Frameworks to evaluate proficiency English levels

There are several frameworks that are commonly used to measure or evaluate proficiency in the English language. These include:

• The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): This is a standardized system for evaluating language proficiency that is used in many European countries. It divides proficiency into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): This is a widely used English language proficiency test that measures ability in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test is scored on a nine-band scale, from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This is another widely used English language proficiency test, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It measures ability in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and is scored on a scale of 0-120 points.
• The English Language Proficiency Index (ELPI): This is a standardized test developed by the University of Michigan to measure English language proficiency. It is divided into four levels, from Low (1) to High (4).
• The Cambridge English Scale: This is a scale developed by Cambridge Assessment English to measure English language proficiency. It ranges from 0 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).

There are also many other frameworks and systems that are used to measure English language proficiency, so this list is not exhaustive.

In general, the CEFR levels are widely used as a standard for evaluating language proficiency in many European countries, and are recognized internationally. However, it is important to note that different organizations and institutions may have their own specific criteria for evaluating language proficiency, so it is always a good idea to check with the specific organization or institution you are dealing with to determine their specific requirements.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standardized system for evaluating language proficiency that is used in many European countries. It divides proficiency into six levels, as follows:

A1: Beginner

At this level, individuals are able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, and can introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details. They can interact in a simple way provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2: Elementary

At this level, individuals are able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1: Intermediate

At this level, individuals are able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2: Upper Intermediate

At this level, individuals have a good command of the language. They are able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. They can produce clear, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

C1: Advanced

At this level, individuals are able to understand a wide range

An exam to determine level of proficiency in English might include tasks such as:

• Reading comprehension: This could involve reading short texts on familiar topics and answering multiple-choice questions or short-answer questions about the content of the texts.
• Vocabulary: This could involve completing gap-fill exercises or matching words to definitions.
• Grammar: This could involve completing sentence transformations or identifying and correcting errors in a passage of text.
• Listening comprehension: This could involve listening to a recording and answering multiple-choice questions or short-answer questions about the content of the recording.
• Speaking: This could involve engaging in a conversation with an examiner or responding to prompts to describe experiences, express opinions, or give reasons and explanations.
• Writing: This could involve writing a short essay or letter on a given topic, or completing a gap-fill exercise with appropriate words or phrases.

There are many websites that offer language proficiency tests, including tests that are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Some examples of websites that offer language proficiency tests include:

• Duolingo: This website offers free language proficiency tests in several languages, including English. The tests are designed to assess a range of language skills, including reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
• Cambridge English: This website offers a range of language proficiency tests, including the Cambridge English: First (FCE) and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exams, which are aligned with the CEFR levels B2 and C1, respectively.
• EF Standard English Test (EF SET): This website offers a free, standardized language proficiency test that is designed to assess a range of language skills, including reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The test is based on the CEFR levels, and test-takers can receive a certificate indicating their level of proficiency.
• TOEFL: This website offers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is a widely recognized language proficiency test that is accepted by many universities and institutions around the world. The test is designed to assess a range of language skills, including reading, listening, writing, and speaking.

Notes:

• Language proficiency tests can vary in terms of their content and format, and may be designed to assess different aspects of language proficiency. It is always a good idea to carefully review the content and format of a language proficiency test before taking it, to ensure that it is appropriate for your needs and goals.
• An exam to determine the level of proficiency in English should be designed to test a range of language skills, and should include tasks that are appropriate for the level of proficiency being evaluated. It should also be administered by a qualified and experienced examiner who is familiar with the CEFR levels and the criteria used to evaluate language proficiency level.