1 Common Reference Levels

1.1 Global scale

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise
C2
information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing
arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself
spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of
Proficient User

meaning even in more complex situations.

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise impli-
C1
cit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without
much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effect-
ively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-
structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of or-
ganisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
B2
topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can
interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular
interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a
Independent User

viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of

various options.

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
B1
regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most
situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is
spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or
of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes &
ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas

A2
of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information,
shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and
routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on
familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her
Basic User

background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate

need.

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
A1
aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce
him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal
details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she
has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and
clearly and is prepared to help.
1.2 Self-assessment grid

Reception Interaction Production

Listening Reading Spoken Interaction Written Spoken Production Written

Interaction Production

C2 I have no difficulty I can read with I can take part I can express I can present a I can write clear,
in understanding ease virtually all effortlessly in any myself with clear, smoothly- smoothly flowing
any kind of spoken forms of the conversation or clarity and flowing description text in an
language, whether written language, discussion and have a precision, or argument in a appropriate style.
live or broadcast, including good familiarity with relating to the style appropriate to I can write
even when abstract, idiomatic expressions addressee the context and complex letters,
delivered at fast structurally or and colloquialisms. I flexibly and with an effective reports or
native speed, linguistically can express myself effectively in an logical structure articles, which
provided I have complex texts fluently and convey assured, which helps the present a case
some time to get such as manuals, finer shades of personal, style. recipient to notice with an effective
familiar with the specialised meaning precisely. If I and remember logical structure,
accent. articles and do have a problem I significant points. which helps the
literary works. can backtrack and recipient to
restructure around the notice and
difficulty so smoothly remember
that other people are significant points.
hardly aware of it. I can write
summaries and
reviews of
professional or
literary works.
C1 I can understand I can I can express myself I can present clear, I can express
extended speech understand long fluently and detailed myself in clear,
even when it is not and complex spontaneously without descriptions of well-structured
clearly structured factual and much obvious complex subjects text, expressing
and when literary texts, searching for integrating sub- points of view at
relationships are appreciating expressions. I can use themes, some length. I
only implied and distinctions of language flexibly and developing can write
not signalled style. I can effectively for social particular points detailed
explicitly. I can understand and professional and rounding off expositions of
understand specialised purposes. I can with an complex subjects
television articles and formulate ideas and appropriate in an essay or a
programmes and longer technical opinions with precision conclusion report,
films without too instructions, and relate my underlining what
much effort. even when they contribution skilfully to I consider to be
do not relate to those of other the salient issues.
my field. speakers I can write
different kinds of
texts in a style
appropriate to
the reader in
mind.

B2 I can understand I can read I can interact with a I can write I can present clear, I can write clear,
extended speech articles and degree of fluency and letters detailed detailed text on a
and lectures and reports spontaneity that highlighting the descriptions on a wide range of
follow even concerned with makes regular personal wide range of subjects related to
complex lines of contemporary interaction with native significance of subjects related to my interests. I can
argument provided problems in speakers quite events and my field of interest. write an essay or
the topic is which the possible. I can take an experiences. I can explain a report, passing on
reasonably writers adopt active part in viewpoint on a information or
familiar. I can particular discussion in familiar topical issue giving giving reasons in
understand most stances or contexts, accounting the advantages and support of or
TV news and viewpoints. I for and sustaining my disadvantages of against a particular
current affairs can understand views. various options. point of view.
programmes. I can contemporary
understand the literary prose.
majority of films in
standard dialect.

B1 I can understand the I can understand I can deal with most I can write I can connect I can write
main points of clear texts that consist situations likely to arise personal letters phrases in a simple straightforward
standard speech on mainly of high whilst travelling in an describing way in order to connected text
familiar matters frequency area where the experiences describe on topics, which
regularly everyday or job- language is spoken. I and experiences and are familiar, or of
encountered in related language. can enter unprepared impressions. events, my dreams, personal interest.
work, school, I can understand into conversation on hopes & ambitions.
leisure, etc. I can the description of topics that are familiar, I can briefly give
understand the events, feelings of personal interest or reasons and
main point of many and wishes in pertinent to everyday explanations for
 radio or TV personal letters life (e.g. family, hobbies, opinions and plans. I
programmes on work, travel and current can narrate a story
current affairs or events). or relate the plot of
topics of personal or a book or film and
professional interest describe my
when the delivery is reactions.
relatively slow and
clear.

