What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard, developed by the Council of Europe, for describing language ability. Rather than relying on grades, test scores, or years of study, the CEFR describes what a learner can actually do with a language — hence “can-do descriptors” — at each of six proficiency levels.
| Level | General description |
|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner — can use very basic phrases for immediate needs |
| A2 | Elementary — can communicate in simple, routine tasks on familiar topics |
| B1 | Intermediate — can handle everyday situations and produce simple connected text on familiar matters |
| B2 | Upper-Intermediate — can interact with fluency and spontaneity, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of topics |
| C1 | Advanced — can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes |
| C2 | Mastery — can understand virtually everything and express nuance precisely, close to native-like control |
For ESL360, the CEFR serves as the alignment framework referenced throughout the curriculum. Every functional target is anchored to a specific B1 or B2 can-do descriptor, and this audit tracks which descriptors are directly addressed, developing, partially addressed, incidental, or still a gap.
Coverage summary
| Status | Count | % | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADDRESSED | 47 | 89% | Directly taught and practiced |
| DEVELOPMENTAL | 2 | 4% | Partially addressed; grows across the year |
| PARTIAL | 2 | 4% | Present through independent tasks or incidental exposure |
| INCIDENTAL | 1 | 2% | Developed through authentic input; not explicitly taught |
| GAP | 1 | 2% | Not currently addressed |
Full descriptor audit
Click a skill area to expand its full descriptor list.
Listening
| ID | Level | Scale | Descriptor | Where addressed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1 | B1 | Overall Listening Comprehension | Understand straightforward factual information on common everyday or job-related topics. | All units — curated video/audio at B1 level | ADDRESSED |
| L3 | B2 | Overall Listening Comprehension | Understand standard spoken language on familiar and unfamiliar topics. | Units 2, 4, 5 — Film English, TED excerpts, authentic media | ADDRESSED |
| L6 | B2 | Understanding Interaction Between Native Speakers | Keep up with an animated conversation between native speakers. | Unit 1 Mocktail Social Hour | ADDRESSED |
| L10 | B2 | Listening to Announcements & Instructions | Understand announcements on concrete and abstract topics at normal speed. | Incidental exposure only | INCIDENTAL |
Representative sample shown here. Full 53-descriptor audit lives in the source document.
Reading
| ID | Level | Scale | Descriptor | Where addressed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R2 | B2 | Overall Reading Comprehension | Read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed. | Independent reading projects; Book Club | ADDRESSED |
| R7 | B1 | Reading for Information & Argument | Identify main conclusions in clearly signalled argumentative texts. | Unit 5 — ESLBrains persuasion lessons | ADDRESSED |
Representative sample shown here. Full 53-descriptor audit lives in the source document.
Spoken Interaction
| ID | Level | Scale | Descriptor | Where addressed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SI3 | B2 | Overall Spoken Interaction | Use language fluently and accurately across a wide range of topics. | Units 4, 5, 6 — register precision work | DEVELOPMENTAL |
| SI7 | B1 | Informal Discussion | Agree and disagree politely. | Unit 1, Lesson 1.9 | ADDRESSED |
| SI12 | B2 | Obtaining Goods and Services | Explain a problem and make clear the service provider must make a concession. | Unit 3 — consumer complaint narrative | ADDRESSED |
Representative sample shown here. Full 53-descriptor audit lives in the source document.
Spoken Production
| ID | Level | Scale | Descriptor | Where addressed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP1 | B1 | Overall Spoken Production | Give a straightforward description of people, routines, likes/dislikes. | Unit 1 self-presentation; Unit 4 Word Art | ADDRESSED |
| SP7 | B2 | Addressing Audiences | Give a well-structured presentation, handle audience questions. | Unit 6 Capstone | ADDRESSED |
Representative sample shown here. Full 53-descriptor audit lives in the source document.
Written Interaction & Production
| ID | Level | Scale | Descriptor | Where addressed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI1 | B1 | Correspondence | Write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. | Unit 3, Unit 4 partial | PARTIAL |
| WI2 | B2 | Correspondence | Write letters highlighting the personal significance of events. | Not explicitly taught — genuine gap | GAP |
| WP4 | B2 | Creative Writing | Write clear, detailed descriptions of real or imaginary events. | Unit 4 Word Art Festival | ADDRESSED |
Representative sample shown here. Full 53-descriptor audit lives in the source document.
Communication Strategies & Sociolinguistic
| ID | Level | Scale | Descriptor | Where addressed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS1 | B1 | Compensating | Use simple words/paraphrase to cover vocabulary gaps. | Unit 1, Lesson 1.6 | ADDRESSED |
| SL2 | B2 | Sociolinguistic Appropriateness | Express yourself confidently and politely across registers. | Unit 1 register work; Unit 5, 6 | ADDRESSED |
Representative sample shown here. Full 53-descriptor audit lives in the source document.