C1 level English | Know its comparison with IELTS score!

C1 level English | What is CEFR and IELTS score relation?

An internationally accepted system for measuring language competency is the CEFR English test. Apparently, the IELTS scores are compared to predetermined performance descriptors such as the C1 level English IELTS score, the C2 level, and more.

So, the Council of Europe put together the CEFR in the 1990s as part of a larger effort to encourage cooperation among language teachers across Europe. Around the world, different languages are rated using the CEFR. For people who have mastered any language, the CEFR level is a scale with six points (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), starting at A1 (basic user) and moving up to C2 (proficient user). Not just for IELTS but for other language exams across Europe as well, is the CEFR used. It is also applied to the conversion of TOEFL scores.

To fully comprehend how marks are assigned according to test-takers’ abilities, it is advised that universities and colleges examine the IELTS score descriptors and the connected DVD. They will be able to understand the IELTS CEFR equivalent scores in this way.

C1 level English | CEFR and IELTS score comparison

By referring to the table below, candidates can quickly learn the definitions of terminology like IELTS B2 level, CEFR B2 IELTS, IELTS C1 level English score, and IELTS B1 score. The IELTS CEFR level also aids in determining the overall value of a student’s score-

IELTS vs. CEFR table description

The table above demonstrates how little varied the IELTS European Framework score distribution is. Levels A1 and A2 of the CEFR IELTS reflect a lower IELTS score of 0-4. Candidates who receive these marks are incredibly inefficient in using English in daily situations. The maximum IELTS scores in both categories are thought to be C2 and CEFR C1 level English.

In certain circumstances, IELTS band scores can cross fluency bands. For instance, 6.5 falls between an IELTS English B2 level score and an IELTS CEFR C1 level English. An institute may count 6.5 as a CEFR level B2 IELTS score or C1 level English score depending on the B2 English level IELTS assurance they desire.

Many applicants with a band of 6.5 might be proficient in C1 level English. However, some people might come up just short. Therefore, if a university requires a high level of certainty, it may map C1 to a band of 7 rather than 6.5. It varies depending on the university.

IELTS vs. CEFR

The above chart compares the IELTS and the CEFR at various performance levels, from “expert student” to “intermittent.” You can learn more about the IELTS European Framework by considering the following-

• A range of 4 to 5 is equivalent to an IELTS score for B1-level English. Candidates having IELTS scores that fall within CEFR level B1 must put in a lot of effort to raise their scores.
• The IELTS score range of 5.5 to 6.5 corresponds to a CEFR B2 IELTS. Candidates with IELTS scores in the CEFR B2 range have a chance of being admitted to several prestigious universities. IELTS B2 level score reflects conversational ease and speaking fluency.
  Candidates with an IELTS B2 score can speak their native tongue.
• A score of between 7 and 8 is considered to be an IELTS C1 level. Candidates with an IELTS score of C1 have a good chance of being admitted to prestigious universities. Candidates with an IELTS CEFR level C1 have advanced English language abilities. IELTS score C1 demonstrates the candidate’s advanced language proficiency.
• Only a small percentage of students achieve the highest IELTS score of 9, or C2 level English.

C1 level English | Why compare IELTS and CEFR?

Comparisons are frequently inescapable for students who have applied to European universities and colleges that accept the CEFR levels. It is necessary because it is frequently essential to understand the connections and contrast scenarios between IELTS results for different CEFR levels. According to the official rules, the CEFR has always been designed to be a widely utilized instrument for reflection, communication, and empowerment. It is easy to translate IELTS scores into the appropriate CEFR levels.

Candidates should follow the generalization that a CEFR C1 level English requires an IELTS score of 7.5. similar to how the CEFR B1 level translates to 4.5 on the IELTS scale. Instead of using the band scores for specific modules, the IELTS is compared to the CEFR level using the mean band scores reported on the Test Report Form.

The CEFR scale functions as a framework to categorize candidates’ degrees of learning capacity. The CEFR level IELTS comparison aids test takers in understanding how they fare at various difficulty levels.

Key takeaways

• To compare language fluency, a standardized measure called the CEFR was developed. Fluency levels range from A1 (least fluent) to C2 (native-level fluency).
• Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) made the decision to visualize the relationship between IELTS band scores and CEFR fluency levels. Cambridge Assessment English has faced many challenges since it began working on this subject in the 1990s.
• Comparing the CEFR and IELTS supports individual language learners’ ongoing development and progress demonstration.
• Additionally, it aids in defining positive and can-do adjectives appropriate for learner requirements, interests, and age.

Get in touch with us if you have any more queries or uncertainties or require assistance with exam preparation. We’d be delighted to assist you!
Like this blog? Read next – IELTS preparation | Best way to prepare for the IELTS exam!

FAQs

Q1) How crucial is the CEFR?
Answer: For measuring fluency in languages with more reliable signs, the CEFR employs more standardized scales. It rates the language learners’ proficiency from A1 (basic user) to C2 (competent user), with A1 denoting the lowest level and C2 the highest.

Q2) What prompted the development of the CEFR?
Answer: The major objective of the CEFR was to give all citizens a chance to study languages other than their mother tongue while also considering their unique communicative needs and basing the methodology on practical communication problems.

Q3) What scale would I be on in the CEFR gradient if my overall IELTS score was 4.5?
Answer: If your IELTS score were 4.5, you would be classified as an intermediate user, or B1, according to the CEFR scale.