What is the function of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in ESOL?

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) serves primarily to provide a standardized way to measure language proficiency across various languages and contexts. This framework outlines common reference levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2) that describe what a learner is able to accomplish at each stage of their language development. By employing these levels, educators, language learners, and institutions can assess a learner's skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a consistent manner. This standardization facilitates communication about language ability, ensuring that learners can be accurately compared and understood in both educational and professional settings.

The relevance of the CEFR extends to its application in designing curricula and assessment tools, but it does not explicitly set lesson plans or establish vocabulary lists. Instead, it provides a framework that can guide these processes. While it can support comparisons of language programs internationally, its core purpose revolves around proficiency measurement. This makes it an essential tool for those involved in language education, particularly for English to speakers of other languages.