CEFRs

CEFRs, or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, are a set of guidelines designed to describe and compare language ability across languages. Developed by the Council of Europe and first published in 2001, the framework provides a common basis for creating language curricula, textbooks, assessments, and qualifications. It is intended to support mobility and lifelong learning by offering a shared language for stating and comparing language skills.

The CEFR organizes ability into six levels, labeled A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, from beginner to mastery. For each level, the framework presents general descriptions of receptive and productive skills across listening, reading, speaking, and writing, often expressed as "can-do" statements. The CEFR is language-neutral, allowing teachers and exam boards to describe learners' abilities without relying on a particular test. It is widely used in Europe and has been adopted in many other regions.

In practice, the CEFR is used to design curricula, align assessment and teaching materials, and communicate proficiency in admissions, employment, and immigration contexts. Many standardized tests map their scores to CEFR levels; examples include Cambridge English exams and various language assessments such as TOEFL and IELTS when aligned to CEFR levels. Certificates issued for these tests commonly indicate the corresponding CEFR level.

Limitations and criticisms include uneven implementation across languages and contexts, the need for careful interpretation of levels for specific tasks, and potential biases in standardized testing. Nevertheless, the CEFR remains a central reference point for describing language ability and guiding language education worldwide.