Understanding CEFR
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment. It was established as a common standard that indicates "situation/language proficiency".
Test conforms to the internationally recognized CEFR
The PROGOS® evaluation is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the universal standard for evaluating a person's command of foreign languages using a standardized criteria. CEFR is also the international standard for assessing English skills that is widely used in schools, educational institutions, academic research institutes and business corporations around the world.
The CEFR evaluation's index levels are as follows: beginner learner at the elementary level from Pre-A1 to A2, intermediate learner who can communicate independently from B1 to B2, and proficient advanced learner from C1 to C2.
What you are able to do if you can speak English at the given CEFR level
The CEFR organizes language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broader levels: Basic User, Independent User, and Proficient User, and that can be subdivided further according to the needs of the local context.
Levels are defined through ‘can-do’ descriptors.
The levels did not suddenly appear from nowhere in 2001, but were a development over a period of time, as described below.
| You are competent enough to work overseas. | B2 High and above | Can spontaneously give a detailed presentation about a wide range of topics. Can actively engage in conversations about a wide range of topics using a wide range of colloquial expressions |
|---|---|---|
| B2 | Can give a prepared, detailed presentation provided the topic is of personal interest. Can participate in a discussion about topics of interest using a sufficient range of words and expressions | |
| You can work comfortably in an English-speaking environment. | B1 High | Can give a reasonably smooth presentation about social situations of personal interest. Can maintain a social conversation by providing detailed explanations |
| B1 | Can give more details about familiar topics using a wide range of words, phrases, and expressions. Can maintain a social conversation using a wide range of simple words and expressions | |
| A2 High | Can talk about topics related to everyday life using a series of simple words, phrases, and sentences. Can interact in predictable everyday situations using a wide range of basic words and expressions | |
| A2 | Can talk about a range of familiar topics using a series of simple phrases and sentences. Can give basic information and simple opinions on familiar topics using a series of phrases and sentences | |
| A1 High | Can talk about a limited range of familiar topics using simple words and basic phrases in a limited range of sentence structures. Can ask and answer simple questions about familiar topics using a limited range of expressions | |
| A1 | Can give personal information (e.g. family, daily routine, hobby) using memorized expressions. Can ask and answer questions about personal topics using memorized expressions | |
| Pre-A1 | Can give personal information (e.g. family, daily routine, hobby) using memorized expressions. Can ask and answer questions about personal topics using memorized expressions |
Test Format
The test-taker answers ten different questions. Answers are then examined in terms of their quality — i.e. whether the test-taker has answered the questions accurately or not.
The test-taker reads eight sentences aloud that are shown to them. A degree of their understanding of the sentences is assessed based on the delivery as well as the pronunciation.
A topic is presented where the test taker is required to speak for an extended period of time. The test-taker is assessed on how this presentation of the topic is handled.
The test-taker is instructed to speak about the graphs or charts included in the question. The assessment is based on how the facts and information seen on the graph or chart are presented in a logical manner.
The test-taker has a simulated conversation about a given topic. The assessment is based on how the test-taker is able to respond to the prompts like in a normal conversation.
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