Grammar holds a language together, and knowing what to work on at each level makes your learning a lot more focused. At Maltalingua School of English in Malta, we match our English grammar lessons to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels, so every learner gets the right instruction and support for their stage. Here is what we usually cover at each CEFR level, to help you see where you are on your learning path.
CEFR Level A1: Beginner
Focus: Basic grammar for very simple interactions.
- Nouns and Articles: singular/plural forms, definite and indefinite articles.
- Present Simple: For habits, daily routines, and facts.
- Prepositions: Basic prepositions of place and time (in, on, at).
- Questions and Negatives: Formation of yes/no and Wh-questions.
CEFR Level A2: Elementary
Focus: Grammar for simple sentences and everyday expressions.
- Past Simple: Regular and irregular verbs.
- Modal Verbs: Basic modals for ability, permission, and obligation (can, should, must).
- Comparatives and Superlatives: Simple comparisons (bigger, more interesting).
- Phrasal Verbs: Introduction to common phrasal verbs.
CEFR Level B1: Intermediate
Focus: Building grammar to talk about a wider range of situations.
- Present Continuous: For current actions and future plans.
- Past Continuous: For actions in progress in the past.
- Future Forms: Going to, will, present continuous for future arrangements.
- Conditionals: Zero and first conditionals for real situations.
CEFR Level B2: Upper-Intermediate
Focus: More complex grammar for discussing varied topics and giving your views.
- Modal Verbs: Expanded range including could, would, might.
- Passive Voice: For describing processes and formal writing.
- Narrative Tenses: For telling stories using past tenses.
- Second Conditional: For unreal or hypothetical situations.
CEFR Level C1: Advanced
Focus: Handling complex structures and the finer points of the language.
- Third Conditional: For past hypotheticals and regrets.
- Mixed Conditionals: Combining different time references.
- Advanced Passive: Passive forms in different tenses.
- Subjunctive and Wish Clauses: For wishes, hypotheticals, and formal requests.
CEFR Level C2: Proficiency
Focus: Refining how you understand and produce nuanced, sophisticated English.
- Inversion: For stylistic variations in writing and speaking.
- Advanced Modal Expressions: Probability, deduction, and speculation.
- Complex Clauses: Using more than one verb, managing clauses in complex sentences.
- Cohesive Devices: Linking ideas smoothly across texts.
Learning resources at Maltalingua
To support your grammar at every stage, Maltalingua offers:
- Interactive Classes: Learn with native and near-native English-speaking teachers in lively, hands-on classes.
- Customised Worksheets: Practise the grammar points for your CEFR level with tailored exercises.
- Online Resources: Use our online tutorials, quizzes, and videos to back up what you do in class.
Join us for a structured learning experience
Whatever your current level, getting to grips with grammar is one of the big steps towards fluency. At Maltalingua, we give you a clear path through English grammar based on the CEFR guidelines. Visit our website to find out more about our grammar courses and how we can help you reach your language goals here in Malta.
Download our Worksheets: