What are CEFRL levels?
Alliance Française Halifax has a rigorous approach for Language Evaluation based on CEFRL levels.
Levels are a discrete system of categories that are used to map the communication skills of language learners.
Learning a language is a complex task. So is teaching a language. Being a fluent native French speaker does not automatically turn a person into a
good French tutor. A proper language instructor must have the expertise required to teach a language and evaluate where a learner should go next.
To maximize learning and teaching efficiency, one must have a clear and well-proven methodology.
At Alliance Française Halifax, we combine a communication-centered approach with a proper evaluation method.
Alliance Française uses a well accepted international standard, the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFRL for short.
The CEFRL framework has 6 levels of evaluation, noted A1 (most basic) to C2 (most advanced).
The table below provides a succint information about the skills required at each level of the CEFRL framework.
How can I know my CEFRL level?
Knowing your level is very useful and critical in terms of choosing a language training that is taylored to your needs.
Alliance Française Halifax offers two methods to help you find your CEFRL level:
- You can take an online French Proficiency Test. You need no assistance, and you will get a precise assessment of your
levels in minutes online. We use the Ev@lang testing technology.
This assessment is based on all components of language learning and involves online questions, audio and video content.
You may take the test all by yourself online on our web site.
- Your second option is to book a placement test with one of our instructors. To do so, please call us at 902-455-4411 or send us
an e-mail. We will respond immediately. Please note that the placement test will take place online as long as the social distancing
policy will be in place as a response to the COVID-19 pandemics.
CEFRL
: A1 to C2 sample skills
Proficient
User
|
C2
|
Can
understand with ease virtually everything
heard or read. Can summarise information
from different spoken and written
sources, reconstructing arguments
and accounts in a coherent presentation.
Can express him/herself spontaneously,
very fluently and precisely, differentiating
finer shades of meaning even in
more complex situations. |
C1
|
Can
understand a wide range of demanding,
longer texts, and recognise implicit
meaning. Can express him/herself
fluently and spontaneously without
much obvious searching for expressions.
Can use language flexibly and effectively
for social, academic and professional
purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured,
detailed text on complex subjects,
showing controlled use of organisational
patterns, connectors and cohesive
devices. |
Independent
User
|
B2
|
Can
understand the main ideas of complex
text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions
in his/her field of specialisation.
Can interact with a degree of fluency
and spontaneity that makes regular
interaction with native speakers
quite possible without strain for
either party. Can produce clear,
detailed text on a wide range of
subjects and explain a viewpoint
on a topical issue giving the advantages
and disadvantages of various options. |
B1
|
Can
understand the main points of clear
standard input on familiar matters
regularly encountered in work, school,
leisure, etc. Can deal with most
situations likely to arise whilst
travelling in an area where the
language is spoken. Can produce
simple connected text on topics
which are familiar or of personal
interest. Can describe experiences
and events, dreams, hopes &
ambitions and briefly give reasons
and explanations for opinions and
plans. |
Basic
User
|
A2
|
Can
understand sentences and frequently
used expressions related to areas
of most immediate relevance (e.g.
very basic personal and family information,
shopping, local geography, employment).
Can communicate in simple and routine
tasks requiring a simple and direct
exchange of information on familiar
and routine matters. Can describe
in simple terms aspects of his/her
background, immediate environment
and matters in areas of immediate
need. |
A1
|
Can
understand and use familiar everyday
expressions and very basic phrases
aimed at the satisfaction of needs
of a concrete type. Can introduce
him/herself and others and can ask
and answer questions about personal
details such as where he/she lives,
people he/she knows and things he/she
has. Can interact in a simple way
provided the other person talks
slowly and clearly and is prepared
to help. |
|