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 The Levels and the Common European Framework
“The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. It was put together by the Council of Europe in 2001. Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe.” Taken from the Wikipedia encyclopedia.
| LEVELS |
Listening/Speaking |
Reading |
Writing |
| C2 |
CAN advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues,understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions. |
CAN understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts. |
CAN write letters on any
subject and full notes of
meetings or seminars with
good expression and
accuracy. |
C1 b
C1 a |
CAN contribute effectively to
meetings and seminars within
own area of work or keep up a
casual conversation with a good
degree of fluency, coping with
abstract expressions. |
CAN read quickly enough to
cope with an academic
course, to read the media
for information or to
understand non-standard
correspondence. |
CAN prepare/draft
professional
correspondence, take
reasonably accurate notes
in meetings or write an
essay which shows an
ability to communicate. |
B2 b
B2 a |
CAN follow or give a talk on a
familiar topic or keep up a
conversation on a fairly wide
range of topics. |
CAN scan texts for relevant
information, and understand
detailed instructions or
advice. |
CAN make notes while
someone is talking or write
a letter including nonstandard
requests. |
B1 b
B1 a |
CAN express opinions on
abstract/cultural matters in a
limited way or offer advice within
a known area, and understand
instructions or public
announcements. |
CAN understand routine
information and articles,
and the general meaning of
non-routine information
within a familiar area. |
CAN write letters or make
notes on familiar or
predictable matters. |
A2 b
A2 a |
CAN express simple opinions or
requirements in a familiar context. |
CAN understand
straightforward information
within a known area, such
as on products and signs
and simple textbooks or
reports on familiar matters. |
CAN complete forms and
write short simple letters or
postcards related to
personal information. |
A1 b
A1 a |
CAN understand basic
instructions or take part in a basic
factual conversation on a
predictable topic. |
CAN understand basic
notices, instructions or
information. |
CAN complete basic forms,
and write notes including
times, dates and places. |
The six reference levels (from A0 to C2) provide a practical tool for setting clear standards to be attained at successive stages of learning and for evaluating outcomes in an internationally comparable manner. For more details please find the document on the official website for the Council of Europe.
We have been using the Common European Framework of Reference for quite a few years now. This has aided our evaluation of student progress and has enabled our teaching to adapt to the world around us, paying attention to the changing mentality and requirements of our students. We emphasise a ‘task based’ approach rather than a solely ‘communicative’ approach. The purely linguistic elements come hand in hand with the learning, but we teach you how to use French for your personal and professional life and if you make a grammar mistake, the most important thing is that a French person can understand you !
Upon arrival, your oral and written level will be tested according to the European Framework and we will give you the results.
On departure, after the tests, your teacher or the Director will tell you your level that you reached for oral and written and you will then be able to see your progress.
The Association of Language Testers in Europe, developed a series of 'Can Do' statements for each of the levels in order to make the Common European Framework easy to understand.
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 Starting dates for complete beginners 2012
| January : 9, 23 |
February : 6, 20 |
| March : 5, 19 |
April : 2, 16 |
| May : 14, 29 |
June : 4, 18 |
| July : 2, 16, 30 |
August : 13, 27 |
| September : 10, 24 |
October : 8, 22 |
| November : 5, 19 |
December : 3, 17 |
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