CEFR Levels and Descriptors 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In CEFR self-assessment grids, which three skill strands are evaluated?
- Reading, Writing, Speaking
- Listening, Reading, and Spoken/Written Production-Interaction (Correct answer)
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Pronunciation
- Comprehension, Fluency, Accuracy
Correct answer: Listening, Reading, and Spoken/Written Production-Interaction
The CEFR self-assessment grid evaluates Listening, Reading, Spoken Interaction, Spoken Production, and Writing.
Question 2: A language learner 'can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance.' Which level is this?
- A1
- A2 (Correct answer)
- B1
- B2
Correct answer: A2
This descriptor belongs to A2, where learners handle high-frequency everyday expressions.
Question 3: Which CEFR level first allows a learner to 'argue a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options'?
- B1
- B2 (Correct answer)
- C1
- C2
Correct answer: B2
B2 is the level at which learners can present and defend viewpoints on topical issues.
Question 4: How does the CEFR describe the spoken production of an A1 learner?
- Can give clear, detailed descriptions of events
- Can use simple phrases and sentences to describe people and surroundings
- Can interact in a simple way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly (Correct answer)
- Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously
Correct answer: Can interact in a simple way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly
A1 spoken production is limited to simple interaction when the interlocutor cooperates with slow, clear speech.
Question 5: Which CEFR descriptor applies to writing at the B2 level?
- Can write simple phrases about self and immediate environment
- Can write an essay or report passing on information or giving reasons for or against a viewpoint (Correct answer)
- Can write extremely long and detailed texts with impeccable style
- Can fill in basic forms with personal information
Correct answer: Can write an essay or report passing on information or giving reasons for or against a viewpoint
B2 writing includes essays and reports that give information or argue for/against a viewpoint.
Question 6: Which term describes CEFR levels that are split into sub-levels (e.g., A2.1 and A2.2) in some national curricula?
- Macro levels
- Plus levels
- Granular scales (Correct answer)
- Narrow bands
Correct answer: Granular scales
Some curricula break CEFR levels into granular sub-scales (e.g., A2.1/A2.2) for finer tracking of learner progress.
Question 7: A CEFR 'plus' level (e.g., B1+) is best understood as which of the following?
- A separate official CEFR level
- Performance stronger than the base level but not yet reaching the next level (Correct answer)
- A failed attempt to reach the next level
- An experimental level used only in research
Correct answer: Performance stronger than the base level but not yet reaching the next level
A 'plus' level indicates performance clearly above the base level but not yet meeting all descriptors of the next full level.
CEFR Levels and Descriptors 4
In CEFR self-assessment grids, which three skill strands are evaluated?