Lesson cefr as a international testing system the general learning objective

LESSON 7. CEFR AS A INTERNATIONAL TESTING SYSTEM
The general learning objective:

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  to be able to mention some kinds of test methods
  
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  to be able to describe each of them
  
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  to be able to describe some advantages and disadvantages of using them.
  

Key words:
Warming up Activity:
Case study: Acqusition
Say 5 words for each category:
Food: harmful...
Names:...
Cities:...
Countries:...
Furniture: bed...
Verbs:
Clothing:...



Activity 1. CEFR levels: what are they? And do they matter?
Skill levels in the CEFR system are used by language learners to measure their ability in a language. We often hear other learners in the language-learning community throw around certain terms when they’re talking about their level in a language.
“I speak German at a B1 level” or “I’m an A2 in Russian.”
But what do B1 and A2 mean, exactly? Let’s have a look together.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment,[1] abbreviated in English as CEFR or CEF or CEFRL, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. The CEFR is also intended to make it easier for educational institutions and employers to evaluate the language qualifications of candidates for education admission or employment. Its main aim is to provide a method of learning, teaching, and assessing that applies to all languages in Europe.
It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project "Language Learning for European Citizenship" between 1989 and 1996. In November 2001, a European Union Council Resolution recommended using the CEFR to set up systems of validation of language ability. The six reference levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) are becoming widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual's language proficiency. The CEFR distinguishes four kinds of language activities: reception (listening and reading), production (spoken and written), interaction (spoken and written) and mediation (translating and interpreting). General and particular communicative competencies are developed by producing or receiving texts in various contexts under various conditions and constraints. These contexts correspond to various sectors of social life that the CEFR calls domains. Four broad domains are distinguished: educational, occupational, public and personal. These largely correspond to register.
What Are the Different CEFR Levels?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, often referred to as CEFR or CEFRL, is an international standard for working out your ability within a language. It was established by the Council of Europe and aims to validate language ability. The six levels within the CEFR are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. With these levels, you can easily work out your ability in around 40 different languages.
The levels are often used casually by language learners to explain their ability at speaking, reading, writing and understanding a language. But there are also exams and certificates available to those who want to make their level official. Let’s first take a look at what the different levels are and what’s possible for you at each level.
The “A” Levels: Basic User
A1 | Beginner
At the A1 CEFR level, a language learner can:
• Understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs.
• Introduce themselves and ask others questions about personal details.
• Interact simply as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
A2 | Elementary
At the A2 CEFR level, a language learner can:
• Understand frequently used expressions in most intermediate areas such as shopping, family, employment, etc.
• Complete tasks that are routine and involve a direct exchange of information.
• Describe matters of immediate need in simple terms.
The “B” Levels: Independent User
B1 | Intermediate
At the B1 CEFR level, a language learner can:
• Understand points regarding family, work, school or leisure-related topics.
• Deal with most travel situations in areas where the language is spoken.
• Create simple texts on topics of personal interest.
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions, as well as opinions or plans in brief.
B2 | Upper Intermediate
At the B2 CEFR level, a language learner can:
• Understand the main ideas of a complex text such as a technical piece related to their field.
• Spontaneously interact without too much strain for either the learner or the native speaker.
• Produce a detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
The “C” Levels: Proficient User
C1 | Advanced
At the C1 CEFR level, a language learner can:
• Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations.
• Express ideas without too much searching.
• Effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations.
• Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.
C2 | Proficiency
At the C2 CEFR level, a language learner can:
• Understand almost everything read or heard with ease.
• Summarize information from a variety of sources into a coherent presentation.
• Express themselves using precise meaning in complex scenarios.

When do the Different CEFR Levels Matter?

The CEFR is often used by employers and in academic settings.
You may need a CEFR certificate for:
• School admissions
• University course requirements
• Employment
A CEFR certificate is very handy for your CV or résumé. That said, many language learners use CEFR levels for self-assessment so that they can more clearly define what they need to work on, and work out what they would like to achieve in their target language.
When Do CEFR Levels Not Matter?
Outside of the professional or academic realm, CEFR levels are not as important. They’re really only necessary if you want to define where you’re at with your target language. In a more casual language learning environment, or when you’re just learning languages because you enjoy them, then CEFR levels are just another tool to help with your language learning. Sitting an exam requires a lot of study. If your goal is speaking a language, that time you spend reading, listening and writing to meet the exam requirements will be time you could have used to improve your speaking skills