GATEWAY Scoring

CEFR Equivalent: C2
IELTS Equivalent: Band 9
TOEFL Equivalent: 114-120

Test takers at this level understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They are able to summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent written or spoken presentation. They express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

This is the highest level of English proficiency. It shows that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker. You would be extremely comfortable engaging in academic and professional discourse at all levels.

CEFR Equivalent: C1
TOEFL Equivalent: 95 – 113
IELTS Equivalent: Band 7 – 8

Test takers at this level understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They use language flexibly and effectively for academic purposes. They produce clear, well-structured, detailed spoken and written text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. 

This is a very high level of English proficiency. It allows for a full range of functionality at professional or in an academic setting. It shows that you have mastered English to allow you full autonomy in a native English-speaking country. This level of English is generally not required for undergraduate courses.

CEFR Equivalent: B2+

Test takers at this level understand standard language on both familiar and unfamiliar topics encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. They can follow the essentials of lectures, talks and reports and other forms of academic/professional presentation which are propositionally and linguistically complex. They are able to give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. They can produce an essay which develops an argument with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.

CEFR Equivalent: B2
TOEFL Equivalent: 72 – 94
IELTS Equivalent: Band 5.5 – 6.5

Test takers at this level understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They express themselves with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that should make regular interaction with other speakers possible without imposing strain on either party. They produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

This level is typically required for undergraduate or postgraduate level study as it means you are able to follow instructions at academic settings as well as participate in academic education, including both coursework and student life. This is also often the level required for professional registration and employment.

CEFR Equivalent: B1+

Test takers at this level understand straightforward factual information identifying both general messages and specific details with reasonable precision. They can produce texts using simple language to list advantages and disadvantages, and give and justify their opinion as well as write short, simple essays. They can summarize, report and give their opinion about accumulated factual information, describe a complex process in some detail, give simple reasons to justify a viewpoint as well as develop an argument well enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time.

CEFR Equivalent: B1
TOEFL Equivalent: 42 – 71
IELTS Equivalent: Band 4 – 5

Test takers at this level understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They are able to deal with most situations likely to arise in settings where English is the main language. They can produce simple connected text on concrete topics and are able to describe experiences as well as give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

This level is typically required for undergraduate level study. It shows that you have mastered everyday English language skills.

CEFR Equivalent: A2+

Test takers at this level understand enough to manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort. They interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations. They are able to understand and produce short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high frequency language. They are able to follow the general outline of a demonstration or presentation on a familiar or predictable topic, where the message is expressed slowly and clearly in simple language and there is visual support.

This level is typically considered too low to succeed in an academic setting, but may be set for Foundation Year courses.

CEFR Equivalent: A2
TOEFL Equivalent: N/A
IELTS Equivalent: N/A

Test takers at this level understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They are able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

This level is typically considered too low to succeed in an academic setting.

CEFR Equivalent: A1
TOEFL Equivalent: N/A
IELTS Equivalent: N/A

Test takers at this level understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They are able to introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. They can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

This level is considered too low to succeed in an academic setting.