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Updated on 20 October, 2023
Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
CEFR Test
TheCEFR English testis a popularly acknowledged framework for language proficiency worldwide. The CEFR was assembled by the Council of Europe, back in the 1990s as part of a bigger initiative to spark collaborations among language teachers throughout Europe.
The Council was driven by its aim of providing better clarity for institutions and employers who wished to assess candidates' language proficiency levels of candidates. The testing framework is intended for assessment and teaching alike. In this context, it is worth mentioning that CEFR is not linked to any specific language test and encompasses severalcan-do statements with a list of functions that aspirants can execute with the foreign language at any proficiency level. For instance, one of the statements for the B1 level isCan produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Teachers and employers may use such statements for assessing candidates with a view to filling up the knowledge gaps.
Table of Contents
- What is the CEFR level?
- Download E-Books for IELTS Preparation
- How to Compare CEFR with IELTS
- Why Compare CEFR and IELTS?
- Prepare for IELTS With upGrad Abroad
- Download IELTS Sample Papers
- Download Country Guides (FREE PDFs)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Popular Study Abroad Destinations
You Can Also Read Sample Questions and Answers For The IELTS Passage: Green Wave Washes Over Mainstream Shopping
What is the CEFR level?
This is a scale with six points(A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) in total, beginning from A1 (basic user) and going up to C2 (proficient user) for those with mastery over any language. CEFR is also used for other language tests throughout Europe and not only for IELTS. It is used for the conversion of scores in TOEFL as well.
ThusCEFR examorCEFR levelsbypass terms such asintermediate,beginner, or evenadvanced which are not accurate indicators of proficiency in a language. The CEFR was made to ensure more standardized scales for determining fluency in languages with more reliable indicators. Here are some other objectives of the CEFR Test:
- Helps in backing the continued development and demonstration of progress for language learners at an individual level
- Helps in the definition ofcan-do and positive descriptors which are suited to learner needs, interests, and age
- Helps in the development of teaching material while enabling more cooperation amongst those teaching various types of languages
- It also boosts standardized assessment, teaching, and learning
- It enables comparability for various types of certifications
- The CEFR seeks to encourage individuals in the field of language including learners to embark on reflection for questions like those recommended inNotes for the user with regard to the analysis of various teaching or learning situations
- It also helps entities define what they want learners to achieve and how to do the same.
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Before gaining insights into the IELTS band score and the CEFR level,one should know that IELTS aspirants often require their scores converted to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to bring clarity to the reviewer’s table (employer, organization, and schools). The IELTS marks an individual’s English language competency on a scale of nine bands and comprises four sections, namely Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
The score bands and their corresponding skill levels are the following:
- 9- Expert
- 8- Very Good
- 7- Good
- 6- Competent
- 5- Modest
- 4- Limited
- 3- Extremely Limited
- 2- Intermittent
- 1- Non-User
- 0- Did not take the test
Download E-Books for IELTS Preparation
How to Compare CEFR with IELTS
Here is a table that will give you an idea of the comparison and how to do it:
CEFR Level | Level of Proficiency | Corresponding IELTS Score Band |
C2 | Expert User | 8.5 – 9.0 |
C1 | Very Good User | 8 |
Good User | 7.0 – 7.5 | |
B2 | Competent User | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Modest User | 5.0 – 5.5 | |
B1 | Limited User | 4.0 – 4.5 |
A2 | Extremely Limited User | 3 |
A1 | Intermittent User | 2 |
Non – User | 1 | |
Maximum timeline for getting results | 13 working days | |
Validity of the Scores | Two Years |
Why Compare CEFR and IELTS?
Comparisons are often inevitable for students who have applied to European universities and institutions accepting CEFR levels. It is necessary because understanding the relationships and comparative scenarios between IELTS and CEFR scores is often imperative. The CEFR was always meant to be a commonly-used mechanism for reference and also forreflection, communications, and empowerment as per the official guideline. It is not difficult to convert IELTS scores into their corresponding CEFR levels. You should go by a rule of thumb where the IELTS 7.5 band score equates to the C1 level in the CEFR. Similarly, 4.5 as the IELTS band score will equate to the B1 level in the CEFR. The IELTS used for comparison with the CEFR level is the mean band scores reported on the Test Report Form and not the band scores for individual modules.
