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CEFR Phonological Competence and Pronunciation Flashcards

7 cards from real CEFR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What does 'phonological competence' primarily encompass in the CEFR framework?

    Answer: Perception and production of phonemes, prosodic features, and connected speech

    CEFR defines phonological competence as the ability to perceive and produce the sound units and prosodic features (stress, rhythm, intonation) of a language in natural, connected speech.

  2. According to the CEFR, which level descriptor states that a learner's pronunciation 'can be understood with some effort by native speakers used to dealing with speakers of their language group'?

    Answer: A1

    A1 describes the most limited phonological control, where even a small repertoire of learned words may require effort from the listener to understand.

  3. At CEFR level B1, how is a learner's pronunciation typically described?

    Answer: Clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident

    The CEFR B1 descriptor states pronunciation is 'clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur.'

  4. Which prosodic feature refers to the systematic variation of pitch across an utterance to convey meaning or attitude?

    Answer: Intonation

    Intonation is the rise and fall of pitch over sentences or utterances and carries pragmatic meaning such as questions, statements, or emotional tone.

  5. What is 'connected speech' in the context of CEFR phonological competence?

    Answer: Phonological processes such as elision and assimilation occurring in natural fluent speech

    Connected speech refers to how sounds change when words are produced fluently together, including processes like elision, assimilation, and linking that differ from isolated word pronunciation.

  6. At which CEFR level does the descriptor state the learner 'has acquired a clear, natural pronunciation and intonation'?

    Answer: B2

    The CEFR B2 descriptor for phonological control explicitly states that the learner 'has acquired a clear, natural pronunciation and intonation,' marking a significant step up from B1.

  7. What does 'suprasegmental' phonology refer to in CEFR assessment contexts?

    Answer: Stress, rhythm, and intonation that operate across syllables and utterances

    Suprasegmental features operate above the level of individual phonemes and include stress, rhythm, and intonation, which are all assessed in CEFR phonological competence scales.