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The (CEFR) Common European Framework of Reference Explained.

 

What is the CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference (usually abbreviated to the CEFR) describes what language learners can do at different stages of their learning. The CEFR is language-neutral, which means that it can be applied to any foreign language learning situation. It was originally designed as a comprehensive reference tool to promote educational transparency and to allow movement between countries for work or study within the European Union. Since its publication in 2001, the CEFR has been translated into 37 languages and its use has spread outside Europe, from Asia to Latin America, as an aid to defining levels for learning, teaching, and assessment.

The CEFR describes six broad levels of ability, with A1 being the lowest and C2 the highest. Learners are classified into three distinct groups: the Basic User (levels A1 and A2), the Independent User (B1 and B2), and the Proficient User (C1 and C2). 

A1 Beginner

A person with an A1 level can understand basic expressions and everyday phrases. 

They can introduce themselves, answer elementary questions about some personal details such as their name, place to live, people they know. 

So, a beginner can ask and answer the following questions:

What is your name?

Where do you live?

How old are you?

A2 Elementary

When a learner reaches the A2 level, they can understand expressions that relate to family, shopping, local geography, work. 

They can describe most of the previously mentioned topics. 

The A2 speaker can cope with the following questions:

What is your mother’s job?

What is your hobby?

Where do you want to travel?

B1 Intermediate

An intermediate-level speaker can easily describe events, ambitions, dreams, give explanations about plans, and deal well with conversations abroad. He can also explain, with simple words and phrases, topics that are familiar and or share some personal interests. If you want to be a tourist that travels to the country and speak their language, then you should be able to be at least at the B1 level.

B2 Upper-intermediate

The fourth level, or upper- intermediate’s achievements are: understanding some complex texts both on concrete and abstract topics; interaction with native speakers with ease; the possibility to explain a viewpoint giving the advantages and disadvantages of many possible options.

C1 Advanced

C level is marked as the level of a proficient user. An advanced speaker can understand long and well-structured sentences, express ideas and thoughts spontaneously, use the language fluently not only in conversations but in social and academic purposes as well. Learners that are on the C1 level don’t have to spend time searching for a suitable phrase or expression. They come kind of naturally.

C2 Proficiency

The last and the most demanding level of language proficiency is C2. Speakers can easily understand everything- from concrete to abstract topics, easily can lead any kind of conversation, and can express themselves with ease and spontaneously even in the most complex situations.

This is the highest level qualification which shows that you’ve mastered English to an outstanding level.

There is a belief that the C2 level equals native-like fluency. There is no learner who doesn’t want to achieve this point.

As these titles suggest, learners develop not just in terms of the actual language they have available, but also in terms of their strategies for communicating. For example, in moving from basic to independent, learners will gain compensation strategies, enabling them to make the most of the language they already know; proficient learners will be operating at a higher level, where they can be both fluent and spontaneous, and able to draw on exactly the language they need for a specific situation.

The CEFR describes what learners can do across five language skills: Spoken Interaction, Spoken Production, Listening, Reading, and Writing. For all five skills at each level, there are sets of detailed ‘Can Do’ statements. By dividing Speaking in two, the CEFR focuses both on the learner’s production and their ability to take part in conversations and discussion. So, for example, under Spoken Interaction there is information about Turn-taking: a Basic A2 learner Can use simple techniques to start, maintain or end a short conversation, whereas a Proficient C1 learner Can select a suitable phrase to preface their remarks appropriately in order to get the floor or to gain time and keep the floor whilst thinking.



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