NOVICE

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

Beginning 0

Beginning 1

Beginning 2

Developing 1

Developing 2

Expanding 1

Expanding 2

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I can recognize letters of the alphabet when spoken or the spoken version of ideograms (written characters). I can recognize words used repeatedly in the classroom context, e.g., words used to greet and say goodbye to others, numbers, etc.

I can understand familiar words and very basic phrases concerning my family, my immediate surroundings, and myself when people speak slowly and clearly.

I can understand phrases and commonly-used vocabulary related to areas of personal relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, the local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, simple messages and announcements.

I can understand main points in a conversation on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of sources such as radio and TV programs when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.

I can understand extended speech and follow complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand sources such as TV news, current affairs programs, and films in standard language.

I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly. I can understand sources such as television programs and films without too much effort.

I have little difficulty in understanding almost any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to become familiar with the accent.

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I can identify letters of the alphabet or frequently used ideograms (written characters), e.g., Pinyin or Romanji. I can identify words that I have seen and used frequently

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

I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, menus, schedules, and simple personal letters.

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

I can read texts such as articles and reports that are concerned with contemporary problems written from a particular viewpoint or perspective. I can understand contemporary literary prose.

I can understand a variety of long, complex factual and literary texts and appreciate distinctions of style. I can understand texts such as specialized articles and longer technical instructions unrelated to my field.

I can easily read nearly any form of the written language, including, for example, abstract texts and ones that are structurally or linguistically complex, such as manuals, specialized articles and literary works.

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I can exchange greetings with and say goodbye to others. I can introduce myself and express basic information about myself using phrasing I have memorized. I can express uncertainty and ask for clarification.

I 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 I am trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very 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 cannot usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.

I can deal with most situations likely to arise when speaking with native speakers not used to interacting with non-native speakers. I 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).

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

I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without obviously searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for personal, social, and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and communicate them skillfully to other speakers.

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

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I can accurately pronounce the letters of the alphabet or basic ideograms (written characters) when, for example, spelling my name. I can describe things using colors, numbers, etc.

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

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

I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe things such as personal experiences, events, dreams, and hopes. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can, for example, narrate a story or the plot of a book or film and describe my reaction.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

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

I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the situation with an effective logical structure which helps the person to whom I am speaking notice and remember significant points.

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I can accurately write the letters of the alphabet or basic ideograms (written characters). I can write basic words and phrases that I have memorized. If asked, I can write these letters, ideograms, basic words, and memorized phrases when I hear them.

I can write a short, simple text. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.

I can write short, simple notes and messages. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example, in which I thank someone for something.

I can write simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. such as personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write texts such as an essay or report that conveys information or gives reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write texts such as letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

I can express myself in clear, well-structured texts, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in texts such as letters, essays, or reports, and underline what I consider to be the key issues. I can select a style appropriate for the intended reader.

I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appro-priate style. I can write texts such as complex letters, reports or articles presenting a case with an effective logical structure to help the reader notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.