Foreign language study creates more positive attitudes and less prejudice toward people who are different.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), was published by the Council of Europe in 2001 as a reference document describing the knowledge and skills language learners have to develop to be able to communicate effectively in a foreign language. It provides a common basis for the development of language curricula and textbooks, and for the interpretation of the scores of language tests.
It has been used since 2001. Before that, every school had its own way to describe the levels of their students. For example:
As you can imagine, it was not very precise, as level 2 in one school could be very different from level 2 in another.
It was also very hard to compare your level in one language to your level in another.
Introducing yourself, expressing your tastes, organizing meeting up with friends, giving your opinion, buying something in a shop, giving an advice, describing something or someone, using present and future tenses.
You can do everything we described in A1 but much more precisely and accurately. You can also express your opinion and write short texts.
What’s interesting in A2 is that you go through most of the important grammar themes and learn a good amount of vocabulary. Usually, people progress a lot in A2.
During B1 you learn a lot of vocabulary and practice the grammar you’ve learned in A2. You can start debating orally and express yourself with much more precision.
The number of hours needed to reach each level depends on the learner and the frequency of lessons. The typical amount of time per level is approximately 120 hours. As a result, you might feel that A1 is too slow and that levels after B1 move too quickly. This feeling depends on your pace and your ability to learn languages.
It’s important to follow your own rhythm while, at the same time, being aware of the specialists’ recommendations. That will help you keep on track.
Teacher
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing, such as teachers or learners, to see the level of different qualifications. It also means that employers and educational institutions can easily compare our qualifications to other exams in their country.
Level B2 corresponds to a more advanced, more independent level than previous levels. A B2 user can communicate easily and spontaneously in a clear and detailed manner. This is not yet an experienced speaker, but a B2 user is able to understand and be understood in most situations. This level, in particular, is often required for admission to North American universities and even highly regarded European schools. It is also the level generally required to work or do an internship abroad in most English-speaking countries. Many learners feel a real sense of progress when they reach B2. This intermediate level marks an important break with the previous levels. A B2 user can express themselves naturally, easily, and effectively, take the initiative to speak, and understand and correct their own mistakes while anticipating what they will say and how they will say it.
Your success depends on prior preparation and practice. The combination of the two will help you achieve the desired score on any language test. Once you have passed all four parts of your language test at proficiency level 4, your report card counts as a language certificate needed for admission to nearly all subjects and degree programs at colleges and universities.
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) is an official Cambridge English exam at advanced level. It assesses all four language skills and is aligned with Level C1 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
C1 Advanced (CAE) is recognised as an entry or school-leaving qualification at various educational levels. Many companies today require C1 Advanced (CAE) as the minimum requirement for English language competence, which makes it a qualification beyond general requirements and helps successful candidates differentiate themselves from other applicants in their search for employment. Many companies and corporations in Switzerland recognise C1 Advanced (CAE) as a qualification demonstrating very strong language competence.
