The Common European Framework in its political and educational context What is the Common European Framework?

3.8
How to use scales of descriptors of language proficiency
The Common Reference Levels exemplified in Tables 1, 2 and 3 constitute a verbal scale
of proficiency. Technical issues concerned with the development of such a scale are dis-
cussed in Appendix A. Chapter 9 on assessment describes ways in which the scale of
Common Reference Levels can be used as a resource in relation to the assessment of lan-
guage proficiency.
However, a very important issue in discussing scales of language proficiency is the
accurate identification of the purpose the scale is to serve, and an appropriate matching
of the formulation of scale descriptors to that purpose. 
A functional distinction has been made between three types of scales of proficiency:
(a) user-oriented, (b) assessor-oriented and (c) constructor-oriented scales (Alderson 1991).
Problems can arise when a scale designed for one function is used for another – unless
the formulation can be shown to be adequate.
(a)
user-oriented scales report typical or likely behaviours of learners at any given level.
Statements tend to talk about 
what the learner can do and to be positively worded, even at
low levels:
Common Reference Levels
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Can understand simple English spoken slowly and carefully to him/her and catch
the main points in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Eurocentres Certificate Scale of Language Proficiency 1993: Listening: Level 2
2
though limitations may also be expressed:
Manages to communicate in simple and routine tasks and situations. With the
help of a dictionary can understand simple written messages and without one
can get the gist. Limited language proficiency causes frequent breakdowns and
misunderstandings in non-routine situations.
Finnish Nine Level Scale of Language Proficiency 1993: Level 2
User-oriented scales are often holistic, offering one descriptor per level. The Finnish scale
referred to is of this type. Table 1, shown earlier in this chapter in order to introduce the
Common Reference Levels, also offers users a holistic summary of typical proficiency at
each level. User scales may also report the four skills, as in the Eurocentres scale referred
to above, but simplicity is a major characteristic of scales with this purpose.
(b)