Understanding Our Knowledge Levels
The CEFR levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) describe what language learners are generally expected to know at different stages of proficiency.
A1 — Beginner
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. Can introduce themselves and interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly.
A2 — Elementary
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions about immediate matters (personal info, shopping, work). Can communicate in simple, routine tasks.
B1 — Intermediate
Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling. Can describe experiences, events, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations.
B2 — Upper Intermediate
Can understand the main ideas of complex text. Can interact with fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain.
C1 — Advanced
Can understand demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
C2 — Proficiency
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, even in complex situations.
Our system builds on the CEFR by allowing you to track how well an individual student knows the material within each level.
Rather than simply recording that a student has "studied B1," we track their knowledge of individual vocabulary items, phrases, and grammar topics using a five-point scale.
For example, consider the English word play.
A student at the A1 level might know only the basic meaning: play — to take part in a game or have fun.
Later, at B1, they might learn additional meanings: play — to perform music; play — to act in a theatrical performance.
At B2 or C1, they may encounter even more advanced uses: play a role in a project; play with an idea before making a decision.
A student might know the A1 meaning perfectly while still struggling with the B2 meanings. Our system lets you record that difference. For example:
- A1 meaning of play: 5 – Natural
- B1 meaning of play: 4 – Mostly
- B2 meaning of play: 2 – Light
The same idea applies to phrases.
Take the phrase stand up. At an early level, students learn the literal meaning: stand up — to rise to your feet.
Later, they may encounter more abstract meanings: stand up for yourself — defend yourself or your beliefs; stand up to someone — resist or confront someone.
Again, students often master the literal meaning long before they become comfortable with the idiomatic ones. Rather than marking the entire phrase as simply "known" or "unknown," you can track their understanding of each level-appropriate use.
Our five-point scale reflects the student's current level of mastery:
1 – New
The student does not yet know this material.
2 – Light
The student recognizes it but has only a weak understanding.
3 – Developing
The student understands it partially but is not yet confident using it consistently.
4 – Mostly
The student understands and usually uses it correctly, with occasional mistakes or hesitation.
5 – Natural
The student understands and uses it comfortably and naturally.
These ratings are not intended to replace the CEFR. Instead, they complement it by giving you a much more detailed picture of a student's progress. Two students may both be working toward B1, but one may already have Natural (5) mastery of most B1 vocabulary while another is still Developing (3) on many key items. This finer level of detail helps you identify strengths, target weaknesses, and measure progress over time.