CEFR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CEFR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In CEFR grammar descriptors, what does "grammatical accuracy" refer to? → The degree to which target-like forms are produced without errors
2. At C1, which spoken interaction ability does CEFR describe? → Interacts fluently and spontaneously, grasping implications and managing complex discourse
3. Did you enjoy your holiday? → Yes, we had a great time.
4. Can you play the piano? → No, I can't.
5. At which CEFR level is a learner typically considered an 'independent user' according to the framework's main categories? → B1 and B2
6. In CEFR terms, what distinguishes "goal-oriented online cooperation" from casual online chat? → Goal-oriented cooperation involves using digital tools to achieve shared outcomes
7. What does the CEFR term "overall oral production" assess? → General ability to produce spoken language across tasks
8. What does "register" mean in sociolinguistic terms within the CEFR? → The level of formality and variety of language appropriate to a context
9. A CEFR C2 learner's phonological control is best characterized by which descriptor? → Can vary intonation and place sentence stress to express subtle meaning
10. At B1, learners are expected to use reported speech. Which correctly reports "I will call you tomorrow"? → He said he would call me the next day.
11. At which CEFR level can a learner understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters? → B1
12. At which level does the CEFR suggest a learner can produce clear, well-structured text on complex subjects? → C1
13. In CEFR-based testing, what does the term 'construct validity' refer to? → Whether a test accurately measures the language ability it claims to assess
14. The CEFR framework is divided into three broad user categories. Which of the following correctly pairs a category with its corresponding levels? → Independent User: B1, B2
15. At A2, how does CEFR describe written cohesion in learner texts? → Simple lists of points connected with basic words like "and" or "then"
16. Why did the CEFR Companion Volume add online interaction scales? → To reflect the centrality of digital communication in modern life
17. What is "mediation" in the context of the CEFR Companion Volume? → Facilitating communication and making meaning accessible to others
18. The CEFR was developed under the auspices of which organization? → Council of Europe
19. The CEFR "range" descriptor focuses primarily on: → The variety and breadth of language forms available to the learner
20. Which of the following descriptors is characteristic of the C1 (Advanced) level of proficiency? → Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
21. Which of the following is an example of a lexical cohesion device? → Repeating a concept using a synonym or related word
22. Are the men wearing blue shirts? → Yes, they are.
23. At C1, which mediation task is expected of a learner? → Conveying nuanced meaning, handling ambiguity, and adapting register for audience
24. What is "ellipsis" in cohesion and how does CEFR treat it? → Omitting elements that can be recovered from context to avoid repetition
25. At C2, what characterizes a learner's linguistic control? → Consistent precision and naturalness of expression
26. What is "cohesion" in writing according to CEFR? → The use of linguistic devices to link sentences and ideas together
27. According to the CEFR, the ability to initiate, maintain, and end a conversation appropriately is primarily categorized under which interaction strategy? → Turn-taking
28. Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the third conditional at B2? → If I had studied, I would have passed.
29. At B2, how does CEFR describe a learner's range compared to C1? → B2 range is sufficient for most topics but C1 has broader, more flexible range
30. At A2, what spoken interaction ability does CEFR describe? → Can handle very short, simple social exchanges using basic formulaic language