Does anyone have any idea of how the LingQpodcast levels compare to ACTFL levels? The generic answer to this question may be useful to many on this forum.
As for me specifically, I need to pass ACTFL OPIs and WPTs in two languages soon at a minimum level of Advanced Low. I find Advanced 2 podcasts in the target languages easy to follow, and believe I can speak almost as well, albeit with an accent. As for writing, I know I need to practice a lot before heading in to the WPTs.
Sorry not to reply earlier. I think that no one here is familiar with the ACTFL levels. Our levels at LingQ are roughly based on the Common European Framework levels. Good luck.
LingQ levels are as follows:
A1 Beginner 1, A2 Beginner 2, B1 Intermediate1, B2 Intermed. 2, C1 Advanced 1 and C2 Advanced 2
C1 is a very high level already, C2 is a level that can be attained if you study a language at university for four years maybe.
Reading and listening comprehension can be worked on using content from the LingQ libraries, but be aware that automatic assessment of levels or assessment by users who share the content may not be quite adequate.
The best thing would be to google for the full text of CEF levels and maybe also find descriptors for ACTFL levels on the internet. They should be available for all 4 skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
Often enough a text that contains some proper nouns and some specialised vocabulary will be assessed as Advanced 1 or 2 by the system although the provider may feel it is only Intermediate 1. Unless they change the level, it will be misleading.
So if you can comment on newspaper articles on current events with a good command of grammar and adequate vocabulary for a variety of topics and use a variety of sentence patterns and if you understand questions and arguments on the corresponding level, you are probably Advanced High (C1). For Advanced Mid or Low (?) (B2) you may still be allowed to have a few weak points, but overall you should be able to speak fluently and have sufficient vocabulary for most everyday topics.
For writing it’s probably best to challenge yourself to write as best you can and submit what you have written to a tutor asking them to give you specific feedback on your weak points to work on. Writng well needs a lot of practice, as you are indicating.