CEFR Can Do Quick Reference Guide (based on OOPT)

C2 – In addition to competencies from previous levels, can typically, in all complex or

abstract settings:
•understand a full range of intended meanings
•understand a full range of meanings implied within or beyond the text
•understand a full range of complex attitudinal meanings
•understand very complex cohesion and coherence in extended speech
•use a complete range of grammatical forms, with accuracy, to communicate
literal, intended and abstract meanings
•use an extensive range of vocabulary effectively, including metaphorical
meaning
•use an extensive range of complex cohesive devices effectively
•use a wide range of registers effectively

C1 – can typically;
•understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit
meaning
•express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching
for expressions
•use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional
purposes
•produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing
controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices

B2 – In addition to competencies from previous levels, can typically understand in

familiar and unfamiliar settings, e.g. customs and traditions, history:
•a wide range of intended meanings
•a range of meanings implied within or beyond the listening text
•a wide range of attitudinal meanings
•the purpose and organization of the text
•speech at native speaker speed
B1 – Orbit. Can typically:
•understand descriptions of experiences and events, dreams, hopes and
ambitions, including supporting reasons and explanations for opinions and
plans.

•understand (and engage systematically with) the main points of clear

standard speech or text on familiar matters encountered in school, leisure etc.,
including short narratives.

A2 – Zoom. Can typically:

•understand sentences and frequently-used expressions related to areas of
most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information,
shopping, local geography).

•catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements

A1 – Lift off. Can typically:

•understand familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases concerning
themselves, their family and the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.

•follow speech that is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for
him/her to assimilate meaning.

A0 – Count down. Can typically:

•recognise very high frequency content words and very basic phrases
concerning their immediate concrete surroundings, without engaging
systematically with the language.

•retrieve very high frequency content words from very short, simple
conversations concerning everyday concrete situations, when people speak
very slowly and clearly.