A2 I can understand I can read very I can communicate in I can write I can use a series of I can write a series
phrases and the short, simple simple and routine short, simple phrases and of simple phrases
highest frequency texts. I can find tasks requiring a notes and sentences to and sentences
vocabulary related specific, simple and direct messages describe in simple linked with simple
to areas of most predictable exchange of relating to terms my family and connectors like
immediate information in information on familiar matters in other people, living „and", „but“ and
conditions, my
personal relevance simple everyday topics and activities. I areas of „because“.
educational
(e.g. very basic material such as can handle very short immediate
background and my
personal and advertisements, social exchanges, even need. I can present or most
family information, prospectuses, though I can't usually write a very recent job
shopping, local menus and understand enough to simple personal
geography, timetables and I keep the conversation letter, for
employment). I can can understand going myself. example
catch the main short simple thanking
point in short, personal letters someone for
clear, simple something.
messages and
announcements

A1 I can recognise I can I can interact in a I can write a I can use simple I can write simple
familiar words and understand simple way provided short, simple phrases and isolated phrases
very basic phrases familiar names, the other person is postcard, for sentences to and sentences.
concerning myself, words and very prepared to repeat or examples describe where I
my family and simple rephrase things at a sending holiday live and people I
immediate sentences, for slower rate of speech greetings. I can know.
fill in forms with
concrete example on and help me formulate
personal details,
surroundings when notices and what I'm trying to say.
for example
people speak posters or in I can ask and answer entering my
slowly and clearly. catalogues. simple questions in name,
areas of immediate nationality and
need or on very address on a
familiar topics. hotel
registration
form.
OVERALL LISTENING COMPREHENSION

C2 Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast,
delivered at fast native speed

C1 Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond
his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the
accent is unfamiliar.
Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register
shifts.
Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships
are only implied and not signalled explicitly.

B2 Can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and unfamiliar
topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Only extreme
background noise, inadequate discourse structure and/or idiomatic usage influence the
ability to understand.

Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both
concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in
his/her field of specialisation.
Can follow extended speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably
familiar, and the direction of the talk is sign-posted by explicit markers.

B1 Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related
topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly
articulated in a generally familiar accent.

Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly
encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives.

A2 Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is
clearly and slowly articulated.

Can understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g.
very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment)
provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.

A1 Can follow speech that is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to
assimilate meaning.
OVERALL READING COMPREHENSION

C2 Can understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language including
abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary writings.
Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of
style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.

C1 Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own
area of speciality, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.

B2 Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to
different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a
broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency
idioms.

B1 Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a
satisfactory level of comprehension.

A2 Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high
frequency everyday or job-related language
Can understand short, simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a
proportion of shared international vocabulary items.

A1 Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names,
words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
OVERALL SPOKEN PRODUCTION

Can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured speech with an effective logical structure
which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.

Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub
themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate
highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to
his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant
examples.
Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects
within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.

Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily
routines. likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.
Can produce simple mainly isolated phrases about people and places.
OVERALL WRITTEN PRODUCTION

C2 Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a
logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.

C1 Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient
issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points,
reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

B2 Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his field of interest,
synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.

B1 Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of
interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.

A2 Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and",
“but” and “because”.
A1 Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences.

VOCABULARY RANGE

Has a good command of a very broad lexical repertoire including idiomatic expressions and
C2
colloquialisms; shows awareness of connotative levels of meaning.

C1 Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with
circumlocutions; little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies. Good
command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

B2 Has a good range of vocabulary for matters connected to his field and most general topics?
Can vary formulation to avoid frequent repetition, but lexical gaps can still cause hesitation and
circumlocution.

Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics
B1
pertinent to his everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current
events.

A2 Has sufficient vocabulary to conduct routine, everyday transactions involving familiar situations
and topics.
Has a sufficient vocabulary for the expression of basic communicative needs.
Has a sufficient vocabulary for coping with simple survival needs.
 Has a basic vocabulary repertoire of isolated words and phrases related to particular concrete
A1
situations.

GRAMMATICAL ACCURACY
Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is
C2 otherwise engaged (e.g. in forward planning, in monitoring others’ reactions).
Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to
C1 spot.
B2 Good grammatical control. Occasional "slips" or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in
sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect.
Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to
misunderstanding.
B1 Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though
with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to
express.

Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used "routines" and patterns associated
with more predictable situations.
A2 Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes - for
example tends to mix up tenses and forget to mark agreement; nevertheless, it is usually clear
what he/she is trying to say.
Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a
A1 learnt repertoire.

VOCABULARY CONTROL
Consistently correct and appropriate use of vocabulary.
C2
Occasional minor slips, but no significant vocabulary errors.
C1
Lexical accuracy is generally high, though some confusion and incorrect word choice does
B2 occur without hindering communication.
Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing
B1
more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations.

Can control a narrow repertoire dealing with concrete everyday needs.

A2
No descriptor available
A1