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- Thread starter js555
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When you score at least level 7 in all four parts of the exam (reading, listening, writing, speaking).
Ohh !! Meaning, a B2 level in all 4 will give one 12+50 points and a combination of B1 and B2 will give one around/ less than 12 points ? Is that right?
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Deleted member 1006777
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Yup exactly. I got a C1 in there, so I got 14+50 I think. So above B2 also gets you some extra points. And reading is the easiest of the four. Fairly easy to get a C1 there once you reach a true B2 level.
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The sentiment of not wasting time trying for anything less than a B2 across the board is right on the money, in my opinion. However, B2 being a joke is a stretch. If we're gauging by CEFR levels, B2 is where it gets "interesting"; sure, you're not a master of the language and WILL screw the subjunctive up, as part of the experience, but you're able to hold any, if not most, conversations that aren't overly technical. Same with consuming material in said language. What you're describing is closer to an A2 with a meek personality.
That being said, B2 is a worthy goal to pursue! It was when the language started getting "interesting" for me. You're learning all the time, while using it.
Something to consider: The amount of vocabulary words that you must know per level doubles, as you go on:
B1 = 2,000 words.
B2 = 4,000 words.
C1 = 8,000 words.
C2 = 10,000+ words.
i.e. upper levels take "more time" to learn, once the basics are down.
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Deleted member 1006777
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I posted a different reply but it got a little ranty so I deleted it. Look bottom line for me is, if you got to a B2 in french to get the score boost, I respect you for it. But if someone wants a pat on the back just for getting to a B2, I'm happy not associating with them.
Like you said though B2 is where the language started to get interesting. But let's not pretend a B2 is something worthwhile. A worthy goal to pursue, absolutely. A worthy achievement? Not really. It's where language ability starts. I have seen people think B2 is 'proficiency' and that is frankly hilarious. You're vastly overestimating the level of spoken french at a B2, and vastly underestimating the level of a casual conversation that uses variations in tone, inflection, idioms etc., all of which comes naturally. Nobody is thinking of what a fckn subjunctive is. You either use it instinctively or you don't. If you're still thinking about it, you're not proficient. Simple as that.
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Deleted member 1006777
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This might be useful: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/how-to-delete-my-canadavisa-account.495059/
Basically you can't. You need to contact an admin and request for your account to be deleted.
I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from. B2 is the minimum required proficiency for professionals across the EU; I work with people on a daily basis with such credentials and they can do their jobs just fine. I do consider it a sizable achievement and as such, it opens up quite a few doors. That is, ask any EU-based employer, it's usually what they'll ask for. I wouldn't consider getting jobs at a B2 level an "overestimation" of level, it's just what it is. You may have a different standard, which is fine, if it works for your purposes, whatever they may be.
On the personal side it's even more noticeable. People are usually impressed when you speak to them at a B2 level in their native language (unless it's english 'cause, "everyone speaks it").
Finally, I take it the subjunctive is either systematic or just flat out not a part of your native language? I know there's occasions where I have to stop and think, even in Spanish (My native language), whenever the use of the subjunctive gets too intricate. As you make your point, I'm sure you're well aware that conveying appropriate emotion and nuance is by no means an easy task, which is not entirely grammatically dependent; context is an important part, hence the difficulty.
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Deleted member 1006777
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minimum
You said it yourself. Minimum. If you're satisfied with being the bare minimum, good for you I guess?
It's the attitude I've procured so far whenever I do french related stuff nowadays, for sure. I've seen improvement, so I'd argue that yes, It's been a proper approach to take! At least for me. I do know I'm looking forward to take a C2 test someday, after enough time. Slowly but surely.
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Deleted member 1006777
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Then we're on the same page.
Either people can say their goal is the 50 point bonus, so B2 is where's it's at. Or you want to learn the language properly for reasons beyond immigration. Let's not conflate the two. B2 is a start. Nothing more.
A start for the latter, the end for the former. These can both be goals that exist simultaneously in an individual, or not. I do think about "sunken" cost though: If you've reached a B2 and plan to settle on Canada long term, why not go all the way? I'm sure it can happen rather organically if you're involved the least bit, with your partly french-speaking community, in your new life as an immigrant.
You're forgetting the 1-2 year working holiday programs that you can take advantage of as a Canadian passport holder. Eligibility for most is till the age of 35 which is more than most countries:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_holiday_visa
And getting work visas and residence visas in other countries become a mere formality. I've seen the difference in treatment my cousins got at immigration when they acquired their British passport.
For Indian citizens there are additional advantages - most FEMA/FERA laws don't apply to PIOs/OCIs and it's easier to do business in dollars even if you go back to India. It'll be extremely easy to get admission to IITs, IIMs, and NITs as a foreign citizen, for you and your children.
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