The English Grammar Profile (EGP) is part of the English Profile Programme, a research project by Cambridge University Press & Assessment in collaboration with the Council of Europe. It describes in detail the grammatical competences that learners typically acquire at each CEFR level (A1–C2), based on extensive analysis of learner corpora and exam data. In other words, it shows which grammar forms are mastered by learners at different proficiency levels and how these forms are used in real communication.

How could it be used?

The EGP is a practical reference tool for teachers and trainers. It can be used to:

• Plan syllabuses and lessons: Ensure that grammar instruction is level-appropriate, neither too advanced nor too basic for learners.
• Design teaching materials: Select grammar items that match students’ CEFR level and exam requirements.
• Support assessment: Evaluate learners’ writing and speaking against realistic expectations of what grammar forms should be mastered at each stage.
• Guide progression: Show learners how their grammar knowledge expands from simple forms (A1) to complex, nuanced structures (C1–C2).
• Train teachers: Help teachers understand the developmental sequence of grammar learning, making their teaching more targeted and efficient.

Why is it relevant for trainers?

For trainers, the EGP is particularly valuable because it:

• Provides an evidence-based description of learner competence, rather than relying on intuition or tradition.
• Clarifies the progression of grammar learning across levels, helping trainers align teaching to CEFR standards.
• Ensures that teacher training programs are consistent with Cambridge exam expectations, since these exams are informed by the same research.
• Strengthens teachers’ ability to differentiate instruction, designing activities that suit mixed-level groups.
• Serves as a benchmark for curriculum design, ensuring that grammar teaching supports both communicative ability and exam performance.

The following list classifies the grammar structures your students are expected to master at each CEFR level, offering a clear framework to align teaching and assessment with Cambridge English exam requirements.

For a deeper understanding of how the grammar progression across CEFR levels was established, you can read the following information, which explains the research methodology and criteria used to define learner competence.

You will find specific information about how to use the English Grammar Profile (EGP) in the next lesson of this material (The English Profile Programme).