The CEFR Grids and Illustrative Samples

The CEFR Grid for the Analysis of Writing Tasks and The CEFR Grid for the Analysis of Speaking Tasks were produced by ALTE members on behalf of the Language Policy Division of the Council of Europe. They are part of the ‘tool kit’, available from the Council of Europe, to assist test providers is aligning their examinations to the CEFR. More specifically, the grids are designed to analyse test task content and other attributes, facilitating comparison and review. The grids were also used to describe tasks which have been provided as samples (‘illustrative samples’) by ALTE members. The aim of these samples is to illustrate the levels of the CEFR. There is not only one way in which to use the Grids but examples of use are provided in The Manual for Relating Language Examinations to the CEFR, also available from the Council of Europe. ALTE members are still actively engaged in updating these Grids to suit the needs of users.

The CEFR Grid for the Analysis of Writing Tasks

This Grid is available in ‘Analysis’ or ‘Presentation’ format. The analysis version provides a limited number of options which may be useful to those analysing tasks. The presentation only provides spaces to record the results of an analysis. The Grids are available in ‘.doc’ format so that they may be altered to suit local needs or be completed electronically. The illustrative samples of written tasks are available in .pdf format. The Grid is currently available for download from the Council of Europe web site.

The CEFR Grid for the Analysis of Speaking Tasks

In addition to the writing grid, The CEFR Grid for the Analysis of Speaking Tasks can be downloaded from the Council of Europe web site. As with the writing grid, The CEFR Grid for the Analysis of Speaking Tasks is available for analysis (‘input’) and reporting (output’) versions.

For further information about the illustrative samples and the CEFR Grids, please go to the Council of Europe web site, Language Policy Division.