Narva learners face hurdles in reaching C1 Estonian

Only 14.9 percent of candidates passed the C1 Estonian language exam in Narva in September, compared with 29.3 percent nationwide, ERR reports. Ten of the 67 candidates in Narva passed, while 105 of 358 candidates across Estonia achieved the required result.

Maiki Udam, head of curriculum quality at the Education and Youth Board, said a pass rate of about 30 percent is typical for the C1 exam. Results at this level cannot be compared directly with those at lower levels, she said, because the requirements become more demanding as proficiency rises.

Moving from B2 to C1 involves more than learning additional grammar and vocabulary, said Inguna Joandi, a lecturer at Narva College. C1 candidates must be able to discuss a wide range of topics in depth, explain their views and understand different perspectives on events in Estonia and elsewhere. At B2, people can communicate freely in familiar situations, but may have less flexibility when discussing unfamiliar subjects.

Darja Berestova, head of the B-Lingua language school in Narva and an Estonian teacher, described the step from B2 to C1 as a major jump. A candidate who only just passed the B2 exam may be unlikely to pass C1 the following spring, she said, while those scoring above 80 points at B2 have better prospects. Preparing for C1 can require 200 to 250 classroom hours, she estimated.

Both teachers pointed to limited opportunities to use Estonian outside lessons. Berestova said learners in Narva often have to seek out opportunities to speak the language, and that everyday conversations may not provide the complex language practice needed for C1. Joandi said a lack of an Estonian-language environment should not stop learners from using the language and that they need to find ways to create opportunities for practice.