Know how to properly describe your proficiency level.
A1, B2, C1? What does that mean after all? If you have ever done a proficiency test or were ever asked your international fluency level, you’ve heard about the CEFR. It’s the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and it’s an international pattern to describe one’s ability in a given language. Meaning, if we evaluate a number of students of different nationalities, they would all be classified according their abilities to comprehend, communicate and express themselves in English or any other language. The CEFR scale goes from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient) and it objectively describes what the student can accomplish in the language at every level.
It was created in the 90’s and became official in 2001. Originally developed to be a tool of reference and provide a learning, teaching and evaluation method, the CEFR promotes a transparent education in a foreign language, promoting interchanges and the possibility of working in different countries of the European Union.
Nowadays it is widely accepted in EUROPE, and more and more common around the globe, especially in America and Asia.
The CEFR has 3 great groups – A, B and C – which would be similar to the traditional “Beginner”, “Intermediate” and “Advanced”. The problem with the traditional terms is that it depends on a countries and people’s perception. For example, would an intermediate student from China be considered intermediate in Brazil too? The CEFR is more precise in that evaluation once each group is divided in two, to a total of six levels, and each level thoroughly explained, as follows:
A1: Although we’re talking about a beginner, the student is able to introduce itself, make and answer personal questions and interact, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly. Besides that, it can also comprehend and use basic expressions for specific needs (like to ask for directions or food). We normally say that if this student travels to another country, it “will not starve”. Some grammar topics studied at this level are Present Simple, Present Continuous, Past Simple, Prepositions, how to express possessions and use comparatives and superlatives to describe something.
A2: At this level, the student is able to communicate in everyday activities which require simple information, and understands expressions related to areas of intermediate relevance, like shopping, work, family and describe in simple terms its life experience and environments. Some of the grammar learnt at this level would be Modal verbs, Present Perfect, Past continuous and common Phrasal verbs.
B1: The student comprehends familiar subjects (like topics approached at work, school, family, or leisure time), it can write simple texts about topics of interest and deal with a majority of situations that might occur in travels to English speaking countries. It is also able to describe experiences, events, goals, dreams and explain the reasons for certain plans and give short opinions. The grammar studied would be Future continuous, Present Perfect continuous, Pact Perfect, Reported Speech and Passive Voice.
B2: Can Interact with a native with a certain level of spontaneity, understands ideas of complex, concrete, technical or abstract topics of its area of expertise, besides being able to write on a variety of topics and explain their point of view, advantages and disadvantages. Some topics of this level are Future Perfect, Past Perfect continuous, Mixed Conditionals and Relative clauses.
C1: Knows how to express ideas, spontaneously and fluidly, understands texts and long conversations, which demand a deeper knowledge and the ability to recognize implicit ideas. The speaker can use the language in an effective way, in academic, social, or work situations besides producing clear, cohesive, detailed and well-structured texts about complex topics. Some of the grammar learnt at this level would be Inversions, Wish and If only, separable and inseparable phrasal verbs.
C2: Comprehends basically everything it reads or hears with ease, can express themselves in a spontaneous, fluent and precise manner, distinguishing between the nuances of the language in complex situations. It is also able to summarize information coming from different oral or written sources, rebuilding arguments and facts in a coherent way.
It is worth mentioning that the grammar topics learnt are introduced at that specific level, which doesn’t mean they won’t be revisited, because as the student learns, his ability to use certain expressions and structures also increases.
So, in case you need to attest your English level for a job opening or exchange, for instance, you can take a proficiency test, like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), but even if that isn’t necessary, knowing the CEFR is an effective way to evaluate you progress and, along with your teacher, work on the abilities you need to develop.
If you need help to prepare yourself to one of the exams mentioned in this article, or others, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our teachers are experts on preparatory courses and can help you with the strategy you need to pass proficiency tests, like TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, PTE, TEF, CILS, etc… Our main fuel is to help you reach your dreams and goals.
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