Aligning ACTFL writing proficiency guidelines with CEFR descriptors: Insights from Chinese writing assessment

This study uses L2 Chinese writing samples as exemplars to examine how they align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012, with respect to writing proficiency descriptors. Utilizing a standard-setting procedure with the Exemplar Response method, the study employed data from a L2 Chinese writing test. Twenty panelists in the field of teaching Chinese as a second or foreign language (CSL/CFL) participated in meetings to explore the alignment between the two frameworks. Procedural and internal validity were provided to support the alignment outcomes. The results show that the Chinese writing proficiency level at the CEFR A1 aligns with a point between Novice High and Intermediate Low in the ACTFL Guidelines, that A2 aligns with Intermediate Mid, that B1 falls between Advanced Low and Advanced Mid, that B2 aligns with Advanced High, that C1 is below Superior, and that C2 is between Superior and Distinguished. These findings offer insights for L2 learners and educators, providing a clearer understanding of proficiency benchmarks in Chinese writing. This alignment benefits both curriculum planning and research in second language writing assessment.