When it comes to understanding how difficult a text is for language learners, two frameworks stand out: the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the Global Scale of English (GSE). But why use two frameworks instead of one? And how do they help us understand text difficulty? In this post we will reveal the complementary strengths of these frameworks as well as the drawbacks.
A Tale of Two Frameworks
The CEFR has become the global standard for measuring language proficiency, using six main levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Its strength lies in its comprehensive approach to describing what learners can do at each level, making it invaluable for educators and learners worldwide.
The GSE takes a different approach, using a more granular 10-90 scale that provides finer distinctions between proficiency levels. Think of it as zooming in on the CEFR levels to see the smaller steps between them. While the CEFR might tell you you're at B1 level, the GSE can tell you exactly where within that B1 band you sit.
Why We Use Both
Rather than choosing between them, we've found that these frameworks complement each other perfectly for text analysis. The CEFR gives us the widely recognized "big picture" that learners and educators are familiar with, while the GSE provides the detailed precision we need for accurate text analysis.
What makes this combination particularly powerful is that the GSE was built using the same methodological foundation as the CEFR. It's not a competing framework but rather an enhancement that adds greater precision to the CEFR levels.
Beyond the Frameworks: The Reality of Reading
While these frameworks provide an excellent foundation, we've discovered that text difficulty isn't just about language levels. A B2-level text might be significantly easier for a French speaker than a Chinese speaker, or more accessible to someone familiar with the subject matter.
This is where our research comes in. We're building upon these established frameworks by: - Incorporating mother tongue influence on reading comprehension - Considering domain knowledge and genre familiarity - Using machine learning to provide more personalized assessments
Think of CEFR and GSE as providing the main roadmap, while our analysis adds the local knowledge that helps each reader find their optimal path.
For more information, explore the CEFR Companion Volume or the GSE Resources from Pearson.
Note: Scoring by CEFR.AI uses the Global Scale of English and its components © Pearson as one component in its algorithm. Scores given here are not validated by Pearson.