Understanding your GSE score

Samantha Ball
Five people walking together on a sunny city street, displaying casual, comfortable clothing and diverse hairstyles.
Reading time: 3 minutes

For many students, navigating the world of English language proficiency tests can be a daunting experience. Whether you're preparing for university, looking to enhance your career prospects, or simply aiming to improve your communication skills, understanding what your Global Scale of English (GSE) score means is crucial.

In this blog post, we'll break down the GSE, explain what your score represents and provide you with actionable steps to improve it.

Understanding your Pearson Global Scale of English (GSE) score
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

What is the GSE?

The Global Scale of English (GSE) is a pioneering framework developed and validated by a team of experts in learning science and global research. It's not just another scoring system but a robust measure designed to give you unparalleled insights into your English language abilities.

The GSE serves as a central pillar in Pearson’s English Journey and is recognized globally as a significant advancement in language learning, teaching and assessment.

"The Global Scale of English represents the most significant advance in performance-based approaches to language learning, teaching and assessment since the development of the Common European Framework of Reference."

David Nunan, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at the University of Hong Kong.

How do I get my GSE score?

Your GSE score can be obtained by taking any standardized tests aligned with the GSE, such as the Pearson Test of English (PTE). These tests measure your proficiency across various aspects of English, providing a comprehensive score that reflects your abilities.

What does my GSE score mean?

Your GSE score will be a number from 10 (Starter-level proficiency) to 90 (Expert-level fluency). But the GSE score is more than just a number—it's a detailed insight into your English proficiency.

You might be familiar with other scales, such as the CEFR. The GSE is aligned to the CEFR, but it goes beyond it to help you understand your current language skill level and identify areas for improvement.

Here’s a quick guide to understanding your GSE score:

GSE score
GSE level
I can...
GSE
10-19		 Starter Use and understand a small number of words and phrases. For example, you can say hello and introduce yourself.
GSE
20-29		 Beginner Ask and answer simple questions, write short sentences and share personal information. For example, you can order food and drink in a simple way.
GSE
30-39		 Pre-intermediate Talk about everyday topics and understand the main information in conversations. For example, you can make a hotel reservation over the phone.
GSE
40-49		 Intermediate Share your opinions, explain your reasoning and write longer texts, such as short essays. For example, you can describe your weekend plans.
GSE
50-59		 High intermediate Lead and participate in conversations on familiar and unfamiliar topics, and write documents expressing opinion or fact, such as reports and articles. For example, you can make a complaint.
GSE
60-69		 Pre-advanced Speak more fluently about a broad range of topics and share your detailed ideas and explanations in writing too. For example, you can understand a wide range of TV shows and films.
GSE
70-79		 Advanced Speak fluently in personal, professional and academic contexts and understand unfamiliar topics, even colloquialisms. For example, you can make and understand jokes using word-play.
GSE
80-90		 Expert Talk spontaneously, fluently and precisely, read and write documents with ease and understand spoken English in all contexts. You can participate in fast-paced conversations on complex topics.

How can I improve my GSE score?

Improving your GSE score is about more than just studying harder; it's about studying smarter. Here are some practical steps you can take to fast-track your progress and build confidence:

  • Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key. Incorporate English into your daily routine, whether through reading, writing, or speaking.
  • Use Mondly by Pearson: Pearson language learning courses and apps, like Mondly by Pearson, help you improve your English skills and align with the GSE, so you can continually track your progress on one scale. Mondly by Pearson offers interactive language exercises that make learning enjoyable and effective.
  • Engage with the community: Follow Pearson Languages on social media platforms for fun and helpful language-learning tips and advice. Engaging with a community of other language learners can also help you stay motivated and provide support when you need it.

Boost your English skills with us

Understanding your GSE score is the first step towards unlocking your full potential in English. By getting detailed insights into your language skills, you can personalize your learning path, build your confidence and fast-track your progress. Remember, the key to improvement lies in regular practice and engaging with comprehensive learning tools.

Ready to take the next step? Download Mondly by Pearson today and fast-track your progress with the GSE.

Download Mondly by Pearson

More blogs from Pearson

  • Business people stood together in a office talking to eachother, one is holding a laptop
    Daily conversation practice tips for busy adults
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Adults often spend over half the workday on "busywork" plus hours each week on email: long study sessions aren’t realistic. But busy schedules don’t have to stop your progress in English. The solution is short, consistent, contextual speaking practice with fast feedback. With the right system, 10–20 minutes a day is enough to build confidence, fluency and clearer pronunciation. This learner-friendly guide shares a step-by-step, time-efficient approach grounded in microlearning and real-life conversation.

    Core principle:

    Consistent speaking practice improves fluency and pronunciation more than an occasional long study session does, especially when the speaking practice mirrors real situations such as ordering food, joining meetings or interviewing.

    What does this look like in practice?

    • Predictable routines: Same time, short sessions.
    • Real-life contexts: Work, travel, daily interactions.
    • Quick feedback loops: Record → adjust → repeat.

    Use microlearning to turbocharge your sessions: essentially, focus on one skill only for each session, and keep it under 20 minutes. These powerful, focused and – crucially – short sessions fit rest periods and commutes, making daily practice easier to repeat and track. With exercises like quick role-plays, mini-dialogues and brief listening-then-speaking bursts, practice can be fun and energizing too. Follow our five practice tips and make learning work for your lifestyle.

  • A group of students at a table talking to their teacher
    Strategies for teaching large language classes effectively
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Teaching large language classes can feel overwhelming, but research and practice consistently show that scale is a design challenge, not an impossible challenge. With intentional course structure, active learning routines and the right technology, instructors can create engaging, rigorous and humane learning environments even in high-enrolment contexts. The strategies below focus on what works at scale.

    Challenges of large language classes

    A “large class” has no universal definition. In the UK it may begin around 25–30 students; in the U.S., 35+; in many developing contexts, 60 or more. Regardless of the threshold, size amplifies common teaching challenges:

  • A group of teenage students having a classroom discussion
    5 Strategies for teaching mixed-ability secondary students
    By Anna Roslaniec
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    No two teenagers are exactly alike. In every secondary classroom, you'll find a wide range of English proficiency levels, learning styles, motivation and personalities. This diversity brings both challenges and opportunities, especially when teaching mixed-ability classes. By adapting your teaching strategies, you can ensure that all students experience success and remain engaged in their language learning journey.

    Here are five practical strategies for teaching mixed-ability secondary students.