For Students

The abbreviation CEFR used in the course descriptions refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which describes A1 - C2 language levels.

CEFR assessment grid (pdf)

Quick OJZ Placement Test

The test is based on grammar and vocabulary. Download it, do it, correct it using the key and you can find out your approximate level of English in the table below. The test won't take you more than 40 minutes.

• Test
• Key
  

Evaluation of the test

This evaluation only serves as a basic reference. There are more detailed and more accurate placement tests that test language skills available on various webpages (e.g. Dialang, TOEIC placement test).

TOEIC Listening Test

A short TOEIC Listening-skills test is available here.

• 25 questions
• 15 minutes
• Beginner to Advanced (A1 to C1 on the CEFR)
• Tests the candidate's listening skills
• Instant results
• Use your existing ETS account or register

More information about the TOEIC and TOEFL tests: ETS website
and more information on the Language Department website.

LanguageCert Placement Test

Quick online placement test – 25 multiple-choice questions. The test is available on the LanguageCert webpage here.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

– Mark Twain

Language Exploration:

You can find the answers and a possible translation of the quote below.

1. Which word in the sentence is the second “getting” most closely related to in structure?
   Hint: try and make groups of words that logically go together, e.g. the + secret.
2. Why do we need to use the preposition “of” in the phrase “the secret of getting ahead”?
3. What is the meaning of "getting ahead" in this context?
   Follow-up: Explain what meaningful step forward, however big or small, you can take now to give you a feeling of getting ahead?
4. How would you explain the message of the quote?
   Follow-up: How to paraphrase the sentence while keeping the same meaning?

Note: Positive, motivational quotes in English for every day are offered by many applications and groups on social networks, such as Action for Happiness or Brainy Quote.

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Answers to the tasks above:

1. The second “getting” is closely linked to “started,” forming the meaningful unit “getting started.” This structure is similar to the earlier phrase “getting ahead.” While “getting” is often used in present continuous forms (e.g., “The weather is getting colder”), in this context, it functions as part of a gerund phrase.
2. We use “of” because it is the most natural way to show this connection in English. Unlike Czech, which shows such relationships through word endings ( “tajemství postupu vpřed”), English relies on prepositions like “of” to link words and indicate their relationship.
3. The phrase means making progress or advancing, especially in a career or life goals.
   Follow-up example: I can set a timer and study for just 30 minutes to overcome procrastination and get started.
4. Challenging version: the most important step in achieving success or making progress is simply to begin. Often, people hesitate or delay because they feel overwhelmed, afraid of failure, or unsure where to start. However, the quote reminds us that starting (even if it’s just a small step) is what sets everything else in motion. Follow-up – possible paraphrases: Advancing in life begins with the courage to start. / The key to making progress lies in taking the first step. / You cannot move forward unless you take that first step. / Progress starts the moment you take action.
   Besic version: If you want to succeed or move forward, you can’t wait forever. You need to take action and begin. It's like trying to climb a big hill. The hardest part is taking the first step, but when you start, it becomes easier to keep going. Follow-up – possible paraphrases: To get ahead, you need to start. / If you want to do well, start now. / Success starts with the decision to begin.

Possible translations: Klíčem k postupu vpřed je udělat první krok. / Začít je první krok k úspěchu. / Jak se posunout vpřed? Stačí začít.

References

This educational section may include content which is adapted from AI-generated responses.