Do you know what level you should be studying at? This post will inform you about the CEFR so that you make steady progress and choose a course at the right level.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is an international standard for describing language ability. The beginners level starts at A1 all the way to advanced level C2. The great this is that these levels apply to all foreign languages and can easily be categorised.
Why do we need the CEFR?
Having a clear standard of language level is a great way to categorise language ability. It is necessary for the teaching and learning of languages and promotes fair testing. All language organisations conform to the same standard and this ensures that testing is accurate and valid. This allows organisations to compare qualifications to other exams no matter where they are in the world.
What are the different levels?
A1: This refers to a total beginner who is just starting to acquire the basics of a language; colours, numbers etc.
A2: This refers to elementary level and is when the learner starts to form basic sentences and acquire a knowledge of grammar structures.
B1: This is pre-intermediate level and is often the basic requirement by most employers.
B2: This refers to intermediate level and demonstrates that the learner can get by and work in the language to a good degree.
C1: This is advanced level and demonstrates that the learner can live, work and study in the language.
C2: This is reference to proficiency level, meaning that the learner can live as a native does in the language.
Which level should I study?
B1 level:
This is a simple review of the tasks in the Cambridge Assessment English Preliminary English Test, also known as the B1 PRELIMINARY, This exam is for level B1 in the EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR LANGUAGES
Key Data:
CEFR level: B1
Scale score: 140-159
Test format: Computer or paper based
Number of parts: 3
Exam length: 2-2:30 hours
The B1 Preliminary demonstrates that you can:
- Communicate basically and effectively
- Handle everyday situations
- Express yourself at an elementary level to native speakers
B2 level:
This is a simple explanation of the tasks in the First Certificate Exam, or FCE. The FCE is an exam from Cambridge Assessment English that is at level B2 in the EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR LANGUAGES
Key Data:
CEFR level: B2
Scale score: 160-179
Test format: Computer or paper based
Number of parts: 4
Exam length: 3.5 hours
The B2 First demonstrates that you can:
- live and work independently
- Communicate with confidence
- Be part of a workforce
- Express yourself fluently
C1 level:
This is a simple explanation of the tasks in the CAMBRIDGE ADVANCED EXAM, or CAE. The advanced is an exam from Cambridge Assessment English that is at level C1 in the EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR LANGUAGES
Key Data:
CEFR level: C1
Scale score: 180-199
Test format: Computer or paper based
Number of parts: 4
Exam length: 4 hours
The C1 Advanced demonstrates that you can:
- Achieve a university level course
- Communicate effectively and in detail
- Form part of the workplace
- Express yourself fluently
So, in a nutshell, it is essential to learn a language at the level that suits your language learning needs. The process of learning a language is a long journey that begins at A1 all the way to C2. It is a step by step process and the learner should make sure that they have realistic expectations, for example, a learner should not try to begin at B2 level because that would mean that they miss out on the basic foundation of the language,
The learner needs to identify the level that they need and set it as a long-term objective to work towards. The key to learning a language is steady progress and to practice consistently.
The best way to learn a language is through collaboration as the most difficult skills to perfect are the speaking and listening. Here at Intercambioidiomas you can do that for free with our language exchange platform. Create a profile today by clicking the button.
