Can produce clear, well- structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

They can say: I speak French at a B1 level or I am attending an Italian language course, I am in A2 grammar and conversation class.

But what B1 or A2 mean These heading are skill levels in the Common European Framework of References for Languages system, abbreviated in English as CEFR, and they are used by language learners to measure their ability in a language.

CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries.

CEFR was established by the Council of Europe between 1989 and 1966, it aims to provide a method of learning, teaching and assessing which applies to all languages in Europe.

In November 2001 the European Council recommended using the CEFR to set up systems of validation of language ability.

These six reference levels are widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individuals proficiency in around forty different languages.

Each level is divided into four kinds of competences (language skills), describing what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing.

The A Levels: Basic User A1 beginners: At the A1 CEFR level, a language learner: Can understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs.

Can introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details such as where heshe lives, people they know and things they have.

Can interact simply as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

Test your A1 Language Level A2 elementary: At the A2 CEFR level, a language learner: Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most intermediate areas, such as shopping, family, employment, etc.

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 their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.

Test your A2 Language Level The B Levels: Independent User B1 Intermediate: At the B1 CEFR level, a language learner: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school or leisure-related topics.

Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, as well as opinions or plans in brief.

Test your B1 Language Level B2 Upper Intermediate: At the B2 CEFR level, a language learner: Can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.

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.

Test your B2 Language Level The C Levels: Proficient User C1 Advanced: At the C1 CEFR level, a language learner: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.

Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

Levels Of Language Ability