The Common European Framework of Reference – the Global Standard for Language Learning

Learning English – or any other language – means building your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. It’s no easy task, but with strong motivation, hard work and the help of good teachers, it’s one that Malaysian students take in their stride.

But how do teachers know what or which skills are needed for their students? How can they set the right or suitable level for their students? The answer is the Common European Framework of Reference – the CEFR – a set of seven levels ranging from Pre A1, for learners at the start of their learning journey, through to C2, which describes a very proficient level of skill.

These seven levels are used all over the world by ministries of education, people planning language courses, authors and publishers developing textbooks, organisations which set and mark exams, and by universities and employers.

Despite having ‘European’ in its title, the CEFR is truly international. It is designed to describe skills in any language, and it is being used increasingly by governments around the world that are committed to raising the standards of language education. From Mexico and Chile, to Italy and Spain … and of course here in Malaysia where our own Ministry of Education has put the CEFR at the heart of the English language curriculum.

In addition to describing the seven levels, CEFR includes hundreds of ‘Can Do statements’. These are detailed descriptions of the language skills learners should be able to demonstrate in a wide range of educational, professional and social contexts. They cover reading, writing, listening and speaking. All of these skills are based on the way language is actually used, because the CEFR reflects the fact that language skills are far more than just a school subject – they are the tools for communication that people need to use throughout their educational, work and social lives.

Cambridge Assessment English, is a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge. Our mission is to help people learn English and prove their skills to the world. Our examinations are taken by more than five million people every year, in over 130 countries and our consultancy services are used by governments in many countries. We put the CEFR at the heart of everything we do and all of our language exams are based on CEFR assessments, which give learners a clear state of progression and qualifications throughout their learning journey.

In fact, we have been involved with the CEFR since it was first discussed in the 1970s. Researchers from Cambridge Assessment English helped the Council of Europe to develop the Framework, which was published by our sister organisation Cambridge University Press in 2001.

More recently, we helped to develop a new ‘Companion Volume’ for the CEFR, which adds a new level for beginners and new ‘Can Do statements’ for areas such as online language and for sign language.

So, how can the CEFR help you? If your children are studying English – or if you are taking lessons yourself – it can help you choose the right course, to measure progress and to choose the right examinations. If you are a teacher, it can help you to select the most appropriate textbooks, plan classes and track the progress of your students.

For more information on the CEFR, visit our website at https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/my