A1A2

B1

B2

C1C2U
NDERST

Listening

I can recognise familiar words
and 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 to areas of mostimmediate personal relevance(e.g. very basic personal andfamily information, shopping,local area, employment). I cancatch the main point in short,
clear, simple messages andannouncements.

I can understand the main points ofclear standard speech on familiar
matters regularly encountered in work,school, leisure, etc. I can understandthe 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.

I can understand extended speech andlectures and follow even complex linesof argument provided the topic isreasonably familiar. I can understandmost TV news and current affairs
programmes. I can understand themajority of films in standard dialect.

I can understand extended speech evenwhen it is not clearly structured andwhen relationships are only impliedand not signalled explicitly. I canunderstand television programmes andfilms without too much effort.

I have no difficulty in understanding any
kind of spoken language, whether live or
broadcast, even when delivered at fastnative speed, provided I have some timeto get familiar with the accent.

ANDING

Reading

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

I can read very short, simpletexts. I can find specific,
predictable information insimple everyday material such asadvertisements, prospectuses,
menus and timetables and I canunderstand short simple personalletters.

I can understand texts that consist
mainly of high frequency everyday or
job-related language. I can understandthe description of events, feelings andwishes in personal letters.

I can read articles and reports concernedwith contemporary problems in which
the writers adopt particular attitudes orviewpoints. I can understandcontemporary literary prose.

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

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

SpokenInteraction

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 in areasof immediate need or on very
familiar topics.

I can communicate in simple androutine tasks requiring a simple
and direct exchange of
information on familiar topics
and activities. I can handle very
short social exchanges, eventhough I can't usually understandenough 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 conversation on
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 my views.

I can express myself fluently andspontaneously without much obvious
searching for expressions. I can use
language flexibly and effectively forsocial and professional purposes. I canformulate ideas and opinions withprecision and relate my contribution
skilfully to those of other speakers.

I can take part effortlessly in any
conversation or discussion and have agood familiarity with idiomatic
expressions and colloquialisms. I can
express myself fluently and convey finer
shades of meaning precisely. If I do havea problem I can backtrack and restructurearound the difficulty so smoothly that
other people are hardly aware of it.

SpokenProduction

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 otherpeople, living conditions, myeducational background and mypresent or most recent job.

I can connect phrases in a simple way
in order to describe experiences andevents, my dreams, hopes andambitions. I can briefly give reasonsand explanations for opinions andplans. I can narrate a story or relate theplot of a book or film and describe myreactions.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions
on a wide range of subjects related to myfield of interest. I can explain aviewpoint on a topical issue giving theadvantages 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 a style
appropriate to the context and with aneffective logical structure which helps therecipient to notice and remember
significant points.

Writing

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 hotelregistration form.

I can write short, simple notes
and messages relating to mattersin areas of immediate needs. 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 a wide
range of subjects related to my interests.
I can write an essay or report, passing on
information or giving reasons in supportof or against a particular point of view. I
can write letters highlighting thepersonal significance of events andexperiences.

I can express myself in clear, wellstructured text, expressing points ofview at some length. I can write aboutcomplex subjects in a letter, an essay or
a report, underlining what I consider tobe the salient issues. I can select style
appropriate to the reader in mind.

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

SPEAKINGW
RITING© Council of Europe / Conseil de l’Europe