Common Reference Levels: self-assessment gridUN
DERSTANDINGSPEAKING

ListeningReading

SpokenInteraction

A1A2

B1

B2

C1C2

I can recognise familiar wordsand very basic phrases
concerning myself, my family
and immediate concretesurroundings when people
speak slowly and clearly.

I can understand phrases and thehighest frequency vocabulary related toareas of most immediate personal
relevance (e.g. very basic personal andfamily information, shopping, local area,employment). I can catch the main pointin short, clear, simple messages andannouncements.

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

I can understand extended speech
and lectures and follow even complex
lines of argument provided the topic
is reasonably familiar. I canunderstand most TV news andcurrent affairs programmes. I canunderstand the majority of films instandard dialect.

I can understand extended speecheven when it is not clearly structured
and when relationships are only
implied and not signaled explicitly. I
can understand television
programmes and films without too
much effort.

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

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

I can read very short, simple texts. I canfind specific, predictable information in
simple everyday material such as
advertisements, prospectuses, menus
and timetables and I can understandshort simple personal letters.

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

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

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

I can read with ease virtually all formsof the written language, including
abstract, structurally or linguisticallycomplex texts such as manuals,
specialised articles and literaryworks.

I can interact in a simple way
provided the other person isprepared to repeat or rephrase
things at a slower rate of speechand help me formulate what I’mtrying to say. I can ask andanswer simple questions inareas of immediate need or onvery familiar topics.

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

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

I can interact with a degree of fluency
and spontaneity that makes regularinteraction with native speakers quitepossible. I can take an active part indiscussion in familiar contexts,accounting for and sustaining myviews.

I can express myself fluently andspontaneously without much obvious
searching for expressions. I can use
language flexibly and effectively forsocial and professional purposes. I
can formulate ideas and opinionswith precision and relate mycontribution skilfully to those of otherspeakers.

I can take part effortlessly in any
conversation or discussion and havea good familiarity with idiomatic
expressions and colloquialisms.
I can express myself fluently andconvey finer shades of meaning
precisely. If I do have a problem I canbacktrack and restructure around thedifficulty so smoothly that otherpeople are hardly aware of it.

I can use simple phrases andsentences to describe where I
live and people I know.

I can use a series of phrases andsentences to describe in simple terms
my family and other people, living
conditions, my educational backgroundand my present or most recent job.

I can connect phrases in a simple
way in order to describe experiencesand events, my dreams, hopes andambitions. I can briefly give reasonsand explanations for opinions andplans. I can narrate a story or relate
the plot of a book or film and describe
my reactions.

I can present clear, detailed
descriptions on a wide range ofsubjects related to my field ofinterest. I can explain a viewpoint on
a topical issue giving the advantages
and disadvantages of variousoptions.

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

I can present a clear, smoothly
flowing description or argument in astyle appropriate to the context andwith an effective logical structure
which helps the recipient to noticeand remember significant points.

I can write a short, simple
postcard, for example sending
holiday greetings. I can fill informs with personal details, forexample entering my name,nationality and address on a
hotel registration form.

I can write short, simple notes andmessages relating to matters in areas ofimmediate need. I can write a very
simple personal letter, for example
thanking someone for something.

I can write simple connected text on
topics which are familiar or ofpersonal interest. I can write personal
letters describing experiences andimpressions.

I can write clear, detailed text on awide range of subjects related to myinterests. I can write an essay orreport, passing on information or
giving reasons in support of oragainst a particular point of view. I
can write letters highlighting thepersonal significance of events andexperiences.

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

I can write clear, smoothly flowing
text in an appropriate style. I canwrite complex letters, reports orarticles which present a case with aneffective logical structure which helps
the recipient to notice and remember
significant points. I can write
summaries and reviews ofprofessional or literary works.

SpokenProductionWRITINGWriting

Council of Europe (2001) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Leaning, teaching, assessment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.