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The six levels of CEFR: What kind of language proficiency can you achieve at each level?
In today's globalized context, the assessment of language proficiency has become increasingly important. In order to standardize the assessment of language learners' abilities, the Council of Europe developed the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) between 1986 and 1989. This framework provides clear guidelines for learning, teaching and assessment, helping educational institutions and employers to assess language proficiency.
CEFR divides language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, which has become the standard for language proficiency assessment in Europe.
These levels reflect different language abilities, from basic communication needs to advanced fluent expression, and can help people from different backgrounds understand their language learning progress.
Overview of capabilities at each level
The six levels of CEFR can be briefly summarized as follows:
Level A1: Beginners
At this level, learners are able to understand and use simple expressions, such as greetings and introducing themselves. They are able to engage in basic interactions in limited contexts.
Level A2: Basic level
Learners can understand sentences and common expressions used in daily life, communicate in simple situations, and handle limited social demands.
Level B1: Intermediate level
Learners at this level can understand the main ideas of topics with which they are familiar and can communicate simply in everyday settings.
Level B2: Upper intermediate level
Learners at this level are able to understand the main ideas of more complex texts and communicate fluently in professional and social situations.
Level C1: Advanced level
Learners can understand a wide range of requirements and use the language fluently and flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
Level C2: Expert level
At this level, learners can easily understand almost everything they hear or read and can express themselves clearly and fully.
The value and application of CEFR
CEFR is not only a guide for personal learning, but also an important standard for the design of various language tests and courses. Many well-known international language tests, such as IELTS and TOEFL, have taken CEFR standards into consideration in their assessments.
Several organizations such as EALTA and ALTE are committed to promoting CEFR and demonstrating its effectiveness and necessity in language teaching.
International language schools also develop their own teaching plans based on the CEFR standards, providing learners with support at all levels to help them improve their language skills in a global environment.
Assessment and certification
As CEFR goes global, educational institutions and language testing organizations in various countries have also begun to develop language certificates corresponding to CEFR. In Germany, language testing standards such as TELC are based on CEFR, helping countless immigrants and foreign students adapt to the new language environment.
Future Outlook
Although CEFR was developed primarily in Europe, its influence is expanding as the demand for language learning increases around the world. In non-Western countries such as Japan and Malaysia, the concepts and structure of CEFR are also being gradually accepted and applied.
The concepts of CEFR are not only applicable to European languages, but can also be adapted to meet the needs of other languages and cultures.
Would more social and cultural practices be incorporated into this framework and create a more inclusive environment for every language learner?
