The Common European Framework (CEFR)

What is the Common European Framework (CEFR)?

Since the early 1970s, a series of Council of Europe initiatives has developed a description of the language
CEFR level: Cambridge English exams:
knowledge and skills that people need to live, work and survive in any European country. Waystage 19901,
Threshold 19902 and Vantage3 detail the knowledge and skills required at different levels of ability. In 2001, face2face
the contents of these documents were further developed into sets of can do statements or competences
and officially launched as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, C1 Advanced Advanced (CAE)
assessment (CEFR)4. A related document, The European Language Portfolio, encourages learners to assess their
progress by matching their competence against the can do statements. B2 Upper Intermediate First (FCE)
face2face Second edition has been developed to include comprehensive coverage of the requirements of the Intermediate
B1+
CEFR. The table above right shows how face2face Second edition relates to the CEFR and the examinations
Preliminary (PET)
which can be taken at each level through Cambridge English Language Assessment, which is a member of B1 Pre-intermediate
ALTE (The Association of Language Testers in Europe).
A2 Elementary Key (KET)
In the spirit of The European Language Portfolio developed from the CEFR, face2face Second edition provides
a Progress Portfolio for each unit in the Students Book. Students are encouraged to assess their ability to use A1 Starter
the language they have learned so far and to review any aspects they are unsure of by using the
Self-study DVD-ROM. In the Workbook there is a 20-page Reading and Writing Portfolio section (2 pages for
each unit) linked to the CEFR and a comprehensive list of can do statements in the Reading and Writing
Progress Portfolio, which allows students to track their own progress.

1
Waystage 1990 J A van Ek and J L M Trim, Council of Europe, Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/9780521567077
2
Threshold 1990 J A van Ek and J L M Trim, Council of Europe, Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/9780521567060
3
Vantage J A van Ek and J L M Trim, Council of Europe, Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/9780521567053
4
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (2001) Council of Europe Modern Languages Division, Strasbourg, Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/9780521005319

Cambridge University Press 2013 face2face Second edition Upper Intermediate: Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) maps Photocopiable 1
face2face Second edition Upper Intermediate and CEFR level B2
The table on the left describes the general degree of skill required at level B2 of the CEFR.
B2
Details of the language knowledge required for B2 are listed in Vantage 1990. The can
Listening I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow do statements for B2 are listed in the Common European Framework of Reference for
UNDERSTANDING

even complex lines of argument provided the topic is Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment.
reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and
current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority
of films in standard dialect. The Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing tables on p3p7 show where the required
Reading I can read articles and reports concerned with competences for level B2 are covered in face2face Second edition Upper Intermediate.
contemporary problems in which the writers adopt For more information about how face2face covers the areas specified by the Common
particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand European Framework of Reference for Languages, see the face2face website:
contemporary literary prose.
www.cambridge.org/elt/face2face.
Spoken I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity
interaction that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite
speaking

possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar

contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views.
Spoken I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range
production of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a
viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and
disadvantages of various options.
Writing I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
writing

related to my interest. I can write an essay or report,

passing on information or giving reasons in support of
or against a particular point of view. I can write letters
highlighting the personal significance of events and
experiences.

Cambridge University Press 2013 face2face Second edition Upper Intermediate: Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) maps Photocopiable 2
Listening
A language user at level B2 can: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

understand in detail what is said to him/her

in standard spoken language even in a noisy This interactive competence is practised throughout the course.
environment
catch much of what is said around him/her by native 1B 1C 3B 3C 8A 8C 11A 11B
2C 2D 4C 4D 5B 5D 6B 6D 7A 7D 9C 9D 10D 12A 12C
speakers 1D 3D 8D 11C
understand the main ideas of complex speech
on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in 5C 5D 6C
standard dialect
follow extended speech and complex lines of
argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar
1C 2A 2C 4A 5D 7C 10A 11D
and the direction of the talk is signposted by explicit
markers
understand most broadcast materials, including radio
documentaries, delivered in standard dialect and can 3C 7A
identify the speakers mood and tone
understand plays and the majority of films in standard
This competence is practised throughout the course on the Self-study-DVD-ROM.
dialect
use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension,
3B 3C 4A 4C 5B 5C 7A 7C 8A 8C 9B 9C 10A 10C 11A 11B
including listening for main points and checking 1C 1D 2C 2D 6B 6C 12A
3D 4D 5D 7D 8D 9D 10D 11C
comprehension by using contextual clues
generally follow complex lectures, talks and reports
5C
and other forms of presentation
keep up with an animated conversation between
2D 3D 4C 4D 5B 5D 6D 7C 7D 8D 9B 9D 10C 10D 11D 12C
native speakers

