MSA (Fusha) Levels Description

*CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. *ACTFL: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

CEFR - LEVEL

A1 – Breakthrough Level

ACTFL

Novice Low

Novice Mid

Novice High

MSA Level

PRE-MSA
Beginners

MSA 1
Beginners

Summary of Level

Student can:

  • Understand and use familiar everyday Fusha expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • 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 things he/she has.
  • Interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2 – Way stage Level 1

Intermediate Low

MSA 2
Elementary Fusha

MSA 3
Elementary Fusha

Student can:

  • Understand sentences and frequently used Fusha expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment.
  • Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • Describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1 – Threshold Level 2

Intermediate Mid

Intermediate High

MSA 4
Intermediate

MSA 5
Intermediate

MSA 6
Intermediate

Student can:

  • Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • Produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
  • Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions in Modern Standard Arabic and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 – Vantage Level 3

Advanced Low

Advanced Mid

MSA 7 
Upper-Intermediate

MSA 8
Upper-Intermediate

MSA 9
Upper-Intermediate

MSA 10
Upper-Intermediate

Student can:

  • Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions ،n his/her field of specialization.
  • Interact in Fusha with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C1 – Proficient speaker. Level 4

Advanced High

MSA 11,12
Advanced Fusha

Student can:

  • Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
  • Express him! Continuously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • Use Fusha flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
  • Produce clearly well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

NOTE:

If you are not sure about your level in Fusha, we recommend to undertake an Arabic Proficiency Test with one of our teachers to determine your exact level