Common European Framework of Reference

for
Languages: learning, teaching, assessment
Table 2. CommonReference Leyels: self-assessment grid
A1
A2
B1
U
N
D
E
R
S
T
A
N
D
I
N
G
Listening I can recognise familiar
words and very basic
phrases concerning
myself, my family and
immediate concrete
surroundings when
people speak slowly
and clearly.
I 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).
I can catch the main point in
short, clear, simple messages
and announcements.
I can understand the rnain
points of ciear 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 ofpersonal
or professional interest when
the delivery s relatively slow
and clear.
Reading 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 can find specific,
predictable information in
simple everyday material
such as advertisements,
prospectuses,
menus and
timetables and I can
understand short simple
personal letters.
I can understand texts that
consist mainiy of high
frequency everyday or job-
related language. I can
understand the description of
events, feelings and wishes in
personal letters.
S
P
E
A
K
I
N
G
Spoken
Interaction
I can interact in a simple
way provided the other
person is prepared to
repeat or rephrase things
at a slower rate ofspeech
and help me formulate
what I'm trying to say. I
can ask and answer simple
questions in areas of
immediate need or on
very familiar topics.
I can cornmunicate 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 nost situations
likely to arise whilst rr.avelling
in an area where the language
is spoken. 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).
Spoken
Production
I can use simple phrases
and sentences to describe
where I live and people I
know.
I can use a series ofphrases
and sentences to describe in
simple terms 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
experences and events, my
dreams, hopes and ambitions.
I can briefly give reasons and
explanations for opinions and
plans. I can narrate a story Or
relate the plot ofa book or
film and describe my reactions.
w
R
I
T
I
N
G
Writing I can write a short, simple
postcard, for example
sending holiday greetings.
I can flll 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 relating to
matters in areas of immediate
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 of personal interest
I can write personal letters
describing experiences and
impressions.
26
C ommo n Refer enc e Lev els
82
c1
c2
I can understand extended speech
and lectures and follow even
complex lines of argument provided
the topic is reasonably farniliar. I
can understand most TV news and
current affairs programmes. I can
understand the majority of films in
standard dialect.
I can understand extended speech
even when it is not clearly
structured and when relationships
are only implied and not signalled
explicitly. I can understand
television programmes and films
without too much effort.
I have no difficulty in understanding
any kind ofspoken language,
whether live or broadcast, even when
delivered at fast native speed,
provided I have some time to get
familiar with the accent.
I can read articles and reports
concerned with contemporary
problems in which the writers adopt
particular attitudes or viewpoints. I
can understand contemporary
literary prose.
I can understand long and
complex factual and literary
texts, appreciating distinctions of
style. I can understand specialised
articles and longer technicai
instructions, even when they do
not relate to my feld.
I can read with ease virtually a1l
forms of the written language,
including abstract, structurally or
linguistically complex texts such as
manuals, specialised articles and
literary works.
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, accounting for and
sustaining my views.
I can express myselffluently and
spontaneously without much
obvious searching for expressions.
I can use language flexibly and
effectively for social and
professional purposes. I can
formulate ideas and opinions with
precision and relate my
contribution skiifully to those of
other speakers.
I can take part effortlessly in any
conversation or discussion and have a
good familiarity with idiomatic
expressions and colloquialisms. I can
express myselffluently and convey
finer shades of meaning precisely. If I
do have a problem I can backtrack
and restructure around the diff,culty
so smoothly that other people are
hardly aware of it.
I can present clear, detailed
descriptions on a wide range of
subjects related to my field of
interest. I can explain a viewpoint on
a topical issue giving the advantages
and disadvantages of various options.
I can present clear, detailed
descriptions of complex subjects
integrating subthemes, developing
particular points and rounding off
with an appropriate conclusion.
I can present a clear, smoothly
flowing description or argument in
style appropriate to the context and
with an effective logical structure
which helps the recipient to notice
and remember significant points.
I can write clear, detailed text on a
wide range ofsubjects related to my
interests. I can write an essay or
report, passing on information or
giving reasons in support ofor
against a paticular point ofview I
can write letters highlighting the
personal significance ofevents and
experiences.
I can express myself in clear, well-
structured text, expressing points
of view at some length. I can write
about complex subjects in a
letter, an essay or a report,
underlining what I consider to be
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 a case with an
effective logical structure which
helps the recipient to notice and
remember significant points. I can
write summaries and reviews of
professional
or literary works.
1'7