What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The CEFR is a framework that describes what a user can do with a language. It is an internationally recognized standard that makes it easier for students, teachers, educational institutions, and future employers to understand the capabilities obtained and the expectations for each CEFR level.
The Malaysian government based its English reform plan on the CEFR guidelines, drawing ideas on English language teaching and learning from the popular European framework. Malaysia hopes that by adopting CEFR into their syllabus, their students will be recognized at internationally accepted levels of English proficiency.
Understanding CEFR Levels
The CEFR categorizes language proficiency into three broad levels: Basic, Independent, and Proficient. These levels encompass skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Further divisions within each level of proficiency are detailed in the following table.
CEFR A1
Ability Description
• Basic phrases and expressions.
• Self-introduction and personal details
• For example: "Hello, my name is Sara." | "Where is the toilet?" | "I live in Puchong."
CEFR A2
Ability Description
• Basic sentences and frequently used expressions
• Routine matters and tasks
• For example: "KLCC is to the right." | "I go to school everyday."
CEFR B1
Ability Description
• Basic topics they are familiar with or interested in
• Reasoning and explanations for opinions and plans
• For example: "Your car battery needs to be replaced." | "This is the best video game I've played."
CEFR B2
Ability Description
• Spontaneous conversations and technical discussions
• For example: "Stop! Never mix bleach with vinegar as the chlorine produced is toxic."
CEFR C1
Ability Description
• Ideas and thoughts fluently, flexibly and effectively for different purposes
CEFR C2
Ability Description
• Masterfully crafted expressions of self, concise and clear summaries of accounts and reconstruct arguments all in one coherent presentation
CEFR x Hippo Olympiad
For Hippo English Olympiad, the participants will compete in 12 categories (7 regular categories and 5 special categories) based on the CEFR and will take Gatehouse Awards examinations as well as Hippo tests.
Baby Hippo
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR Pre A1 YL
National/World Final Round: CEFR A1 YL
Little Hippo
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR Pre A1 YL
National/World Final Round: CEFR A1 YL
Hippo 1
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR A1 YL
National/World Final Round: CEFR A2 YL
Hippo 2
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR A1
National/World Final Round: CEFR A2
Hippo 3
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR A2
National/World Final Round: CEFR B1
Hippo 4
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR B1
National/World Final Round: CEFR B2
Hippo 5
Regular Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR B2
National/World Final Round: CEFR C1
Hippo S1
Special Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR A1
National/World Final Round: CEFR A2
Hippo S2
Special Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR A2
National/World Final Round: CEFR B1
Hippo S3
Special Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR B1
National/World Final Round: CEFR B2
Hippo S4
Special Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR B2
National/World Final Round: CEFR C1
Hippo S5
Special Category
Preliminary Round: CEFR C1
National/World Final Round: CEFR C2
CEFR x Eurasian Spelling Bee
For Eurasian Spelling Bee, the participants will compete in 6 categories based on the CEFR and will take Gatehouse Awards examinations as well as Hippo tests.
Bee 1
CEFR A1
Bee 2
CEFR A2
Bee 3
CEFR B1
Bee 4
CEFR B2
Bee 5
CEFR C1
Bee 6
CEFR C2