Cardiff University English for University Study Exit Test: comparison with CEFR and IELTS
Cardiff Cardiff EFUS Exit Test Band Descriptors IELTS Common CEFR Level Descriptor
University Overall Band European © Council of Europe
EFUS Exit Score Framework
Test
The candidate is able to express spoken and written meaning flexibly, Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise
fluently and precisely on both familiar and unfamiliar topics. Errors in information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments
speech or writing are rare. The candidate would cope with ease with the 9 and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously,
spoken and written English used in an academic environment at any level. very fluently and precisely.
Proficient
C2
90-100%
8.5
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit
meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much
8
obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for
social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured,
detailed text on complex subjects.
Features of the bands above and below.
A+ 7.5
85-89%
The candidate is able to express spoken and written meaning with fluency C1
and a degree of precision on familiar and unfamiliar topics. He/she may
make occasional errors in writing or speaking but these do not interfere with
intended meaning. The candidate would cope with the spoken and written
A English used in an academic environment.
7
80-84%
Cardiff University English for University Study Exit Test: comparison with CEFR and IELTS
Features of the bands above and below. Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
B+ topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can
6.5 interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction
70-79%
with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce
clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
The candidate is able to express spoken and written meaning fluently on B2
familiar and unfamiliar topics. He/she is able to follow the spoken and
B written language used in an academic context but may need to ask the
6
60-69% speaker to paraphrase or repeat. He/she may make errors in speaking and
writing but is able to communicate complex ideas successfully.
Features of the bands above and below.
C+ 5.5
50-59%
The candidate is able to express spoken and written meaning with some Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
fluency on familiar topics. He/she may struggle to follow spoken/written regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations
C English if topics are unfamiliar or the language complex. He/she may make
5 likely to arise whilst in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple
40-49% frequent errors in speaking and writing and have some difficulty expressing
connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest.
intended meaning.
Features of the bands above and below.
D+ 4.5
30-39%
B1
The candidate is only able to use basic vocabulary and simple structures to
talk/write about familiar topics. He/she may not be able to understand
spoken/written English even if the topics are familiar. Errors in spoken and
D written English are frequent and cause strain for the listener / reader.
4
20-29%
Cardiff University English for University Study Exit Test: comparison with CEFR and IELTS
Features of the bands above and below. Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of
most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information,
3.5
shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine
tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and
E
10-19% routine matters.
A2
3
The candidate is only able to produce/understand an extremely limited Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
number of words with perhaps memorised phrases related to personal aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself
2.5
topics. The candidate is not able to communicate beyond word level. and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as
F A1 where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a
Below 10% simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to
help.
2
