you may have heard of Common European Framework of Reference

or CEFR, but what is it

and why does it matter for English language learners?

It's actually pretty simple.

Different learners have different levels of language ability

but opinions about your English level can be subjective.

Your friends may think your English is good but an employer might think it

is not good enough

and you may be better at some skills than others, for example you may be able

to read better than you can speak.

We need a clear objective way to describe language skills that

everyone can agree on.

This is what the CEFR provides.

The CEFR breaks down language learning

into six levels which it calls A1 to C2.

The starting point A1 describes a very basic language level.

As a learner you can move up the levels until you reach Proficiency, C2 level.

This is a really advanced level.

By describing what you can do in reading

writing, speaking and listening the CEFR will tell you where you are on the

journey from beginner A1 through to Proficiency C2.

There are many Cambridge English exams available for different ages and stages

of learning

all matched to CEFR levels from young learners

through to university and the workplace or simply for travel.

The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe

with extensive support from University of Cambridge ESOL examinations.

People from all over the world use the CEFR to explain what level

of English they are at

and what level of English they need.

It is used by learners, teachers, universities,

governments and employers.

The CEFR has been very influential

and not only in Europe.

It's been published in more than 35 languages

and descriptions of individual languages have also been developed.

Cambridge is a partner in the English Profile program

which provides very useful descriptions of English grammar and vocabulary

at each level of the CEFR.

Understanding your language level will help you to

achieve your goal

whether it's going on holiday abroad, studying at school or university

or getting a job and that's why the CEFR levels

are useful for everyone.