CEFR descriptors quiz

Can give a short, rehearsed, basic presentation on a familiar subject.

• A1

• A2

• A2+

• Pre-A1

Can give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

• B1

• B1+

• C1

• B2+

Watching TV, films, video: Can follow films employing a considerable degree of slang and idiomatic usage.

• C1

• C2

• B2+

• B2

Answer explanation

Trick question/distractor: there is no C2 descriptor for Watching TV, film, video.

Can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.

• A1

• A2

• A2+

• B1

Identifying cues and inferring: Can use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension, including watching out for main points and checking comprehension by using contextual clues.

• A2+

• B1

• B2+

• B2

Answer explanation

There is no B2+ descriptor for this.

Can describe their family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job.

Can describe people, places and possessions in simple terms.

• Pre- A1

• A1

• A2

• A2+

Answer explanation

Compare to A1:

A1 Can describe themselves, what they do and where they live.

A1 Can describe simple aspects of their everyday life in a series of simple sentences, using simple words/signs and basic phrases, provided they can prepare in advance.

Addressing audiences: Can take follow-up questions, but may have to ask for repetition if the delivery is rapid.

• A2+

• B1

• B1+

• B2

Can substitute an equivalent term for a word/sign they can’t recall, so smoothly that it is scarcely noticeable.

• B2+

• A2+

• C1

• C2

Monitoring and repair: Can start again using a different tactic when communication breaks down.

• A2

• B1

• A1

• C2

Answer explanation

There are no descriptors for

Monitoring and repair for

A2 or A1 (or Pre-A1)

Overall oral interaction:

Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what they want to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances.

• C1

• B1

• B1+

• B2+