What is the CEFR?
Summary
TLDRThe Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a standardized system that categorizes English language proficiency into six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced users. Developed by the Council of Europe and Cambridge ESOL, it offers a clear, objective way to measure and communicate language skills, crucial for learners, teachers, and institutions worldwide. The CEFR is instrumental in setting and achieving language learning goals, be it for travel, education, or employment, and has been influential globally, available in over 35 languages.
Takeaways
- 📚 The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is a standardized guideline for language proficiency levels.
- 🌍 CEFR is widely recognized and used globally, not just in Europe.
- 🔍 It provides an objective way to measure and describe language skills, which can be subjective otherwise.
- 📈 CEFR categorizes language proficiency into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
- 📚 A1 is the entry level, indicating a very basic understanding of the language.
- 🚀 C2 represents an advanced level of language proficiency.
- 📝 The framework assesses abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- 👥 It is utilized by language learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers.
- 🏫 Developed by the Council of Europe with support from the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.
- 📖 CEFR has been influential and has been published in over 35 languages.
- 🔍 Cambridge English exams are aligned with CEFR levels, catering to various age groups and stages of learning.
- 🌐 Understanding one's CEFR level helps in achieving personal goals, whether for travel, education, or employment.
Q & A
What is the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)?
-The CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It breaks down language learning into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
Why is it important for English language learners to know about the CEFR?
-The CEFR provides a clear and objective way to measure and describe language proficiency levels, which helps learners, teachers, and institutions to set and assess learning goals.
How many levels does the CEFR categorize language proficiency into?
-The CEFR categorizes language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
What does the A1 level in the CEFR represent?
-The A1 level represents a very basic language level where learners can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and introduce themselves.
What is the highest level of language proficiency according to the CEFR?
-The highest level of language proficiency according to the CEFR is C2, which is described as a mastery level where learners can understand and express ideas fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions.
How does the CEFR help in assessing different language skills?
-The CEFR assesses language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, providing a comprehensive view of a learner's abilities at each level.
Which organization developed the CEFR?
-The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe with extensive support from the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.
How is the CEFR used by various stakeholders in language learning?
-The CEFR is used by learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers to set language learning goals, assess language proficiency, and determine language requirements for various purposes such as education, work, or travel.
In how many languages has the CEFR been published?
-The CEFR has been published in more than 35 languages, making it a widely recognized standard for language proficiency globally.
What is the English Profile program and how does it relate to the CEFR?
-The English Profile program is a partnership that includes Cambridge, which provides detailed descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary at each level of the CEFR, enhancing the understanding of language proficiency at different stages.
How can understanding one's CEFR level help in achieving personal goals?
-Understanding one's CEFR level can help learners set realistic language learning goals, whether for travel, education, or employment, and can guide them in selecting appropriate language courses or materials.
Outlines
📚 Understanding the CEFR for English Language Learners
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is introduced as a standardized tool to objectively measure English language proficiency. It categorizes learners into six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for advanced proficiency. The CEFR provides a clear and agreed-upon description of language skills, which is essential for learners to understand their current level and progress. It is utilized by various stakeholders including learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers. Developed by the Council of Europe and supported by the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, the CEFR is influential globally, available in over 35 languages, and has led to the creation of Cambridge English exams tailored to different learning stages. The English Profile program, partnered with Cambridge, offers detailed descriptions of grammar and vocabulary for each CEFR level, aiding learners in achieving their goals, whether for travel, education, or employment.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
💡Language Learner
💡Language Ability
💡Subjective Opinions
💡Skills
💡Cambridge English Exams
💡Council of Europe
💡University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
💡English Profile Program
💡Language Proficiency
💡Influential
Highlights
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) provides a clear and objective way to describe language skills.
CEFR is essential for English language learners as it standardizes language proficiency levels.
Language ability can be subjective, varying between friends and employers.
CEFR categorizes language learning into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency).
A1 level represents a very basic understanding of the language.
C2 level signifies an advanced level of language proficiency.
CEFR assesses language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Cambridge English exams are aligned with CEFR levels for various age groups and learning stages.
CEFR is used globally by learners, teachers, universities, governments, and employers.
Developed by the Council of Europe and supported by the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.
CEFR has been influential beyond Europe and is available in over 35 languages.
Individual language descriptions have been developed for each CEFR level.
Cambridge is involved in the English Profile program, offering detailed descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary at each CEFR level.
Understanding one's language level with CEFR helps achieve personal goals such as travel, education, or employment.
CEFR levels are useful for everyone, from young learners to professionals.
CEFR provides a journey map from beginner to proficiency in language learning.
Transcripts
As a language learner or teacher
you may have heard of Common European Framework of Reference
or CEFR, but what is it
and why does it matter for English language learners?
It's actually pretty simple.
Different learners have different levels of language ability
but opinions about your English level can be subjective.
Your friends may think your English is good but an employer might think it
is not good enough
and you may be better at some skills than others, for example you may be able
to read better than you can speak.
We need a clear objective way to describe language skills that
everyone can agree on.
This is what the CEFR provides.
The CEFR breaks down language learning
into six levels which it calls A1 to C2.
The starting point A1 describes a very basic language level.
As a learner you can move up the levels until you reach Proficiency, C2 level.
This is a really advanced level.
By describing what you can do in reading
writing, speaking and listening the CEFR will tell you where you are on the
journey from beginner A1 through to Proficiency C2.
There are many Cambridge English exams available for different ages and stages
of learning
all matched to CEFR levels from young learners
through to university and the workplace or simply for travel.
The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe
with extensive support from University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.
People from all over the world use the CEFR to explain what level
of English they are at
and what level of English they need.
It is used by learners, teachers, universities,
governments and employers.
The CEFR has been very influential
and not only in Europe.
It's been published in more than 35 languages
and descriptions of individual languages have also been developed.
Cambridge is a partner in the English Profile program
which provides very useful descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary
at each level of the CEFR.
Understanding your language level will help you to
achieve your goal
whether it's going on holiday abroad, studying at school or university
or getting a job and that's why the CEFR levels
are useful for everyone.
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