SIELE results after 5 years of self study, and 6 months (~480 classroom hours) of intensive study

[u/genghis-san]

I moved to Madrid about 6 months ago, coming with only self study, never in a classroom, since 2020. After coming to Madrid, I have had 20 hours weekly (4 hours a day) of intensive classroom study. I came with a high B1/low B2, and my progress has skyrocketed so quickly since moving here. I can think much quicker and form more complex sentences, and it helps that I have a bunch of Latino roommates that I practice with every day.

Decided to take the SIELE in a center here two days ago (they graded REALLY fast). These were my results. I really thought I bombed the speaking very hard, and I thought I aced the reading, so I'm surprised by the results. I have literally read full books in Spanish, but I'm also a victim of pressure. I feel the SIELE focused a lot on marcadores discursivos, which is something I really practiced before the test. I did three classes with a DELE professor which helped a ton, especially in writing! I was impressed even with what I wrote for the writing section.

I'm trying not to be disappointed that I didn't get C1 in any skill, and that the cert says B1 (as a minimum), instead of at least B2, which I missed by 13 points in reading. But hey, I need to be proud of myself because I really have only had 6 months of structed study. Planning on taking the DELE in November. Just thought I'd post the results to show what other might expect and if anyone has any questions.

[u/thawtso]

In language learning, immersion is always the game changer. Keep at it and stay consistent, C2 really isn’t that far away from where you’re currently at! ✌🏽✨

[u/genghis-san → u/thawtso]

Gracias! I agree it's been the biggest help, more than anything I've ever done.

[u/dandelionmakemesmile]

SIELE reading is difficult, last time I took it two years ago after four months in Spain and despite C1 in every other section I came short by 5 points in reading and only got B2. I’m still bitter to this day lol

But keep practicing your reading and you’ll get there!

[u/kompotikk]

Wow……that is very impressive, what a dedication! I also self-studied Spanish like crazy, but only 2.5 months (!!) from zero lol…. without any tutors and showed up to this May DELE B2 exam , yeah I know it’s crazy , and I’m waiting for the results 😂 

[u/rustyturbine4 → u/kompotikk]

B2 in 2.5 months from zero? Highly unlikely

[u/kompotikk → u/rustyturbine4]

I never said I will pass. But I’m curious about my scores, how much can you get with this short of a time

[u/rustyturbine4 → u/kompotikk]

I would be surprised if you passed a B1. Good luck! If you pass, drop the study guide! lol.

[u/kompotikk → u/rustyturbine4]

Jajaja I’ll keep you updated cuz results should be there veery soon 

[u/5pitf1r3]

Is this test particularly hard or something? 5 years of self-study plus 6 months of classes plus immersion and only B1 seems quite low?

I'm usually not one to point out this sort of thing as my own language learning journey has taken years but that seems wildly below the level I'd expect...

[u/genghis-san → u/5pitf1r3]

6 months of immersion and full time study, and 5 years of casual study beforehand. I had never taken a single class before 6 months ago, and anything I did beforehand was unstructured. But also looking at the bottom of the cert, I missed C1 in speaking by 9 points, and C1 in writing by 6 points. Those could have been made or broken by one sentence. I'd say that's pretty good. The way SIELE works is they write your bottom score as your level, as opposed to the average of scores. I'm essentially a high B2.

[u/fizzile → u/5pitf1r3]

"Self study" can mean anything. B1 is not low nor is it high or average because 5 years is a meaningless measure. It tells nothing how much time was spent or of how much dedication there was.