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CEFR is a handy tool for talking about how well you speak a language.
CEFR, or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, helps you figure out where you are and where you want to go in your language skills. So, if you're wondering how good your English is or want to improve, the CEFR is a great tool to guide you!
А1
BEGINNER
This is where you start. At this level, you can understand and use simple everyday phrases and expressions. You can introduce yourself and ask basic questions about personal details.
А2
ELEMENTARY
You're getting there! You understand basic sentences and expressions for everyday topics like personal information, work, shopping etc. You can communicate in simple, routine tasks that involve straightforward exchanges of information.
B1
INTERMEDIATE
You're becoming more confident. You understand common topics encountered in work, school, and leisure. You handle most travel situations. You write simple texts on familiar topics. You describe experiences, events, and give reasons for opinions.
B2
UPPER INTERMEDIATE
You're getting quite good! You can understand complex ideas on different topics and interact comfortably with native speakers. You can write detailed texts and explain your opinions on current issues, discussing the pros and cons of different options.
C1
ADVANCED
You're almost there! You understand complex texts and implicit meaning, express yourself fluently without much obvious searching for words, use language flexibly for various purposes, and produce clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects.
C2
PROFICIENT
You have complete mastery of the language, easily understanding spoken and written content. You can summarize information from various sources, present arguments coherently, and express yourself fluently and precisely, even in complex situations.
Each level builds on the previous one, so as you progress, you'll find yourself understanding and speaking English more confidently!
And CEFR is not just for Europe; people all over the world use it to figure out their language skills. You can use it to see how good you are at a language and set goals to get better. Schools use it to plan what to teach you, and lots of jobs and schools want to know your CEFR level.
How IELTS and TOEFL scores match up with CEFR levels and Cambridge English exams.
For quick reference:
A required TOEFL score of 95–113 aligns with CEFR level C1.
IELTS scores of 7–8 correspond to CEFR level C1, widely accepted for university admission in English-speaking countries.
The diagram below offers an illustration of the alignment between IELTS, TOEFL scores, and the CEFR and Cambridge English exams.
Proficient User
C2
C1
Independent User
B2
B1
Basic User
A2
A1
