Multilevel is Uzbekistan's national language exam for a CEFR level. It is held every month, in the regions too, and tests all four skills. This article is about its Speaking paper.
The main difference from IELTS
Multilevel Speaking is taken at a computer: the task appears on screen, the question plays in your headphones and your answer is recorded. There is no live examiner, which makes practising against a timer especially important.
The four parts
| Part | Task | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | 3 personal questions | about 30 seconds each | A2 |
| 1.2 | Compare 2 pictures, then questions | short thinking time | B1 |
| 2 | 1 picture and 3 questions | 1 minute to prepare, 2 to speak | B2 |
| 3 | A statement with for and against points | 1 minute to prepare, 2 to speak | C1 |
The parts get harder in order: each one tests the next level up.
1.1: personal questions
Like IELTS Part 1: about you and your daily life. Thirty seconds is short: one sentence to answer, one with a reason or example.
1.2: two pictures
You compare two pictures: what they share and how they differ. Useful phrases: "Both pictures show...", "In the first picture..., whereas in the second...". More: the part 1.2 guide.
2: one picture and three questions
Close to IELTS Part 2: one minute to prepare and two minutes without stopping. Cover all three questions.
3: the discussion
You get a statement and a table of points "for" and "against". You need to present both sides and argue your own position. This is the C1 task: "On the one hand... on the other hand...", "Taking everything into account, I believe...". More: the part 3 guide.
Score and level
Each skill is scored out of 75. The thresholds usually given are:
| Score | Level |
|---|---|
| 65-75 | C1 |
| 51-64 | B2 |
| 38-50 | B1 |
| below 38 | below B1 |
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
How to prepare
- Practise with a timer. The computer stops recording when time is up.
- Practise Part 3 on its own. Presenting both sides and concluding is the hardest skill for most candidates.
- Record yourself and listen back. In the test you speak to a microphone too.
Not sure which exam to take? See IELTS or Multilevel.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an examiner in Multilevel Speaking?
No. The task is on a computer screen, and your answer is recorded through a microphone and marked later.
What score do I need for B2?
Most sources give 51 and above. C1 starts at 65.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