Improve your IELTS writing score with our expert-approved topic list forIELTS writing task 2.
Know More About IELTS:
Prepare for IELTS With upGrad Abroad
Suppose you have been facing problemspreparing for IELTS at home. In that case, you can enroll in upGrad Abroad'sbooster program that helps in preparation for IELTS, academic writing, profile building, university application, education loan, and visa support.
The program costs ₹15,000 and is 100% refundable if a student starts theirstudy abroad journey with us.
It is a six-week-long course and offers the following forIELTS preparation:
- 25 hours of live online classes
- Four one-to-one doubt clearing sessions (30 mins each)
- Four one-to-one speaking practice sessions (30 mins each)
- 15 writing assignments with correction and feedback
- Two full-length mock tests
- One-to-one analysis of two full-length mock tests.
Download IELTS Sample Papers
Download Country Guides (FREE PDFs)
Frequently Asked Questions
How CEFR is important?
The CEFR uses more standardized scales for determining fluency in languages with indicators that are more reliable. It evaluates the competency of the language learners on a scale of A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 where A1 stands for basic user and C2 stands for competent user. It also provides the list of skills or abilities the user need to cultivate in him to master the language proficiency.
Why did CEFR come into existence?
The main reason behind the existence of CEFR was to provide all the citizens an opportunity to learn other languages apart from their first language and in doing so their specific communicative needs would be taken into account and the methodologies will be on the basis of real communication tasks.
If I score 4.5 overall in the IELTS exam then on what scale would I fall in the CEFR gradient?
If you have secured 4.5 in the IELTS exam then you will fall in the B1 category of the CEFR scale which stands for an intermediate user.
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Mrinal Mandal
Study Abroad Expert
I'm Mrinal Mandal, a Study Abroad Expert with a deep understanding of various aspects related to international education and language proficiency assessments. Over the years, I've guided numerous students through the complexities of exams like IELTS and provided insights into the intricacies of study abroad processes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
CEFR Level in IELTS: Your Guide
1. CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):
- CEFR is a globally recognized framework for language proficiency.
- Developed by the Council of Europe in the 1990s.
- Aimed at providing clarity for assessing language proficiency levels.
2. CEFR Test Objectives:
- Intended for assessment and teaching.
- Not linked to any specific language test.
- Encompasses "can-do" statements with functions for different proficiency levels.
IELTS Exam:
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
- Four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
2. IELTS Band Scores:
- Scale from 0 to 9, indicating proficiency levels.
- Nine bands: 0-9, corresponding to Non-User to Expert User.
CEFR and IELTS Comparison:
1. CEFR Levels and Corresponding IELTS Bands:
- C2 (Expert User): 8.5 – 9.0
- C1 (Very Good User): 8.0
- B2 (Competent User): 6.0 – 6.5
- B1 (Limited User): 4.0 – 4.5
- A2 (Extremely Limited User): 3.0
- A1 (Intermittent User): 2.0
- Non-User: 1.0
2. Importance of Comparing CEFR and IELTS:
- Crucial for students applying to European universities.
- Helps in understanding relationships and comparative scenarios between IELTS and CEFR scores.
IELTS Preparation:
1. upGrad Abroad's Booster Program:
- A six-week course offering IELTS preparation, academic writing, profile building, and more.
- Live online classes, doubt clearing sessions, speaking practice, writing assignments, and mock tests.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Importance of CEFR:
- Uses standardized scales for determining language fluency.
- Evaluates competency on a scale of A1 to C2.
2. Purpose of CEFR's Existence:
- Provides citizens with opportunities to learn other languages.
- Focuses on specific communicative needs and real communication tasks.
3. IELTS Score and CEFR Level:
- IELTS score of 4.5 corresponds to the B1 category on the CEFR scale (Intermediate User).
This comprehensive guide covers the CEFR framework, IELTS exam, their correlation, and the significance of understanding these concepts for study abroad aspirants. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on any topic, feel free to ask.