Understanding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is essential for teachers preparing students for Cambridge English certifications.
The CEFR provides an internationally recognized scale that describes language ability in terms of what learners can do at different levels, from beginner (A1) to proficient user (C2). By linking exam performance to CEFR levels, teachers can clearly track progress, set realistic learning goals, and design lessons that target the appropriate skills, lexis, and structures.
The following guide will help you interpret the CEFR and connect it to your classroom practice.
THE ALTE “CAN DO” PROJECT
The ALTE “Can Do” Project (developed by the Association of Language Testers in Europe) is very useful for classroom training because it translates CEFR levels (A1–C2) into real-life communicative situations. For A2, the “Can Do” descriptors are very concrete (e.g., “Can ask simple questions about clothes and prices” or “Can write a short postcard”).
Here’s how you can use them to set classroom situations for training your students:
1. Use “Can Do” Statements as Lesson Goals
This links the activity to a real-life skill from the Can Do descriptors.
Instead of saying “Today we will learn vocabulary about clothes”, say:
“By the end of the lesson, you will be able to ask and answer about what someone is wearing.”
2. Create Role-Play Situations
Take a Can Do statement and turn it into a mini role-play. For example:
- Can do: “Can ask simple questions about prices and clothes in shops.”
- Classroom task: Set up a “shop” in class. One student is the shop assistant, another is the customer. They practise:
- “How much are these jeans?”
- “They are twenty pounds.”
- “I like the blue T-shirt. Can I try it on?”
3. Design Writing Tasks from “Can Do”
- Can do: “Can write a short message (25–35 words) about plans or daily life.”
- Classroom task: Students write a note to a friend:
- “Hi Anna, I bought a new red jacket yesterday. Do you like jackets? What do you usually wear to school?”
4. Train Listening & Speaking through Situations
- Can do: “Can understand simple questions about clothes.”
- Classroom task: Teacher shows a picture of people in different clothes and asks:
- “Who is wearing a hat?”
- “What colour are her shoes?”
- Students answer using the target vocabulary.
5. Scaffold Assessment Tasks
- Use the descriptors to design mock exam-style tasks.
- Example:
- Can do: “Can give basic information about what they like or dislike.”
- Task: “Tell your partner what clothes you like wearing on weekends and why.”
The ALTE “Can Do” Project helps you move from abstract grammar/vocabulary to real situations students need at A2 level — shopping, asking directions, describing, writing short notes, etc.