As you know, at Hey Lady! our focus is not only on your knowledge of English but also your ability to speak English. 

More specifically - we focus on your ability to produce ideas or opinions fluently and cohesively when speaking, using the English you already know. 

That’s why we have introduced our own English level system; one that is designed to help you measure and improve your English speaking ability (not just your knowledge!).

In the chart below you will see our speaking levels include both a score (from 0 - 10) and a level. 

You will notice there are 3 Intermediate Levels and 3 Advanced Levels.

Proficient speakers sit right at the top for those aspiring to achieve academic English or near-native abilities.

Dependent speakers actually sit below the minimum requirements to participate fully in Hey Lady!.

Notice at the bottom of the chart are the approximate CEFR equivalents. These are approximate because the CEFR levels don’t precisely translate to Hey Lady! levels.

What are the advantages of using our own system?

By using our own system we can better connect you with the right speaking partners and events so that your journey to fluency is rewarding, challenging and transformative in the Hey Lady! Way.

Compared to the previous system we used in Hey Lady! (CEFR), our system is more accurate.  It is also more relevant to our unique methodology for developing your fluency and independence. 

Where to find your Hey Lady! Speaking Level

Go to your profile page, we show your English level on the left side at the bottom of your profile card. This is visible to everyone. 

On the right side you will see another section about your speaking level. This report card is only visible to you, it is hidden from others who visit your profile page. 

This is where you can access your previous reports and take additional assessments to update your level.

How to update your Hey Lady! Speaking Level 

To find out your level, you can take the Hey Lady! Speaking Assessment. You will find this via your profile page. 

Our assessment uses AI technology to comprehensively measure your ability to speak English in five (5) different areas. There is no writing, just speaking in this assessment! 

At the end of the assessment you will receive a report that includes:

• Your overall score and level

• Five (5) individual scores: Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Fluency and Coherence

• Things you can do to improve

You will also see a summary of your latest report (image below) on your profile and access previous reports too.

The test takes around 20 minutes and is an excellent way to discover your strengths and areas for improvement as they relate to speaking English. 

Learn more about taking the assessment.

How your score is used

Your score does not define you. It's not something you should be ashamed of. Everyone is learning.

It's actually a helpful tool just to measure and understand where your speaking ability is at the time of the assessment.  

And it helps us to determine which people and events to connect you with as you improve so we can help you make progress consistently over time no matter where you are today (which is a good thing!). 

Using your score, we will group you with other members who are either Intermediate, Advanced or Proficient as well. This is important, because it makes it easier to ensure you attend events that are best suited for you.

Can I talk with people who are not the same level? 

Yes! Absolutely. We encourage you to practise regularly with people with a similar level, but we also encourage you to experience what it’s like to communicate and learn from people who are further ahead and further behind in their journey. 

These experiences can be incredibly valuable for everyone. And that’s why, when someone is hosting an event or live table, they have the ability to set the level:

• Intermediate - for Intermediate speakers, relaxed pace, focus on fluency

• Advanced - for Advanced speakers, faster pace, focus on fluency and accuracy

• Any Level - for both Intermediate and Advanced speakers. 

Please note: If you are currently an Intermediate speaker, you won’t see ‘Advanced Events’. But you will see ‘Any Level’ events, which will include Advanced speakers and you are welcome to join as many as you like. 

Need help? 

If you have any questions about Hey Lady! Speaking Levels, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Member Support via chat or email hello@heylady.io