THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment published by the European Council in 2001 is a document regulating the teaching of languages. The CEF system is a set of clear guidelines – essentially a description of six levels of language skills – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
CEF treats all European languages the same, discussing in detail reading, speaking, writing and listening skills to be mastered at each level. It solves any dispute regarding language skill assessment once and for all.
CEF's great assets are: a positive and constructive approach to teaching, which focuses on what the student already knows, and the division of language competence into skill areas. For instance, we can be at level A2 when it comes to speaking, but at level B2 when it comes to reading and listening comprehension.
CEF gives each individual the chance for self-assessment of his or her knowledge of any language, studied at any given teaching centre.
One must remember that A1 or C2 are symbols for language competence that can only be achieved by strictly adhering to the rules of course participation – these mean regular attendance, active taking part in class, passing all the tests and individual work outside of the class.
Adhering to the CEF guidelines is crucial when creating a modern teaching programme and running a language school that reaches European Union standards.
Below you will find a general description of language competence required at each level.
| Proficient User |
C2 |
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. |
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C1 |
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. |
| Independent User |
B2 |
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
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B1 |
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| Basic User |
A2 |
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. |
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A1 |
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
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