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The method: how this course works
One path, six levels, no mixing. Here is why it works and how to use it.
1. Everything has exactly one level
The course contains 9,337 words. Each word is assigned to one CEFR level (A1–C2), using research word lists made for the CEFR: the CEFR-J Wordlist for A1–B2 and the Octanove Vocabulary Profile for C1–C2. If a word has a new meaning or a new part of speech at a higher level, it appears again at that level. Grammar works the same way: each rule is taught at its level, and the lessons only use grammar you already know.
2. One fixed path per level
Each level is a list of steps: word units of about 20 words and grammar lessons, mixed in a fixed order. You always know what to do next — press “Continue” on the level page.
3. Four steps for every word
- Learn — see the word, hear it, say it aloud, read an example. Seeing, hearing and saying together makes a stronger memory.
- Choose — recognise the meaning among four options.
- Write — remember the English word from its meaning. Active recall is the most effective way to learn.
- Listen — hear the word and type it, so you know how it sounds and how it is spelled.
4. Spaced repetition
New words disappear from memory in a few days unless you meet them again. The daily review shows each word again after 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days. When you answer correctly the next pause becomes longer; when you make a mistake the word comes back sooner. After six correct reviews the word is in your long-term memory.
5. Prove it: the level test
At the end of every level there is a test with grammar and vocabulary questions. With 80% or more you pass and can print a certificate of completion. Then you move up to the next level.
Levels and exams
| Level | Name | Exams (approx.) | Study time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | ≈ Cambridge A1 Movers | ≈ 80–100 hours |
| A2 | Elementary | ≈ Cambridge A2 Key (KET) | ≈ 180–200 hours in total |
| B1 | Intermediate | ≈ Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) · IELTS ≈ 4.0–5.0 | ≈ 350–400 hours in total |
| B2 | Upper-intermediate | ≈ Cambridge B2 First (FCE) · IELTS ≈ 5.5–6.5 | ≈ 500–600 hours in total |
| C1 | Advanced | ≈ Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) · IELTS ≈ 7.0–8.0 | ≈ 700–800 hours in total |
| C2 | Proficiency | ≈ Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) · IELTS ≈ 8.5–9.0 | ≈ 1,000–1,200 hours in total |
Exam comparisons are approximate and for orientation only. GetKG English is independent and is not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Oxford University Press, IELTS or the Council of Europe.
Sources and credits
- The CEFR-J Wordlist Version 1.5. Compiled by Yukio Tono, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Retrieved from cefr-j.org.
- Octanove Vocabulary Profile C1/C2 (ver 1.0), Octanove Labs — licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Our level list for C1–C2 is shared under the same licence.
- The CEFR-J Grammar Profile (ver 20180315) helped to place grammar points at levels.
- Pronunciation (US) from the CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. Audio is produced by your browser.
- All example sentences, explanations and exercises are original texts by GetKG English.