Recently, EF (Education First), a well-known global English language training company, released the English Proficiency Index (EPI) 2020, in which Guangzhou is highly-ranked among the cities in China rated in the moderate English Proficiency bands, together with Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing.

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The proficiency score of Guangdong province is 498, while that of Guangzhou is 500 and Shenzhen 501, out of the total 700, according to the report.

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Of particular note is the females’ English proficiency, which is still higher than the males’, with a gradually narrowing lead, though. Among all the age groups, people at 26 - 30 years old generally have a higher English level.

“English learning will play a crucial role in China’s future development planning as high-level opening-up attaches great importance to communication and cooperation across borders. In the post-pandemic era, English will become ever more important in economic growth and individual development. That’s why EF has launched the Smart + online courses to help people improve their English in a ‘smart’ way.” Ms. Dou Yishu, vice-president of the EF’s Enterprise & Government Solutions Division in South China, said at the press conference held in Guangzhou.

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The report reveals the adults’ English proficiency in 100 countries and regions with English as their second language. China is moderately ranked at 38th with a record-breaking score of 520, while Hongkong and Shanghai top the region’s list both with a score of 542.

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The EF EPI (www.ef.com/epi) is the world's largest ranking of countries and regions by English skills based on test data from more than 2,200,000 test takers around the world who took the EF Standard English Test (EF SET) or one of their English placement tests in 2019.

EF Education First (www.ef.com) is an international education company that focuses on language, academics, cultural exchange, and educational travel programs. Founded in 1965, EF’s mission is “opening the world through education.” EF is the Official Language Training Partner for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The EF English Proficiency Index is published by Signum International AG.

Author | Fanny

Editor | Jerry