Preparation course for the Estonian Language B2-Level Examination

Curriculum group
Language learning
Basis for compiling the curriculum
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Total volume and structure of the studies
The course volume is 470 academic hours: 250 academic hours of classroom work and 220 academic
hours of independent work.
The training takes place in two 125-hour training cycles (over two consecutive academic years from
September to May). Lessons are held twice a week, 2 academic hours at a time.
If a learner falls ill or a national emergency is declared, it is possible to study individually or in a group
online using digital tools. Online, the course takes place in the same volume as face-to-face learning.
Target group and conditions for starting studies
The target group is adults whose goal is to acquire Estonian at B2 level and successfully pass the
national level examination. Participation in the B2-level course requires language proficiency at B1
level. This is confirmed by a certificate of passing the B1-level examination at Harno. If the learner does
not have the relevant certificate, correspondence to B1 level can be checked through an interview and
a test covering all sub-skills. A sample test is available on the website of the Education and Youth
Board (HARNO) at https://harno.ee/tasemeeksamid#b1-tase. If the test result is over 70%, the person
may begin studies in the Estonian language B2-level course.
A further condition for starting studies is completing an expression of interest on the Keelevärav OÜ
website or on paper.
Objective
Acquisition of B2-level language skills and competencies and preparation of the learner for the national
B2-level examination. B2-level language proficiency also enables further studies in Estonia at an
Estonian-language higher education institution.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the training, the learner:
 solves typical tasks of the national B2-level examination;
 understands long speeches and presentations when listening, as well as the content of television
programmes and films, and, on familiar topics, also more complex nuances;

 understands articles expressing clear viewpoints and contemporary prose when reading;
 expresses, explains and justifies viewpoints, converses spontaneously and fluently, and participates
actively in conversation;
 presents a text orally, focuses on details, explains details and brings out arguments for and against;
 writes detailed texts, comments on and justifies viewpoints, and highlights important aspects.
A learner who has completed the course has command of the core vocabulary of general, personal-
interest or work-related fields and of almost all grammatical structures needed to convey ideas and
understand texts.
Teaching methods
The training uses a communicative approach, through which the learner becomes an active participant
in the learning process. Various methods supporting digital competencies, creativity and functional
language skills are used. Digital tests, lively dialogues, illustrated situations, language and board
games, debates, discussions, creative tasks, problem-based learning and other methods support
creative, spontaneous, lively and active language acquisition. Play has an important place, developing
the learner’s imagination and offering the whole study group the joy of discovery.
Study visits (cinema, exhibition, museum) and meetings with Estonians are organised.
The organiser of Estonian language level examinations introduces typical mistakes made when solving
the test.
In the training, communication situations are chosen from the language environment, and vocabulary is
learned through engaging role plays, imitation of real-life situations and use of the real language
environment.
The course develops reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking and writing, as well
as language and speech style.
In addition to new knowledge, the learner gains positive emotions and a good feeling. The training
offers plenty of cooperation and joy of discovery for both learners and the teacher.
Description of independent work
The learner’s independent work includes performing certain tasks and solving situations and similar
activities in the language environment, where what has been learned is reinforced and practised.
Independent work includes practical exercises in the TESTEST testing environment, listening to and
watching television and radio programmes (e.g. Keelekõdi), writing discursive and other written texts
(information inquiry, complaint, essay, claim, inquiry, etc.), learning vocabulary, and reading current
articles and news.
Outside lessons, the material covered in class is reviewed and reinforced, grammar is practised, and
tests prepared by the trainer are completed. The trainer keeps records of practical assignments and
also gives the learner feedback on the completed work.
Conditions for completing continuing education and documents issued
At the end of the training, a final Estonian language B2-level test is carried out. The test is compiled on
the basis of the Estonian language B2-level consultation booklet on the harno.ee website
(https://harno.ee/tasemeeksamid#b2-tase). The test is administered by the teacher.
At the end of the training, the learner is issued a certificate or a confirmation of participation.
1. A prerequisite for completing the training is participation in at least 70% of contact lessons and
passing the final test with at least 60% of the maximum result. The learner is issued a certificate
indicating the name and volume of the training, topics covered, time of training, the training company’s
registry code and training licence number, the trainer’s name and the learner’s examination results by
sub-skill.
2. Learners who were absent from more than 30% of the studies are not issued a certificate; they are
issued a confirmation stating the number of hours attended and the topics covered.
3. Learners whose final test result is below the pass threshold receive a confirmation of participation in
the course, stating the number of hours attended and the topics covered.
4. After the training, learners may take the national B2-level examination.
Learning environment
Estonian language trainings take place in rented classrooms at Sõpruse pst 2, Tartu. A maximum of 6
learners study in one classroom.
In-house trainings for organisations are carried out in the training rooms of the training client.
The classrooms at Sõpruse pst 2 are equipped with modern presentation technology and an internet
connection. The rooms have interactive LED screens, computers, speakers, a CD player, microphone,
printer, etc.
The training rooms, educational technology and equipment comply with occupational safety and fire
safety requirements and sanitary standards.
The teaching materials are materials prepared by the teacher and Estonian language textbooks, which
the learner must purchase from Keelevärav OÜ or a bookstore before the training. The price of the

textbooks is added to the course fee. Before the start of the training, each learner is sent the INSA
handbook “Guide to Independent Language Learning”.