Textbooks and learning resources are adapted in line with students' level in French


Textbooks and learning resources cater for the different levels of proficiency in French of all students.The Common European Framework of reference for languages (CEFRL) contains guidelines which are used to evaluate the different levels of achievement of  individual learners of foreign languages throughout Europe. The six reference levels are widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual's language proficiency.

LEVEL		EQUIVALENT LEVEL AT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE SYDNEY	DESCRIPTION
BASIC	A1	1 to 3	Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and objects he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
	A1 A2	4 to 6	Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to everyday life (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,, city/small town where student lives, employment). Can communicate in situations requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and everyday matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background and immediate environment.
INDEPENDENT	A2 B1	6 to 8	Can understand the main points in texts expressed in clear, standard French on familiar matters regularly encountered, for example, at work/school or during leisure activities. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple, connected texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions. Can give basic reasons for future plans and simple explanations regarding personal opinions.
	B1 B2	Civilisation & grammar Introduction to Alter Ego 4	Can understand the main ideas contained in complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, ensuring that conversation with native speakers flows relatively easily and naturally. Can produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects, Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of  different points of view.
PROFICIENT	B2 C1	Alter Ego 4 (our highest-level group course)	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, showing a sophisticated use of special vocabulary and expressions,grammatical structures and connective words or phrases.
	C2	Private / semi-private tuition available	Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources. Can present arguments and recount experiences in a coherent manner. Can express him/herself spontaneously, fluently and precisely. Can differentiate finer shades of meaning in advanced texts.

Visit us to get your free assesment test!
Online test

Before your enrolment, a written and an oral test will assess your level of French. This will allow us to place you in the most appropriate class. The written test, oral test and registration on our website are free of charge.*

If you are a complete beginner, we recommend our Level 1 Beginners courses or French for Travellers course as the most appropriate options to help you start your French learning. You are not required to sit a test to enrol in these classes.  

The Online Written Test
Please click HERE

The Oral Test
In order to give us a more accurate picture of your level of French, we need to test your oral expression and comprehension skills. 

Should you wish to determine which of our classes would be most suitable for you please contact the Alliance Française by phone 9292 5700 or by email enquiries@afsydney.com.au after having finished your written test, to organise an appointment for an oral test. This oral test will last 20 minutes. It is free of charge. Your evaluation will be completed once your oral test has taken place.