CEFR CEFR Vocabulary and Lexical Competence Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the CEFR, what does 'lexical competence' primarily involve?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge of the vocabulary of a language and the ability to use it appropriately

Answer

The ability to spell words correctly in written texts

Answer

The ability to identify root words and affixes

Answer

Memorizing word lists organized by frequency

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a learner operating at CEFR A2 in terms of vocabulary range?

Accepted Answer

Can communicate in simple, routine tasks using a basic repertoire of words and phrases

Answer

Has a wide operational vocabulary with good mastery of idiomatic expressions

Answer

Can discuss complex or sensitive topics using precise vocabulary

Answer

Can understand and use highly technical vocabulary in specialized fields

Question 3

In the CEFR framework, what are 'fixed expressions' considered to be?

Accepted Answer

Pre-fabricated chunks of language learned and used as wholes, such as 'How do you do?' or 'on the other hand'

Answer

Grammatical structures that cannot be modified

Answer

Vocabulary items with only one possible meaning

Answer

Technical terms used in academic writing

Question 4

At CEFR C2 level, how is a learner's lexical competence typically described?

Accepted Answer

Has a large vocabulary including idiomatic and colloquial expressions with good command of connotation

Answer

Can use a wide range of vocabulary in a general sense with occasional errors

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Has a good vocabulary but struggles with less common words

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Can understand everyday vocabulary but may need to paraphrase complex ideas

Question 5

What is 'collocational knowledge' and why is it important in CEFR lexical competence?

Accepted Answer

Knowing which words typically go together (e.g., 'make a mistake' not 'do a mistake'), enabling natural and fluent language use

Answer

Knowledge of word origins that helps learners guess meanings from Latin or Greek roots

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The ability to understand words in context without using a dictionary

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Knowledge of how words change form (e.g., verb → noun → adjective)

Question 6

According to CEFR descriptors, at which level can a learner typically 'use a sufficiently broad vocabulary to be able to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to everyday life'?

Accepted Answer

B1

Answer

A2

Answer

B2

Answer

C1