CEFR - Common European Framework Reception Skills: Reading/Listening Questions and Answers

Question 1

A learner at the A2 level listens to a short, clear announcement at a train station. According to the CEFR, what can they most likely understand?

Accepted Answer

The main point, such as a platform change or a simple delay, especially if repeated.

Answer

The reason for a complex delay involving multiple lines.

Answer

The subtle tone of frustration in the announcer's voice.

Answer

A detailed conversation between two passengers about the announcement.

Question 2

Which of the following reading tasks best represents a B2-level skill?

Accepted Answer

Reading and understanding articles and reports on contemporary problems, recognizing the writer's viewpoint.

Answer

Understanding the main message on a simple postcard.

Answer

Locating a specific time on a public transport schedule.

Answer

Appreciating subtle distinctions of style in a complex literary work.

Question 3

A student is listening to a university lecture on a reasonably familiar academic topic. They can follow the main lines of argument but miss some of the finer details and complex examples. Which CEFR reception level does this scenario most accurately describe?

Accepted Answer

B2 - Can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar.

Answer

A2 - Can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages.

Answer

C1 - Can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied.

Answer

B1 - Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered.

Question 4

According to the CEFR, what is a key difference between B1 and B2 reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

B1 readers focus on high-frequency language on familiar topics, while B2 readers can handle articles on contemporary issues and understand the author's stance.

Answer

B1 readers can understand short, simple texts, while B2 readers can understand lengthy novels.

Answer

B1 readers can only find specific information, while B2 readers can understand the gist of a text.

Answer

B1 readers understand job-related language, while B2 readers can only understand personal letters.

Question 5

A learner demonstrates C1-level listening skills. Which of the following abilities is a primary indicator of this level?

Accepted Answer

Recognizing a wide range of idiomatic expressions and appreciating shifts in register.

Answer

Understanding familiar words and basic phrases when someone speaks very slowly.

Answer

Catching the main point in a simple radio news broadcast about a familiar event.

Answer

Following a simple, clear set of directions to a nearby location.

Question 6

A person is quickly looking through several news websites to get a general sense of the day's main headlines without reading any articles in detail. This reading strategy is best described by the CEFR as:

Accepted Answer

Reading for orientation.

Answer

Reading for information and argument.

Answer

Reading correspondence.

Answer

Reading instructions.