CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks. It is a national standard used in Canada to assess and describe the language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for the purpose of settlement and integration into Canadian society. The CLB was developed by the federal government in partnership with the provinces and territories, and is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Description:
The CLB consists of 12 benchmarks, each corresponding to a level of language proficiency. The levels range from CLB 1 (the lowest) to CLB 12 (the highest), and are divided into four categories: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each benchmark is described in terms of the tasks and language functions that a person at that level can perform, as well as the language knowledge and skills required.
Use:
The CLB is used by a variety of organizations and institutions, including language schools, settlement agencies, and employers, to assess the language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants. It is also used to design and deliver language training programs and to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.
Comparison to CEFR:
One of the key features of the CLB is that it is based on the CEFR, which is a widely recognized and accepted framework for describing language proficiency. This means that the CLB is directly comparable to other language proficiency assessments and descriptions used in other countries.
Holistic approach:
The CLB is also based on the idea that language proficiency is not a one-dimensional construct, but rather a complex set of skills that are interrelated and that need to be developed in a holistic and integrated way. This means that the CLB assesses and describes language proficiency in a comprehensive and holistic manner, taking into account a wide range of language skills and abilities.
Adaptability:
Another important feature of the CLB is that it is designed to be flexible and adaptable. It can be used to assess and describe language proficiency in any language and can be adapted to meet the specific needs and requirements of different organizations and institutions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is a national standard used in Canada to assess and describe the language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants. It is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and consists of 12 benchmarks, each corresponding to a level of language proficiency. It is widely used by various organizations and institutions to assess language proficiency, design and deliver language training programs and evaluate their effectiveness. It is also adaptable and comprehensive in its approach to assessing language proficiency, taking into account a wide range of language skills and abilities.
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