From CEFR Descriptors to Task Design: Making Construct‑Driven Decisions

When working with the CEFR, it can be challenging to translate broad descriptors into actual test tasks, especially in productive skills. This session provides a systematic way to move from CEFR descriptors to practical design choices. The core focus is on how to interpret CEFR descriptors (including the Companion Volume) for receptive and productive skills and convert them into test tasks that operationalise a specific level consistently.

What knowledge and/or skills will I gain from this workshop?

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand key CEFR construct dimensions relevant to task design
• Interpret CEFR descriptors in a principled and consistent way
• Translate CEFR descriptors into well‑aligned test tasks
• Analyse cognitive and linguistic demands of tasks
• Identify and resolve misalignment of tasks and levels
• Develop a personal CEFR task design checklist for use in their own context

This workshop is suitable for those involved in task design, either as designers themselves, or those who have roles reviewing and editing tasks, or training task designers. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the CEFR and to be able to work with CEFR descriptors provided in English and with sample tasks designed for learners of English as a foreign language. Exemplar tasks targeting the B1-C1 range will be provided.

How is this workshop delivered?

This practical workshop is delivered in person, and will include interactive discussions with the tutor, bite-size introductory input, individual study tasks, and group and pair discussions. A pre-course questionnaire will be used to gauge the level and experience of those attending. Coffee breaks and lunch are included.

Does this workshop require and specific software?

This course does not require any specific software, but it is a paper-free ‘green’ workshop, and all material will be delivered/shared online. You will need your own laptop.

Who is the tutor?

The course will be presented by Jane Lloyd (Cambridge University Press and Assessment). Jane is a Senior Research Manager at Cambridge English. Her main responsibilities are researching integrated learning and assessment practices in the classroom, working on large-scale educational reform projects with ministries and NGOs, and working for ALTE. Her work for ALTE is to support other national language test providers. This includes advising and training in standard setting, statistical analysis of items, analysis of rater performance, delivering pre-conference and online courses and training in assessment, and supporting exam boards with bespoke training and mentoring.  She has a degree in Linguistics, a DELTA, MAs in Linguistics and TESOL, and in Language Testing, and is completing her PhD in Language Testing from CRELLA. 

When is the workshop?

This one-day workshop will be on Wednesday 11^th November in Lisbon, Portugal.

Can several people from the same organisation join this workshop?

For group bookings, ALTE advises to book a maximum of three places per organisation.

Additional Event Information:  

Please note that a minimum number of 4 people need to register for the course for it to take place. 

Payment is in full when registering. Payment can be made online using Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

If you cannot pay with a credit/debit card please contact the ALTE Services Unit: servicesunit@alte.org. We will then issue an invoice and a bank transfer will be possible.

In case of cancellation up until one month before the start of the event, the full amount will be refunded minus a €50 administration fee. If you have received the course book, you do not need to return this if cancelling. However, in the case of cancellation after this date, no refunds can be made.

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