immediate needs
- Simple announcements and instructions
- Information about personal and family topics
- Short, clear conversations on familiar topics
Example Situations:
- Understanding weather forecasts
- Following simple shopping conversations
- Comprehending basic travel information
Reading Skills
At A2 level, you can read:
- Short, simple texts on familiar topics
- Personal letters and emails
- Simple advertisements and brochures
- Basic instructions and directions
Example Texts:
- Travel brochures and hotel information
- Simple newspaper articles
- Recipe instructions
Speaking Skills
At A2 level, you can:
- Communicate in routine social exchanges
- Describe past experiences and events
- Talk about plans and arrangements
- Express opinions on familiar topics
Example Conversations:
- "I went to Paris last summer"
- "What do you think about this movie?"
- "I'm planning to visit my family"
Writing Skills
At A2 level, you can write:
- Short, simple notes and messages
- Personal letters describing experiences
- Simple descriptions of events
- Basic instructions and directions
Example Writing:
- Email to a friend about weekend plans
- Simple diary entries
- Brief product reviews
A2 Vocabulary Requirements
Words
Active vocabulary needed for A2 level communication
Topics
Essential topic areas to master
Essential Vocabulary Topics
Travel & Transport
Hotels, airports, tickets, bookings, public transport, directions
Work & Jobs
Occupations, workplace, daily tasks, career, employment
Health & Body
Body parts, symptoms, medical visits, fitness, well-being
Hobbies & Leisure
Sports, entertainment, music, reading, hobbies, free time
Education
School subjects, studying, exams, university, learning
Weather & Seasons
Climate, forecasts, temperature, seasonal activities
A2 Grammar Essentials
Core Grammar Points
-
Past Simple
I worked, She went, They were -
Future (going to)
I'm going to travel, We're going to study -
Present Continuous
I am working, She is studying -
Comparatives
bigger, more expensive, better -
Modal Verbs
can, could, should, must
Practice Examples
Past Simple
✓ "She didn't go to the party."
✓ "Did you see the movie?"
Future Plans
✓ "We're going to travel next month."
✓ "Are you going to come?"
A2 Assessment & Progress
Official Tests
- Cambridge Key (KET) - Pass
- Trinity GESE Grade 4-5
- IELTS 3.5-4.5
- TOEFL 42-57
Self-Assessment
Check if you can:
- ✓ Talk about past experiences
- ✓ Make future plans
- ✓ Express opinions simply
- ✓ Give directions
- ✓ Write personal emails
Ready for B1?
Move to B1 when you can:
- ✓ Handle unexpected situations
- ✓ Express reasons and explanations
- ✓ Describe hopes and dreams
- ✓ Deal with complex texts
- ✓ Write coherent paragraphs