Breakthrough or beginner

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Listening

They can understand familiar words and very basic phrases concerning themselves,  family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.

Reading

They can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.

S P E A K I N G

Spoken interaction

They can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what they’re trying to say. They can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

Spoken production

They can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where they live and people they know.

W R I T I N G

They can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. They can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering their name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.

Waystage

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Listening

They can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). They can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.

Reading

They can read very short, simple texts. They can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and they can understand short simple personal letters.

S P E A K I N G

Spoken interaction

They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. They can handle very short social exchanges, even though they can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.

Spoken production

They can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, their educational background and their present or most recent job.

W R I T I N G

They can write short, simple notes and messages. They can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.

Threshold

Listening

I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.

Reading

They can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. They can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

S P E A K I N G

Spoken interaction

They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).

Spoken production

They can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. They can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. They can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe their reactions.

W R I T I N G

They can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

Vantage

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Listening

They can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. They can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. They can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.

Reading

They can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. They can understand contemporary literary prose.

S P E A K I N G

Spoken interaction

They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. They can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views.

Spoken production

They can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest. They can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

W R I T I N G

They can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. They can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. They can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

Proficiency

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Listening

They can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicity. They can understand television programmes and films without too much effort.

Reading

They can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. They can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to their field.

S P E A K I N G

Spoken interaction

They can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. They can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate their contribution skilfully to those of other speakers.

Spoken production

They can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

W R I T I N G

They can express themselves in clear, well structured text, expressing points of view at some length. They can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what they consider to be the salient issues. They can select a style appropriate to the reader in mind.

Mastery

U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Listening

They have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided. They have some time to get familiar with the accent.

Reading

They can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works.

S P E A K I N G

Spoken interaction

They can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. They can express themselves fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If they do have a problem they can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.

Spoken production

They can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.

W R I T I N G

They can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. They can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. They can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.