Monday 7 March 2011

Find your Level in French with the CEFR



The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages


The Council of Europe created the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, as a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe. 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 (see below) are becoming widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual's language proficiency. are, arguably, easier for them, and their students, to remember.The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions which can be divided into six levels:

A Basic Speaker
A1 Breakthrough
A2 Waystage
B Independent Speaker
B1 Threshold
B2 Vantage
C Proficient Speaker
C1 Effective Operational Proficiency
C2 Mastery
The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.
level
description
A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

Internationally recognised French Exams


book pen large
                 
Validate your efforts in learning French with an internationally recognised exam!




The DELF and DALF are official, internationally recognised qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the competency of non-native students of French. The DELF and DALF are composed of 6 independent diplomas that correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)*, from Elementary to Proficiency level (A1 – C2). The DELF and DALF are valid everywhere, as they benefit from the recognition enjoyed by all official qualifications awarded by the French Ministry of Education. They are valid for life. If you would like your skills and level to be recognised for personal, professional or academic purposes*, the DELF and DALF provide an excellent, internationally approved and understood accreditation of your level.
JANUARY 2011  Deadline for enrolment : 10 December 2010
DELF A1
Written exam Tues, 18 January
Oral Exam Tues, 18 January
Individual orals – preparation: 10 minutes
DELF A2
Written exam Thurs, 20 January
Oral exam Weds, 19 January
Thurs, 20 January
DELF B1
Written exam Fri, 21 January
Oral exam Thurs, 20 January
Fri, 21 January
DELF B2
Written exam Mon, 24 January
Oral exam Mon, 24 January
Tues, 25 January
DALF C
Written exam Weds, 26 January
Oral exam Tues, 25 January
Thurs, 27 January
DALF C2
Written exam Fri, 28 January Reading comprehension and writing:
Individual orals – listening comprehension: 30

MARCH 2011 Deadline for enrolment : 9 February 2011
DELF A1
Written exam Mon, 21 March
Oral Exam Mon, 21 March
DELF A2
Written exam Tues, 22 March
Oral exam Tues, 22 March
Weds, 23 March
DELF B1
Written exam Thurs, 24 March
Oral exam Weds, 23 March
Thurs, 24 March
DELF B2
Written exam Fri, 25 March
Exam: 2pm-4.30pm
Oral exam Thurs, 24 March
Fri, 25 March
DALF C1
Written exam Mon, 28 March
Oral exam Tues, 29 March
Weds, 30 March
DALF C2
Written exam Thurs, 31 March
Oral exam Tues, 29 March
Weds, 30 March

JUNE 2011  Deadline for enrolment : 5 May 2011
DELF A1
Written exam Fri, 17 June
Oral Exam Thurs, 16 June
Fri, 17 June
DELF A2
Written exam Mon, 20 June
Oral exam Mon, 20 June
Tues, 21 June
DELF B1
Written exam Weds, 22 June
Oral exam Tues, 21 June to
Thur, 23 June
DELF B2
Written exam Fri, 24 June
Oral exam Wed, 22 June to
Fri, 24 June
DALF C1
Written exam Mon, 27 June
Oral exam Tues, 28 June
Weds, 29 June
DALF C2
Written exam Thurs, 30 June
Oral exam Tues, 28 June
Weds, 29 June