The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Used Across All CHAPTR Language Tutoring Programs
At CHAPTR House of Education, we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as the foundation for all our language tutoring programs. Here's why this matters for your family:
You deserve to know exactly where your student stands linguistically and what the path forward looks like. The CEFR is an internationally recognized system that describes how language ability develops from beginner to advanced proficiency. It allows our tutors to assess each student's starting point with precision, set clear learning goals together with your family, and track progress using a transparent and globally respected standard.
The CEFR helps us bridge your student's classroom experiences with individualized learning. It ensures that families understand exactly where their student stands, how their skills are developing, and what is required to move confidently toward higher levels, whether that means strengthening skills in school language classes, building multilingual ability, or preparing for the IB Diploma Programme.
The CEFR is divided into three stages: Basic, Independent, and Proficient. Each stage has two levels. Below, the levels are listed from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native mastery) with what each level looks like in CHAPTR tutoring.
Basic User
A1 – Beginner
Official descriptor
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. Can introduce themselves and others and ask/answer simple questions about personal details.
What this looks like at CHAPTR
In our initial assessment, we identify your student's current starting point and listen to your learning goals for them. Students then learn essential phrases, foundational vocabulary, and beginner grammar through guided practice. Tutors help them develop confidence by using the language in short, supported exchanges and by practicing real-life survival language in a low-pressure environment. After every lesson, we communicate progress and next steps so you always know exactly where your student stands and what's coming.
A2 – Elementary
Official descriptor
Can understand sentences and expressions related to areas of immediate relevance. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring direct information exchange.
What this looks like at CHAPTR
Tutors help students expand vocabulary, build longer sentences, and practice real-life communication—ordering food, describing daily routines, talking about interests and family. Students begin reading short texts with the tutor's support. We continue assessing progress after every lesson and share how your student is moving toward their next goal. This is where confidence in practical communication really takes shape.
Independent User
B1 – Intermediate
Official descriptor
Can understand the main points of familiar topics and handle most travel situations. Can write connected text and describe experiences, events, opinions, and plans.
What this looks like at CHAPTR
Students learn to communicate more confidently and independently. Tutors guide them through structured paragraph writing, conversational practice, and comprehension strategies. They begin expressing personal viewpoints with support. At this level, students start preparing for school-based language tracks or exploring language as a tool for describing who they are. We maintain regular communication with families about progress toward their specific goals.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Official descriptor
Can understand complex texts and interact with fluency. Can produce clear, detailed writing and explain viewpoints with advantages and disadvantages.
What this looks like at CHAPTR
Learners develop flexible, academic communication skills. Tutors support them with advanced vocabulary, structured argumentation, and preparation for high-level coursework. This is where students often begin preparing for IB Language B. They can now engage with authentic texts, express nuance, and write with clarity on topics they care about. Progress communication becomes increasingly detailed as students approach more rigorous academic demands.
Proficient User
C1 – Advanced
Official descriptor
Can understand demanding texts, recognize implicit meaning, and express themselves fluently and flexibly in academic and professional contexts.
What this looks like at CHAPTR
Tutors help students refine tone, nuance, and style, as well as develop advanced academic and literary writing skills. This level aligns closely with IB Language A: Language and Literature and IB Language A: Literature expectations. Students work with authentic, complex materials and begin thinking like speakers and writers of the language, not just learners. Communication with families becomes focused on mastery of specific skills and readiness for IB coursework.
C2 – Mastery
Official descriptor
Can understand virtually everything heard or read and express ideas with precision, subtlety, and sophistication.
What this looks like at CHAPTR
Students communicate with the fluency of an educated native speaker. Tutors guide them in high-level academic discourse, cultural analysis, and advanced writing or literature study. At this level, language is no longer a subject being studied but a tool for thinking, creating, and expressing identity. Tutoring becomes specialized preparation for IB Language A assessments or advanced literary and linguistic analysis.
How CHAPTR Uses the CEFR in Tutoring
At CHAPTR, the CEFR helps us deliver rigorous, personalized language instruction:
- Assess where your student is before tutoring begins, with clarity about starting level and demonstrated skills
- Set personalized learning goals together with your family, based on your student's level and your aspirations for them
- Communicate progress after every lesson, so you see exactly how your student is developing and what comes next
- Create transparent progression plans using an internationally recognized standard that translates across all languages
- Prepare students for school-based language tracks, bilingual education, and IB pathways with confidence
- Support advanced students preparing for IB Language A and IB Language B assessments
- Ensure consistency across all languages we offer—whether Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, Korean, or beyond
All CHAPTR tutors are certified, native-speaking instructors who use CEFR-aligned strategies to provide rigorous, culturally rich, and developmentally appropriate tutoring at every level.