What new things has the CEFR provided?
The CEFR introduced 3 new things:
- The division of language communication into 5 aspects: the language skills
- The creation of a multilingual and standard level-scale
- Emphasis on the role of ‘tasks’ in language learning
Observe the following group of pictures. Can you identify the 5 language skills?
- Listening
- Giving a speech
- Reading
- Conversation
- Writing
The five language skills
- Receptive speaking = listening
- Receptive writing = reading
- Productive speaking = speech giving
- Productive writing = writing
- Interactive speaking = conversation
Can you name the 6 levels of the CEFR?
The level scale
Every level ‘contains’, or builds on, the previous ones (like Russian dolls.)
The level scale
A – Low-level language learner. A1 – approach. A2 – launch
B – Independent language user. B1 – jump. B2 – fly
C – Professional level language user. C1 – Autonomous. C2 – Peak.
The levels can also be arranged like a ‘tree’.
The B1 level occupies a strategic place because it describes the stage where the learner can autonomously communicate in basic situations.
In any language, the B1 level is called the ‘threshold level.’