Les niveaux de connaissance en langue ont été classés et définis par le Conseil de l'Europe. Cette norme européenne, appelée cadre européen commun de référence, est acceptée et reconnue dans tous les pays de l'Union Européenne. Elle détermine précisément les compétences que doit posséder l'apprenant pour communiquer dans certains contextes.
February is carnival time all over Europe and Latin America. Although Carnival was originally a European tradition, today the biggest and most famous carnival of all is held in Rio de Janeiro. It is the highlight of the year in Brazil and thousands of people come from all over the world to participate in the four-day Carnival. It is celebrated at the end of February or at the beginning of March. It starts on a Saturday and ends on fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras as it is known in French. The Carnival is famous all over the world and has become a major tourist attraction. This year there were over 150,000 foreign tourists in Rio during Carnival week. More than ever before.
The people of Rio prepare for the Carnival Samba Parade all year. Groups called Samba Schools are formed in different parts of the city. There are 14 Samba Schools in Rio with over 4,000 participants in each one. The different schools choose their carnival theme which is traditionally a theme drawn from Brazilian culture. They have their own band and they design and make their costumes and build the extravagantly decorated floats which can be up to 30 feet high.
The Samba Parade lasts two days and the 14 schools parade through the purpose-built, downtown Sambodrome where over 70,000 spectators can enjoy the fun. Each year the best Samba School is chosen by a group of judges and the champions win a lot of money. Seats in the Sambodrome are very expensive and you have to book a long time in advance if you want to be sure of getting one.
But if you just want to have a good time, there are street carnivals all over the city which are free and anyone can join in. Each carnival has its own band and the streets are packed with people wearing costumes and dancing the samba in the streets night and day. All-night balls are held every evening and there are firework displays all over the city.
Niveau 2 – Intermédiaire 
