Level Descriptions for ESL & World Languages

COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE (CEFR) LANGUAGE LEVELS

CCAE LEVEL CEFR LEVEL LISTENING READING SPEAKING WRITING

Beginner Level 1

Beginner Level 2

Beginner Level 3

Beginner Level 4

Beginner Conversation

A1

I have no or little previous knowledge of the language . I would like to . . . Identify familiar words & very basic phrases concerning myself, friends, family, & surroundings when people speak slowly & clearly . Point out familiar names, words & simple sentences, such as on posters, notes or in catalogues . Ask & answer simple questions . Interact in a simple way with repetition & slow speech . Use simple phrases & sentences to describe familiar people .

A2

I have achieved most of the goals of A1 . I would like to . . . Understand phrases & the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance . Catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages & announcements . Read very short, simple texts & find specific information in everyday material such as menus, advertisements, & short personal letters . Communicate in routine tasks & social interactions . Use a series of phrases & sentences to describe family, educational background & present work . Write short notes, messages & personal letters relating to immediate needs .

Write a short, simple postcard & fill in forms with personal details .

Low Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate Conversation

B1

I have achieved most of the goals of A2 . I would like to . . . Understand the main points of clear speech, & the main point in radio or TV programs on current events, or topics of personal or professional interest . Understand texts with high frequency, everyday, or jobrelated language . Understand the description of events, feelings & wishes in personal letters . Handle travel situations, enter unprepared into conversation on familiar topics, & connect phrases, give reasons & opinions, & describe plots of books or films. Write simple texts on familiar or personal topics, such as letters describing personal experiences and impressions .

High Intermediate

Advanced

B2

I have achieved most of the goals of B1 . I would like to . . . Understand extended speech & lectures & follow even complex lines of argument . Understand most TV news & current affairs programs. Read articles & reports about contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints . Understand contemporary literary prose . Interact with fluency & spontaneity & explain a viewpoint & advantages & disadvantages of various options . Take an active part in discussions . Write on a wide range of subjects, essay of support or against a topic, as well as personal letters highlighting the personal significance of events .

Advanced C1

I have achieved most of the goals of B2 . I would like to . . . Understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured & when relationships are only implied & not signaled explicitly . Follow television programs & films without too much effort. Understand long & complex factual & literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style . Understand specialized articles & longer technical instructions . Use language flexibly & effectively for social & professional purposes . Present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects, integrating subthemes . Write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues . Select style appropriate to the reader in mind .