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The CSOL framework

Ten levels. Three streams. One clear path.

Every program sits on a ten-level framework aligned to the CEFR. Choose a stream to see what you can do at each level. A free placement test tells you where you begin.

L1

Beginner

CEFR A1
Speaking
Introduce themselves, ask and answer simple personal questions, basic daily interactions.
Listening
Understand basic instructions and short everyday conversations with support.
Reading
Read very short texts, grasp familiar words and phrases.
Writing
Write simple sentences, complete basic forms.
L2

Elementary

CEFR A1+
Speaking
Express basic needs and opinions, handle short social exchanges.
Listening
Understand main points of clear speech on familiar topics such as daily life.
Reading
Read simple texts with everyday vocabulary, find specific information.
Writing
Write short personal messages, describe simple experiences.
L3

Pre-Intermediate

CEFR A2
Speaking
Describe familiar topics, handle routine situations with some confidence.
Listening
Follow simple narratives, understand instructions in a familiar context.
Reading
Understand straightforward texts on familiar subjects.
Writing
Write simple paragraphs on personal topics, basic emails and letters.
L4

Intermediate

CEFR B1
Speaking
Participate in conversations on a wider range of topics, express opinions.
Listening
Understand the gist of conversations on familiar matters like work and school.
Reading
Read articles and reports with some unfamiliar vocabulary.
Writing
Write descriptive paragraphs, express thoughts on familiar topics.
L5

Upper-Intermediate

CEFR B1+
Speaking
Converse with a degree of fluency, handle unexpected situations.
Listening
Understand extended speech, follow the main points of discussions.
Reading
Understand a variety of texts, both factual and literary.
Writing
Write clear, organised texts, express opinions and provide summaries.
L6

Advanced

CEFR B2
Speaking
Communicate with fluency, precision and a good understanding of nuance; discuss complex topics and adapt language style to different situations.
Listening
Understand extended speech, even with regional accents; follow complex lines of argument and grasp implicit meaning.
Reading
Read demanding texts with confidence, comprehend specialised vocabulary, appreciate nuances and subtleties.
Writing
Produce clear, well-structured texts; write complex reports, essays and summaries, expressing viewpoints effectively.
L7

Advanced +

CEFR C1
Speaking
Communicate spontaneously and flexibly with strong awareness of idiomatic usage; argue a case convincingly and handle complex questioning skilfully.
Listening
Understand most forms of spoken language, including abstract or technical speech, even at speed.
Reading
Read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, understanding different styles and registers.
Writing
Write in a variety of styles with control of the finer points of grammar; produce sophisticated, nuanced texts on complex subjects.
L8

Proficient

CEFR C1+
Speaking
Speak fluently and tailor language to precise needs; express fine shades of meaning and debate complex issues effectively.
Listening
Understand fully any kind of spoken language, even non-standard or heavily accented, grasping finer details and implications.
Reading
Read with full understanding, appreciating stylistic nuances and authorial intent; handle abstract ideas.
Writing
Express themselves naturally and precisely in a wide range of styles for professional, social and academic purposes.
L9

Very Proficient

CEFR C2
Speaking
Fluent, spontaneous communication with effortless precision; formulate and negotiate ideas skilfully in highly complex situations.
Listening
Effortless comprehension of all spoken language, distinguishing slight variations in style and emphasis.
Reading
Complete and effortless understanding of all texts, recognising implicit meanings, subtle nuances and authorial tone.
Writing
Write sophisticated texts fully adapted to audience and purpose, with complete control of style and grammar.
L10

Mastery

CEFR C2+
Speaking
Communication virtually indistinguishable from a native speaker, fully idiomatic and natural - even on highly abstract or specialised topics.
Listening
Effortlessly understand everything heard, with complete awareness of nuanced meaning and speaker's intent.
Reading
Read effortlessly with full comprehension of complex and nuanced language, including highly specialised or archaic texts.
Writing
Produce fluid, nuanced texts exhibiting full mastery of grammar, style and structure, in any genre for any purpose.
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