Why Your English Level is WRONG (A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2)

Almost everyone who has tried to learn a language has heard of the CEFR, and in particular the six CEFR levels, which go from A1 to C2. The CEFR is used all over the world to teach, learn, and assess languages.

But how much do you really know about it?

In this video I’m going to show you why everything you know about the CEFR is probably wrong, and how this is damaging your language learning. By the end of this video you will have a new perspective that will give you confidence, and help you to get the level of English you want.

[yolandapatino]

"Learning a language is one of the most difficult things that you will ever try to do as an adult.It's the equivalent of conquering a mountain.But it's not a mountain that you're supposed to CARRY it's a mountain that you're supposed to CLIMB." This reasoning is perfect an true! Thank you Christian.

[ivanscholtz]

You're not only an English teacher, but first and foremost a very wisdom person. As usual I enjoyed your speech.

[savascool]

Another weird thing about language exams is that usually it requires from you a number of skills that you don't really use. For example, the listening part where they test your skills in the so-called active listening where you need to search for specific information that you were previously told to find. The only time I personally use it in my native language is when I try to understand what station is being announced through broken speakers whenever I have to use a train. A friend of mine tried to pass her Chinese exam, she had a task where she needed to repeat out loud everything that she heard (this is not a language skill that everyone uses on a daily basis either). Idk all those exams just seem really absurd to me.

[rudolfwouters]

I'm in the run up to my DELE B2 exam Spanish and to be honest i feel so frustrated. Moved to Spain last year and i'm planning to become a tourist guide. At least B2 level is required for obtaining the official tour guide card. My focus is on the speaking part. I should be able to tell interesting stories and entertain my clients. Does it make sense that they ask me to write a report about a new diet and recommend it to other people. I'm not a scientist. So it is my believe that exams should be designed to your personal goals. I fully agree with your statement that language learners do not need equal abilities in every part of the language.

[lexxryazanov]

Exactly! That's why I never tried to pass any language exams. All I wanted is to read news, watch TV series and YouTube videos, play games and make short conversations. And I don't care about how good (or bad) I am in terms of A1-C2 levels. I understood every single word you just said and nothing else matters.

[psicologiajoseh]

I still feel bad bc I was one point below a C1 certification. It had to be 180 and my score was 179.
But this video helps me remember that this standards are not the most important thing in my language learning journey.
Superb as usual!

[emaldonadog]

I agree with you, that exam does not shows your authentic language level.
But... this titulation is that you need for applying for some jobs or public oppositions.
Like an universitary titulation.

Some times (like in my case) we want and need only learn a language.
Some times we need only a paper with the exam result.

And, we can accept, someone who achive C1 knows a little bit more Languages that someone only can achive B2.
The language they need? Well, probably not.

[gabrielmaestre]

Hi, I'm an English Teacher. I think this video is interesting, relevant and true to an extent. I'd just like to raise two points: one, measuring proficiency, though difficult, can be useful for many human activities, the use of language among them. So some kind of authority needs to set standards and ways to test them. Another issue has to do with receptive vs productive skills; maybe you just need to be able to produce written and spoken English at B1 level because you only want to be capable of using it in everyday conversations, but try to watch a film or series or docummentary or understand a native speaker, you'll see it's probably not enough. All in all, standards are necessary to assess, however imperfectly, your ability to use language in a given situation. My experience is that a B2-C1 language user will be clearly more proficient at explaining and understanding a subject that goes beyond usual, everyday, 'plain' interactions. I however agree that students' real needs are paramount.

[sharpie]

You are so interesting to listen to, Christian! Wish you all the best, keep going! I got my C1 CAE diploma more than 15 years ago and yes, that involved a LOT of traditional studying. But now I have a pleasure to forget all that stuff I was taught and just enjoy watching movies, communicating to people, and even making mistakes, which is not a problem anymore))

[holdkds]

The most inspiring language blogger I've seen so far in about 5 years.
Thank you so much.

[fabiocerpelloni]

You're the only one I know who draws people's attention to these issues. And you do it so damn well. Thanks for shipping your generous work, Christian!

[marcelopires]

Incredible, although my poor compreension in English language, I am able to understand almost words and phrases that this guy said. Thank you a lot to provide me confidence to follow my studies.

[Kotenok]

Absolutely agree, we were discussing this idea at the class with my students recently. I've been in teaching for more than 40 years. Trying many ways of teaching I worked out my own methodology which gives better results compared to the standard ways of teaching. Thank you a million for this video. I really like your ideas and share them.

[florianabacki]

Yeah, well said! Christian said about one of the reason of issue: people and companies which want to get money from the learners. But there are more hidden issues, I think. First, it is the tendency for superficial view on everything (look deeper into EC documents? What for?). And second, it is, so to say, "hunger" of standardization for everything (even if it is not necessary). "We need a standard, well CEFR made such thing, great!" Because without standardization, we don't know how to make the exams (they say the idea is not for exams, but who cares).

[alanrogerio]

I love your way to teach. I love your smile, your classes. I'd like to thank you so much.

[riclou]

As always, well done!
Thanks very much indeed, Christian!
Keep up the good job and have a great day!

[ryxgzxi]

Always enjoy videos on this channel. Thanks, Teacher!

[RoseNani-gqsh]

You are the most encouraging teacher that I've ever seen in my life. God be with you.😊❤

[dcimezs]

Wow! I completely agree with you! I will immediately share this video with all my students who are struggling with achieving their desired level. It doesn't mean that you don't need to study but it means that you should realise what you are studying for. Thank you so much!

[inesalvarez]

Thanks a lot for this amazing reflection! Thanks for casting light on such widespread misconceptions. Many other teachers should learn from your honesty and commitment.