Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning and Teaching
The framework was developed by the Council of Europe to standardize the level descriptions of foreign language competences.
It is broken down into six skill levels:
Level A1 - Elementary use of language
| understanding | |
|---|
| Listen |
I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and those around me when people speak slowly and clearly. |
| Read |
I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues. |
| Speak | |
|---|
| Oral interaction with others |
I can speak to others in a simple way, provided the other person is willing to repeat or slow things down and help me formulate my thoughts. I can ask and answer simple questions related to immediate needs or well-known topics. |
| Oral Producing |
I can use simple expressions and phrases to describe where I live and people I know. |
| Write | |
|---|
| Write |
I can write a short, simple postcard, eg holiday greetings. I can fill out forms with personal information such as my name, nationality and address on a hotel application. |
Level A2 - Elementary use of language
| understanding | |
|---|
| Listen |
I can understand expressions and most common vocabulary related to areas of immediate personal concern (eg very basic personal or family information, shopping, local geography, place of work). I can understand the main message of short, clear, simple messages and announcements. |
| Read |
I can understand very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday materials such as prospectuses, menus and timetables or timetables. I can understand short, simple personal letters. |
| Speak | |
|---|
| Oral interaction with others |
I can communicate in simple and everyday situations that require a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short dialogues socially, although I usually don't understand enough to keep the conversation going myself. |
| Oral Producing |
I can use a range of expressions and phrases to describe in simple terms my family and other people, circumstances, educational background and my current or previous job. |
| Write | |
|---|
| Write |
I can write short, simple notes and messages of immediate need and need. I can write very simple personal letters, eg thank you notes. |
Level B1 - Independent language use
| understanding | |
|---|
| Listen |
I can understand the main points of clear statements in standard language on familiar topics which I deal with regularly at work, school/leisure time etc. I can understand the gist of many radio and television programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when presented relatively slowly and clearly. |
| Read |
I can understand texts consisting mainly of very common everyday or job-related language elements. I can understand descriptions of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. |
| Speak | |
|---|
| Oral interaction with others |
I can deal with most situations that may arise when traveling in the areas where the language is spoken. I can jump into conversations unprepared on topics that are familiar, of personal interest, or relevant to everyday life (eg, family, hobbies, work, travel, or current affairs). |
| Oral Producing |
I can combine parts of sentences in a simple way to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and aspirations. I can briefly justify and explain opinions and plans. I can tell a story or the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions. |
| Write | |
|---|
| Write |
I can produce simple connected text on topics that are known to me or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. |
Level B2 - Independent language use
| understanding | |
|---|
| Listen |
I can understand extended statements and lectures and even follow complex lines of argument, provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmemes. I can understand most standard language films. |
| Read |
I can read articles and reports on contemporary issues in which the authors express particular viewpoints or views. I can understand contemporary prose literature. |
| Speak | |
|---|
| Oral interaction with others |
I can interact with a certain fluency and spontaneity that allows me to exchange ideas with native speakers on a regular basis. I can take an active part in discussions in contexts I am familiar with, justifying and asserting my views. |
| Oral Producing |
I can give clear and detailed descriptions of a wide range of subjects related to my area of interest. I can explain a point of view on a factual issue by presenting the advantages and disadvantages of various options |
| Write | |
|---|
| Write |
I can write clear and detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my areas of interest. I can write an essay or report that provides information or reasons for or against a particular point of view. I can write letters emphasizing the personal significance of events and experiences. |
Level C1 - competent use of language
| understanding | |
|---|
| Listen |
I can understand extended statements, even if they are not clearly structured and references are implied and not explicitly indicated. I can understand TV programmes and films without much effort. |
| Read |
I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, recognizing differences in style. I can understand specialized articles and longer technical guides even when they are unrelated to my area of expertise. |
| Speak | |
|---|
| Oral interaction with others |
I can express myself fluently and spontaneously, often without making obvious searches for expressions. I can use the language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions concisely and deftly relate my contributions to those of other speakers. |
| Oral Producing |
I can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex topics, including sub-topics, driving out specific points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. |
| Write | |
|---|
| Write |
I can express myself in clear, well-structured texts and present my points of view in detail. I can give detailed presentations of complex subjects in a letter, essay or report, highlighting what I think are the most important points. I can write different types of text in a confident, personal style appropriate to the reader. |
Level C2 -Proficient use of language
| understanding | |
|---|
| Listen |
I have no trouble understanding any type of spoken language, whether direct or in the form of a transcription or recording, even when delivered at a high native rate, provided I have some time to familiarize myself with the accent. |
| Read |
I can read almost all forms of written language with ease, including abstract, structural or linguistically complex texts such as handbooks, technical articles and literary works. |
| Speak | |
|---|
| Oral interaction with others |
I can easily take part in any conversation or discussion and have a good command of idioms and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer nuances of meaning precisely. If I have a problem, I can spontaneously restructure around the difficulty so adeptly that my interlocutors hardly notice it. |
| Oral Producing |
I can present a clear, flowing description or argument in a context-appropriate style and with a logical structure that helps the listener to notice and remember the important points. |
| Write | |
|---|
| Write |
I can produce clear, flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles that present a subject with an effective, logical structure that helps the reader to notice and remember the important points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary work. |