1A = face2face Upper Intermediate Students Book unit 1 lesson A

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Reading
A language user at level B2 can: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

understand articles on current problems in which the 1A 1C 2B 3C 7B 7C 10B 10C

WBP6 8C 9C 12C
writers express specific attitudes and points of view WBP1 WBP2 WB3C WB7C WBP10
quickly grasp the content and significance of news,
articles and reports on topics connected with his/ 1C 4C 5A 5B WB8C 12B
2C WBP3 WB6C WB7C WBP9 WB11C
her interests or job, and decide if closer reading is WB1C WB4C WB5C WBP8 WB12C
worthwhile
scan quickly through long and complicated texts, 2B WB8C 10B 10C
1A 1C 3C WBP4 5A 6C 7B 7C 9A 9C WB11C
locating relevant details WB2C WBP8 WB10C
understand in a narrative the motives for the
characters actions and their consequences for the WB4C WB9C 11C WBP12
development of the plot
understand reviews dealing with the content and
criticism of cultural topics (films, theatre, books, 2C 4B 4C 6A WBP9
concerts) and summarise the main points
read correspondence relating to his/her field of 11C
WBP2 WBP7 WBP12
interest and readily grasp the essential meaning WBP11

understand in detail texts within his/her field of 5C

1C 3B 7C 12C
interest or academic and professional speciality WBP5

understand specialised articles outside his/her own 6C

5C 7C 12C
field with the occasional help of a dictionary WBP6
guess the meaning of single unknown words from
6C 7B 8C 10C 12C
their context*

* refers to descriptors for B1

1A = face2face Upper Intermediate Students Book unit 1 lesson A
WB1A = face2face Upper Intermediate Workbook unit 1 lesson A
WBP1 = face2face Upper Intermediate Workbook Reading and Writing Portfolio 1

Cambridge University Press 2013 face2face Second edition Upper Intermediate: Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) maps Photocopiable 4
Speaking
A language user at level B2 can: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
engage in extended conversation in a participatory 1B 1C 2A 2B 3A 3C 5A 5B 7A 7B 9A 9B
4C 4D 6A 8A 8C 10C 10D 11C 11D 12B 12C
fashion on most general topics 1D 2D 3D 5C 7D 9C 9D
initiate, maintain and end discourse naturally with 1A 1B 2B 2C 3A 3B 4A 4B 5A 5B 6A 6B 7A 7B 8A 8B 10A 10B
9A 9B 11A 11B 12A 12B
effective turn-taking 1D 2D 3C 3D 4C 4D 5C 5D 6C 6D 7C 7D 8D 10D
exchange detailed factual information on matters
1D 5C 6C 7B 7C 8C 9B
within his/her field of interest
account for and sustain his/her opinions by providing 2A 2C
3A 3C 5B 5D 6A 7B 8A 8C 9B 9C 10C 11C 12C
relevant arguments, etc. 2D
express his/her thoughts about abstract and cultural
4B 9B 9C 12B
topics such as music and films*
take an active part in discussions, evaluate proposals
2D 3C 5C 5D 10C 11C 11D 12A
and respond to hypotheses
help a discussion along on familiar ground, confirming
2D 5D 9C 9D 11C
comprehension, etc.
convey degrees of emotion and highlight the personal 10A 10C
2B 3B 3D 4C 4D 6B 7A 8A 8B 9C 11A 11B 12C
significance of events 10D
use stock phrases to gain time and keep the turn 2D 4C 5D 11D
carry out a prepared interview, checking information
1A 7C 8B
and following up replies*
take initiatives in an interview and expand and
1C 3A 3C 4B 7D 9A 11A 11B
develop ideas
summarise and give his/her opinion on a short story,
article, talk, discussion or interview, and answer 2C 3C 5C 6C 7B
further questions in detail*
give clear detailed descriptions on subjects related to
6B 11C
his/her field of interest
give detailed accounts of experiences describing
1C 2B 3B 4D 7A 8D
feelings and reactions*
give detailed presentations and respond to a series of
11D
follow-up questions
explain a viewpoint giving the advantages and
2C 3B 5A 5D
disadvantages of various options
4A 4B
narrate a story* 3B
4C

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Speaking continued
A language user at level B2 can: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
summarise the plot and sequence of events in an
9B
extract from a film or play
summarise short extracts from news items, etc.
6C 7C 11B
containing opinions and discussion
construct a chain of reasoned argument linking ideas
6A 11D 12C
logically
speculate about causes, consequences and 3A 3B
6B 8A 8B 12B
hypothetical situations 3C
use some cohesive devices to link his/her utterances
4C
into clear, coherent discourse

* refers to descriptors for B2

1A = face2face Second edition Intermediate Students Book Lesson 1A

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Writing
A language user at level B2 can: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
write clear and detailed texts on various subjects
WBP1 WBP4 WBP5 WBP6 WBP8 WBP10 WBP12
related to his/her field of interest
write about events and experiences in a detailed and
WBP2 WBP8 WBP9
easily readable way
write reports and essays which develop an argument,
giving reasons for or against a point of view, and
WBP1 WBP2 WBP5 WBP9
explaining the advantages and disadvantages of
various options
develop an argument, emphasising decisive points
WBP2 WBP11 WBP12
and including supporting details
write letters conveying degrees of emotion,
highlighting the personal significance of events and WBP6
commenting on the correspondents news and views
express news and views in writing and relate to those
WBP3
of others
write a review WBP9
convey factual information to friends/colleagues or
WBP7 WBP10 WBP11 WBP12
ask for information*
make a note of favourite mistakes and consciously
This competence is practised in all the Workbook Portfolio writing tasks.
monitor his/her work for them
take notes on important points during a lecture on a
4C 4D 5C 8C 12C
familiar topic

* refers to descriptors for B1

1A = face2face Upper Intermediate Students Book unit 1 lesson A
WBP1 = face2face Upper Intermediate Workbook Reading and Writing Portfolio 1

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