Reading about CEFR level IELTS is a trending topic for most students nowadays! Does this sound familiar to you? Is CEFR that important in IELTS? Can it affect your overall score? There are several questions students have in their minds and want to know about it. If you are also the one who is struggling with these questions then you have come at the right place! In this blog, we will talk all about CEFR level IELTS and how CEFR plays an important role in IELTS. So let’s get started with the blog.
Table of Contents
The CEFR is commonly known as the Common European Framework Reference for Languages. It was established in 2001, that has the global standards for language learning. The CEFR has different levels of language that a learner must acquire to communicate effectively and efficiently. Further, the CEFR was set up by the Council of Europe as an official structure for language that is used in learning, teaching, and evaluating.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test that has four parts Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It was developed in the late 1980s. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the mastery of the English language of a candidate. However, the IELTS score is received out of 40 and is converted in a band scale ranging from 0 to 9.
Before understanding the CEFR level in IELTS, it is important to know the objectives of CEFR. Thus, the below pointers will help you understand the role of CEFR in the IELTS test.
1. CEFR level enhances standardized assessment, teaching, and learning.
2. The CEFR enables comparability for the several types of certifications.
3. CEFR level defines what the learners want to achieve and how to do it.
4. CEFR helps in the development of teaching material among the various types of languages used.
Overall, the above pointers depict why CEFR-level IELTS is required. Now in our next section, we will discuss the different levels that are used in CEFR.
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The CEFR uses a six-point scale (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) to organize language proficiency, starting from A1 (basic user) and going up to C2 (proficient user) for those who have mastery in any language. Moreover, the CEFR levels portray that a student is capable of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English at each level. Thus, this section will help you explain the CEFR levels and how it is compared with IELTS scores.
The level A1 in CEFR refers to a basic user. It shows that a person can understand simple terms and expressions related to personal needs. At this level, learners must be able to greet and introduce themselves to others.
The level A2 in the CEFR is called the “Elementary” level. At this level, learners can understand the sentences or phrases and can use them in most of the areas. This can include personal information, shopping, employment, and local news.
The CEFR level B1 is called the “Intermediate” level, which means the learner can understand the main points on familiar topics such as work, leisure, school, etc. Through this level, learners can face most of the situations while travelling in any area where the language is spoken.
CEFR level B2 means that the learner can understand the main ideas of the difficult topics including technical discussions too. They can engage with English speakers without facing any difficulty.
CEFR level C1 is called the “Advanced” level. By having expertise at this level, learners can understand a vast number of difficult and longer texts and can recognize the unexpressed meaning. They can use their language expertise effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
The CEFR level C2 is called the “Proficient” level. At this level, learners can understand virtually everything that is heard or read with ease. They can express themselves continuously, precisely, and logically in more complex situations.
Overall, these are the levels of CEFR that evaluate the candidates English language. Now our next part covers how CEFR level IELTS is being compared.
It is important to understand how to convert IELTS levels by correlating them with the CEFR levels. Thus, there is a table that has been provided that can be used as an IELTS to CEFR level calculator.
|
CEFR Levels |
Language Proficiency Level |
Corresponding IELTS Band Score |
|---|---|---|
|
C2 |
Expert User |
8.5- 9.0 |
|
C1 |
|
|
|
B2 |
|
|
|
B1 |
Limited User |
4.0- 4.5 |
|
A2 |
Extremely Limited User |
3.0 |
|
A1 |
Intermittent User |
2.0- 2.5 |
|
N/A |
Non- User |
1.0- 1.5 |
|
N/A |
Did not attempt a test |
0.0- 0.5 |
The above discussed are the levels of CEFR that have been correlated with the IELTS levels and their required score. In our next section, we will discuss why to compare CEFR level IELTS and what are the benefits of it.
If you are thinking of studying at an English-speaking country or a university, you must be aware of the language requirements and be able to compare your CEFR level to your IELTS score. This comparison will help you understand the similarities and differences between both types of language proficiency levels. In addition, the image has been provided below that will tell you about the CEFR levels and how they relate to the IELTS band score. See the image below.
As you have seen the image, now let’s know that why you should compare your CEFR level in IELTS exam.
These are the major reasons why one should compare their IELTS scores at the CEFR level. Now our last section will let you know about how you can improve your CEFR level through IELTS scores.
Improving your IELTS CEFR level includes a systematic approach. Thus, this section will brief you on the tips to improve both your CEFR level and IELTS scores.
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To sum up, we discussed the CEFR level IELTS that helps the candidate to know about their IELTS score at the CEFR level. Further, in the blog, we also had a look at the role of CEFR, levels, comparisons, and tips. The use of CEFR in IELTS seems difficult for students to understand thus we have provided this blog for readers. But before understanding the CEFR it is also important to get to know about the IELTS exam. Thus, join our IELTS online coaching and learn about the IELTS exam pattern with our experienced tutors.
The CEFR presents language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2 that have been grouped into the following categories which are:
The CEFR-level IELTS comparison has helped some countries develop language policies and practical teaching materials.
The 6.5 is the CEFR level B2 IELTS score.
CEFR B2 is correlated with an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.5. You are considered an “Independent user” which means you can communicate well and easily in a detailed manner.
The IELTS score of 8.0 is linked with the C1 level in CEFR.
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