The CEFR Descriptors
The CEFR descriptors are a series of statements about what a person can do at each band of the CEFR.
These descriptors go into great detail and are based on years of research from relevant institutions. They can help employers set benchmarks; for example, for a hiring process. They can also help course developers to design relevant materials for their target level.
What you will find below is a series of detailed descriptors. If you are looking for a general summary of each level, click here.
Listening
Overall oral comprehensionUnderstanding conversation between other people
Understanding as a member of a live audience
Understanding announcements and instructions
Understanding short, pre-recorded media
Watching TV, film and video
Reading
Overall reading comprehensionReading correspondence
Reading for orientation
Reading for information and argument
Reading instructions
Reading as a leisure activity
Speaking
Overall oral productionSustained monologue: describing experience
Sustained monologue: giving information
Sustained monologue: putting a case (e.g. in a debate)
Public announcements
Addressing audiences
Writing
Overall written productionCreative writing
Reports and essays
Grammatical Accuracy
Overall grammatical accuracyVocabulary
Vocabulary controlVocabulary range
Language Production (Writing/Speaking)
PlanningCompensating
Monitoring and repair