CEFR levels of Learning a Language
CEFR levels are divided into six parts. The learners are measured based on those levels in terms of language knowledge and categorized for learning English. Each level shows the language knowledge in different skills. As a result, knowing the standard levels of language knowledge is very important for language learning purposes.
CEFR standard
The CEFR standard, which stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a European standard for indicating the level of English language knowledge and is considered the most reliable English language standard in the world. This standard includes six different parts indicating the learner’s language knowledge in different skills. This standard is accepted and used to determine the ability of language learners in all countries and plays a fundamental role in educational planning. In addition to this standard, international standard tests such as IELTS and TOEFL are taken to measure the language levels of language learners, which can determine different scores compared to the CEFR standard levels.
Based on the CEFR standard, language levels are divided into six categories from A1 to C2. These levels can also be classified into three larger categories: “Basic”, “Intermediate” and “Advanced”. It should be noted that this standard is also used for other common languages of the world such as French and German.
Stage 1: A1; Beginner to Elementary
In general, language levels start from the basic level of A1, and learners who have no background in English or have little knowledge will start their education at this level. At the end of this level, learners can understand and produce everyday expressions and basic expressions for basic communication. Learners can introduce themselves and others and make practical questions and answers about personal and daily issues such as where they live, friends and family, and their education. They are also able to have a basic conversation using the words and structure they have learned.
Stage 2: A2; Elementary to Pre-Intermediate
A2 level is the second level of basic English language levels, which is considered the last level of this part. This level prepares students to enter the intermediate level and also complements the A1 level. At the end of this level, students are able to understand and produce more advanced sentences and use common and widely used terms and expressions in various situations. Accomplishing this, learners can communicate about personal and family information, shopping, geographical location, work, and education. Also, they can have a more advanced and complete conversation in everyday cases. In addition, they are able to make sentences and questions about their past and others, as well as the surrounding environment and daily issues and needs.
Stage 3: B1; Intermediate
After passing the basic course, students enter the second language proficiency level, which includes two levels. In this section, the learners’ ability to use the language has expanded. At this stage, students will have the ability to understand the main and common topics such as career, education, recreation, leisure time, etc. In this language proficiency level, learners will be able to construct more complicated sentences for situations such as when traveling to an English-speaking country. They are also able to write texts about familiar topics and their personal and favorite subjects. In addition, they can describe their experiences, events, dreams, wishes, and goals, and they will be able to give reasons and explanations for their plans, ideas, and opinions.
Stage 4: B2; Upper Intermediate
This language proficiency level aims to complete the knowledge of the previous level and will prepare the learner to enter the advanced stage. At this level, students will have the ability to understand the main topic of complex texts in fields such as their work and professional career. In conversation skills, they will be able to communicate more fully and professionally with better mastery and can speak fluently in dealing with native people. They are also able to write and explain different topics with more and more complete details and they can also express their opinions from different angles about different issues raised.
Stage 5: C1; Advanced
By entering the Advanced stage, students are completing their knowledge and abilities in different English language skills and at the end of this level, they can get good results in international exams. The description of these standard exams is given in the following article. In the first part of the advanced level, learners will be able to understand more of longer and more complex texts and understand the implicit meanings of various topics. They can also make complete communication with higher mastery and shorter pauses and use appropriate expressions and interpretations to express their meaning. Also, they will be able to use language in a more advanced way in social, academic, and specialized fields, and they will be able to write clear texts with a complete and correct structure about complex topics.
Stage 6: C2; Proficiency
The last level of the CEFR standard is the Proficiency level or C2. At the end of this level, learners have the ability to use their language knowledge to the fullest extent possible. At this stage, learners complete their knowledge, skills, and abilities at a professional, accurate and fluent level and will be able to fully understand the concepts instantly. They are able to summarize what they have heard and read, and with complete mastery of their language knowledge and accuracy in using techniques, they can understand and produce clear and transparent content in complex situations.
Different language levels based on international standard tests
In this section, we have compared different language levels to better understand the scores in different language tests. Based on the classifications explained above, the language knowledge of the learner can be approximately located in these categories. We suggest you refer to the next article for an explanation of these tests and the scoring system of language levels.
English language teaching books in order of CEFR levels
Different books are used to teach English, each of which is designed based on the respective level to meet the needs of the learners at the so-called level. One of the best English language teaching books, including beginner to advanced English language courses, is American English File. In the following section, these books are categorized according to CEFR levels.
Level A1: American English File Starter
Level A2: American English File 1, 2
Level B1: American English File 2, 3
Level B2: American English File 3, 4
Level C1: American English File 5
These books are suitable resources for pre-IELTS and IELTS courses. You can grasp the general knowledge of the English language by apprehending these books. Also, you can see the comparison of CEFR levels and the IELTS and TOEFL standard tests in the next article.
