If you want to study abroad, particularly in English-speaking countries, understanding how to convert your TOEFL score to CEFR levels is crucial. This blog will provide you with comprehensive knowledge about CEFR levels.
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The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a method for describing language proficiency for studying abroad. It was established by the Council of Europe in 1996 as part of a project called "Language Learning for European Citizenship." This initiative aimed to create a standard that could be used as a common scale to measure proficiency in various languages spoken across the European continent. As a result, it is now widely utilized by universities abroad to set language proficiency benchmarks. The system was designed to validate language ability for non-native speakers.
All TOEFL CEFR levels were developed by the British Council to standardize language proficiency. It is used to assess the language ability of speakers around the globe. Let’s take a look at each level in detail below:
This level reflects a very basic understanding of the language, where the person can use commonly used phrases, introduce themselves, and describe their living situation, among other things. Individuals at the A1 level often struggle to speak or understand the language unless it is spoken very slowly and clearly, often requiring assistance.
This level indicates a slight improvement over A1, allowing the individual to communicate about everyday needs in the language. They can understand common expressions, describe their immediate environment, and answer routine and straightforward questions.
This level signifies more fluency than the previous one, allowing the individual to communicate with relative ease in the language. They can travel comfortably, express their needs understandably, and communicate in relatively well-formed sentences in areas of interest, though not universally. Those at the B1 level can share their opinions more effectively.
The b2 English level is often referred to as the “upper-intermediate level." A person at this level shows marked improvement in spontaneity and fluency of response. These individuals can produce clear and detailed sentences and interact easily with native speakers. Additionally, the CEFR B2 level emphasizes the ability to express opinions effectively.
The C1 level denotes advanced fluency in the language, characterized by the ability to speak, write, and converse with ease. Fluency is significantly enhanced, and vocabulary is notably well-developed. Thus, the C1 level signifies a person’s ability to use the language efficiently in academic or professional contexts.
This is the highest TOEFL CEFR level, indicating the individual's ability to communicate in a foreign language effortlessly. Fluency and vocabulary are further polished, allowing for articulate arguments and nuanced expression. In short, this level comes closest to speaking the language like a native speaker.
This provides a detailed explanation of the C1, C2, B1, B2, A1, and A2 English levels. Now, read the next section to understand how to convert TOEFL results to CFFR levels.
The table below illustrates the correspondence between CEFR level and TOEFL iTP and iBT scores. CEFR is an international framework for evaluating language proficiency, ranging from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2). It is utilized by employers and educational institutions to assess qualifications globally, particularly in Europe, such as in Germany:
| TOEFL iBTScore Range (0-120) | TOEFL iTPScore Range (343 - 677) | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 114-120 | 620-677 | C2 |
| 95-113 | 543-619 | C1 |
| 72-94 | 433-542 | B2 |
| 42-71 | 343-432 | B1 |
| NA | NA | A2 |
| NA | NA | A1 |
| NA | NA | Below A1 |
This section details the conversion of CEFR level TOEFL iTP and iBT scores.
In this section, understand how the TOEFL score conversion into CEFR level would look:
Here is the conversion of TOEFL listening section scores to CEFR levels:
| TOEFL Listening Section | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| 28–30 | C2 |
| 22–27 | C1 |
| 17–21 | B2 |
| 9–16 | B1 |
| \NA | A2 |
| NA | A1 |
| NA | Below A1 |
Here is the conversion of TOEFL reading section scores to CEFR level:
| TOEFL Reading Section | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| 29–30 | C2 |
| 24–28 | C1 |
| 18–23 | B2 |
| 4–17 | B1 |
| n/a | A2 |
| NA | A1 |
| NA | Below A1 |
Here is the conversion of TOEFL writing section scores to CEFR level:
| TOEFL Writing Section | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| 29–30 | C2 |
| 24–28 | C1 |
| 17–23 | B2 |
| 13–16 | B1 |
| 7–12 | A2 |
| NA | A1 |
| NA | Below A1 |
Here is the conversion of TOEFL speaking section scores to CEFR level:
| TOEFL Speaking Section | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| 28–30 | C2 |
| 25–27 | C1 |
| 20–24 | B2 |
| 16–19 | B1 |
| 10–15 | A2 |
| NA | A1 |
| NA | Below A1 |
Note: The TOEFL score conversion to CEFR levels is relevant for universities abroad that require the CEFR. The following table simplifies the admission process for students aiming to study in TOEFL-accepted universities overseas, as it provides a handy reference for converting TOEFL scores to CEFR levels.
Students demonstrate their English proficiency at universities abroad by submitting TOEFL scores level that meet the minimum requirements. However, the acceptable standardized English language test scores vary by course and are usually specified at the program level.
Below is a table showing the minimum CEFR levels to TOEFL and the corresponding scores required for studying abroad:
| CEFR Level | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|
| C2 | 114 |
| C1 | 95 |
| B2 | 72 |
| B1 | 42 |
In summary, this blog has covered essential information about the relationship between CEFR level and TOEFL scores. Achieving the minimum CEFR level is a significant milestone, and the TOEFL mock test is an effective way to measure your proficiency. By understanding the process of converting TOEFL scores to CEFR levels and familiarizing yourself with the TOEFL exam for the intermediate b2 level English TOEFL score, you can better plan your English language learning journey and confidently pursue academic or professional opportunities in English-speaking environments.
1. What Is B2 in TOEFL?
A b2 English level corresponds to a TOEFL score range of 72-94, indicating an intermediate level of English proficiency.
2. Is C1 Level Enough for TOEFL?
Yes, a TOEFL score C1 is generally considered enough.
3. What Are CEFR Levels in A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2?
The CEFR levels, ranging from A1 to C2, categorize language skills into six levels:
4. How to Check the CEFR Level?
The best way to check your CEFR level is to take a well-known English standardized test such as TOEFL, IELTS or PTE.
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