Guide
How does the free 30-minute English diagnostic lesson work?
Short answer: the diagnostic lesson is a 30-minute online conversation, free and with no obligation, in which Hilani Mercadante assesses your English and learns about your goals and routine. At the end you receive a personalized written study plan and find out which CEFR level (A1 to C2) you are at and where to start. Places for new students are limited, and you request yours by e-mail or through the contact page.
By Hilani Mercadante
Published 1 October 2026
What is the diagnostic lesson?
It is the first step of every English with Hilani program (Conversation and Business English). It lasts 30 minutes, takes place online, is free and carries no obligation, and works as a conversation, not an exam.
What happens in the 30 minutes?
In general terms, the lesson is organized in four parts:
- Goals and routine: what you use or will use English for, and your deadlines and availability
- Conversation in English: Hilani assesses how you speak and understand, and where you tend to get stuck
- Level and starting point: you find out your approximate CEFR level
- Next steps: your personalized study plan reaches you in writing at the end
What should you have in mind for the diagnostic lesson?
You do not need to know your level in advance: identifying it is part of the lesson. To make the most of the 30 minutes, it helps to arrive with:
- Your goal with English (meetings, presentations, interviews, travel, daily life) and a deadline, if any
- Examples of situations in which you need to speak English
- The days and times you have available for lessons
- A quiet place, with a computer or phone and stable audio and internet
How is your level measured: what do A1 to C2 mean?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) organizes language proficiency into six levels, grouped as basic, independent and proficient users. In general terms:
| Level | Group | In general terms |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic user | Understands and uses very simple everyday expressions |
| A2 | Basic user | Communicates in simple, routine situations |
| B1 | Independent user | Handles most travel and work situations and describes experiences and plans |
| B2 | Independent user | Interacts spontaneously and understands complex texts in their field |
| C1 | Proficient user | Uses the language flexibly and effectively in social, academic and professional contexts |
| C2 | Proficient user | Understands virtually everything and expresses themselves precisely and naturally |
Source: Council of Europe, CEFR level descriptions. The descriptions above are a simplified summary.
What do you receive at the end of the diagnostic lesson?
- A personalized written study plan
- The identification of your level and the starting point of the plan
- The freedom to decide, with no obligation, whether to continue
What are the next steps after the diagnostic lesson?
- You choose the program and the pace: Conversation or Business English, with 4 or 8 lessons per month or a single lesson (prices in How much do online private English lessons cost?)
- Enrollment happens after the diagnostic lesson, through a payment link. Monthly programs are prepaid (Pix, card or boleto), renew monthly and have no lock-in
- Lessons are one-to-one, 60 minutes, live on Microsoft Teams, with an error log, a monthly report and a quarterly re-assessment
How do you request the diagnostic lesson?
Write to hello@englishwithhilani.com or use the contact page, telling us your goal with English and the times you have available. You can write in your own language. Places for new students are limited.
See also: English for executives · Business English online · English conversation classes · How long to become fluent · English for meetings · How much do online private English lessons cost? · How the free diagnostic lesson works
Who teaches
Every lesson is taught personally by Hilani Mercadante, an English teacher based in São Paulo, Brazil, and co-author, with Viviane Kirmeliene, of the Brick by Brick textbook series published by FTD Educação (Standfor imprint).
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does the diagnostic lesson last?
30 minutes, online and live with Hilani Mercadante.
Is the diagnostic lesson free?
Yes. It is a courtesy, free and with no obligation to sign up for a program.
Is the diagnostic lesson an exam?
No. It is a conversation in which Hilani assesses your English and learns about your goals and routine. At the end you receive a written study plan.
Do I need a minimum level of English?
No. The programs serve A1 to C2 (CEFR), and the diagnostic lesson identifies your level and sets the starting point.
Can I take the diagnostic lesson if I live outside Brazil?
Yes. Lessons are online and live, and students who live outside Brazil can study too. Program prices are in Brazilian reais.
Limited places
Your next step in English starts with a conversation.
A complimentary 30-minute diagnostic session, ending with a personalized written study plan. Limited places for new students.