Language framework
CEFR
Council of Europe
I use the Council of Europe’s CEFR descriptors as references when preparing my own level explanations, learning activities and assessments.
Explore the CEFR framework ↗What is CEFR?
A shared way to describe language ability.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a Council of Europe framework. It describes what learners can do with a language at different stages. The descriptions below are student-friendly summaries, not replacement official descriptors.
Coursebook labels such as Starter, Elementary and Pre-Intermediate are commonly used in English teaching; they are not official CEFR level names. “A0” is an informal label for the Pre-A1 stage below A1.
Educational framework & references
The sources behind my teaching
Educational resources
British Council
LearnEnglish
I consult British Council LearnEnglish resources when developing selected original activities. I link to relevant sources where they inform my work.
Explore LearnEnglish ↗Level Up! by Levi is my independent English-teaching project. These references do not imply affiliation, endorsement or accreditation by either organisation.
A0
Starter / Beginner
You are beginning to recognise and use very common words and short expressions.
- Understand a few familiar words when speech is slow and supported by context.
- Give very basic personal information with help.
- Recognise simple signs, names and everyday words.
A1
Elementary
You can manage very simple communication about yourself and immediate needs.
- Introduce yourself and ask or answer basic personal questions.
- Understand familiar everyday expressions when people speak clearly and slowly.
- Read and write short, simple messages and basic information.
A2
Pre-Intermediate
You can deal with many routine situations using simple, direct language.
- Understand common expressions about family, shopping, work and local places.
- Exchange simple information in familiar everyday situations.
- Describe your background, surroundings and immediate needs in simple terms.
B1
Intermediate
You can function independently in many familiar situations.
- Understand the main points of clear language about everyday topics.
- Deal with most common situations while travelling.
- Describe experiences, plans and opinions using connected language.
B2
Upper-Intermediate
You can communicate with increasing fluency and handle more complex ideas.
- Understand the main ideas of more complex texts and discussions.
- Interact with enough fluency for regular conversation with proficient speakers.
- Explain viewpoints and produce clear, detailed communication on a wide range of topics.
C1
Advanced
You can use English flexibly and effectively across demanding situations.
- Understand longer, challenging texts and recognise implied meaning.
- Express yourself fluently with little obvious searching for words.
- Use English effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
C2
Proficiency
You can understand and communicate with a very high degree of precision and flexibility.
- Understand virtually everything heard or read with ease.
- Bring together information from different sources coherently.
- Express fine shades of meaning accurately, even in complex situations.
Not sure where you are? Current and prospective Level Up! students can use the password-protected Tests area for a preliminary placement result and level-specific practice.
Official references
I have written these student-friendly summaries with reference to official CEFR sources.
- Council of Europe — CEFR level descriptions (accessed 8 October 2026).
- Council of Europe — Common Reference Levels: Global Scale (accessed 8 October 2026).
- Council of Europe — CEFR descriptors and Companion Volume resources (accessed 8 October 2026).
- Europass — self-assessing language skills using CEFR (accessed 8 October 2026).
I teach independently through Level Up! by Levi. These links show the professional references I consult. They do not mean either organisation has reviewed, accredited or endorsed my teaching or assessments.