CEFR CEFR Vocabulary and Lexical Competence Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

What is 'word formation knowledge' and how does it support CEFR lexical competence?

Accepted Answer

Understanding how prefixes, suffixes, and compounding create new words, enabling learners to deduce and produce new vocabulary

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Knowledge of alphabetical word order that helps with dictionary use

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Memorizing the frequency ranking of the most common English words

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The ability to identify loan words from French or Latin in English

Question 2

In CEFR terms, what is the significance of 'register' in lexical competence?

Accepted Answer

It is the awareness that different words are appropriate in formal vs. informal situations (e.g., 'assist' vs. 'help')

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It refers to the learner's ability to register for official CEFR examinations

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It describes the list of vocabulary items required at each CEFR level

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It refers to the speed at which a learner retrieves vocabulary during speech

Question 3

Why is 'vocabulary in context' emphasized over isolated word learning in CEFR-aligned instruction?

Accepted Answer

Because contextual learning helps learners understand meaning, usage, collocation, and connotation simultaneously, leading to deeper lexical knowledge

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Because the CEFR prohibits the use of vocabulary lists in teaching

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Because isolated word learning is only allowed at A1 and A2 levels

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Because the CEFR focuses exclusively on grammar, not vocabulary

Question 4

Which of the following best illustrates 'lexical density' as a marker of CEFR level progression?

Accepted Answer

Higher CEFR levels are associated with texts and speech that carry more content words per clause, reflecting greater information load

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Higher CEFR levels require learners to use only academic vocabulary in all contexts

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Lexical density decreases at higher CEFR levels because learners use shorter sentences

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Lexical density is only relevant for written language, not speaking

Question 5

What does the CEFR mean when it refers to 'semantic fields' in the context of vocabulary organisation?

Accepted Answer

Sets of related words that together cover a particular area of meaning (e.g., words related to 'cooking' or 'travel')

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Groups of words sharing a grammatical function, such as all verbs

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The formal academic vocabulary required for C1 and C2 levels

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Collocations that must be memorized as fixed pairs

Question 6

At CEFR A1, which of the following best describes a learner's lexical range?

Accepted Answer

Has a very basic repertoire of isolated words and simple phrases related to personal details and particular concrete situations

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Can use a wide variety of vocabulary to describe personal experiences and opinions

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Can handle most everyday vocabulary but struggles with abstract terms

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Can understand technical vocabulary in familiar professional fields