6
1.2 Self-assessment grid
understanding any kind of
spoken language, whether
live or broadcast, even
when delivered at fast
native speed, provided I
have some time to get
familiar with the accent.
virtually all forms of
the written language,
including abstract,
structurally or
linguistically complex
texts such as manuals,
specialised articles and
literary works.
I can take part effortlessly in
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 do have a
problem I can backtrack and
restructure around the
difficulty so smoothly that
other people are hardly aware
of it.
I can express myself
with clarity and
precision, relating to
the addressee
flexibly and
effectively in an
assured, personal,
style.
smoothly-flowing
description or argument in
a style appropriate to the
context and with an
effective logical structure
which helps the recipient to
notice and remember
significant points.
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
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.
and complex factual
and literary texts,
appreciating
distinctions of style. I
can understand
specialised articles
and longer technical
instructions, even
when they do not
relate to my field.
I can express myself fluently
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 skilfully to those
of other speakers
detailed descriptions of
complex subjects
integrating sub-themes,
developing particular
points and rounding off
with an appropriate
conclusion
clear, well-structured
text, expressing points
of view at some length.
I can write detailed
expositions of complex
subjects in an essay or a
report, underlining what
I consider to be the
salient issues. I can
write different kinds of
texts in a style
appropriate to the
reader in mind.
I can understand extended
speech and lectures and
follow even complex lines
of argument provided the
topic is reasonably
familiar. I can understand
most TV news and
current affairs
programmes. I can
understand the majority of
films in standard dialect.
reports concerned
with contemporary
problems in which the
writers adopt
particular stances or
viewpoints. I can
understand
contemporary literary
prose.
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.
highlighting the
personal significance
of events and
experiences.
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 write clear, detailed
text on a wide range of
subjects related to my
interests. I can write an
essay or report, passing
reasons in support of or
against
of view.
I can understand the main
points of clear 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
or professional interest
when the delivery is
relatively slow and clear.
I can understand texts
that consist mainly of
high frequency
everyday or job-
language. I can
understand the
description of events,
feelings and wishes in
personal letters
I can deal with most situations
likely to arise whilst travelling 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, hobbi
current events).
I can write personal
letters describing
experiences and
impressions.
I can connect phrases in a
simple way in order to
describe experiences and
events, my dreams, hopes
& ambitions. I can briefly
give reasons and
explanations for opinions
and plans. I can narrate a
story or relate the plot of a
book or film and describe
my reactions.
I can write
straightforward
connected text on
topics, which are
familiar, or of personal
interest.
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
geography, employment).
I can catch the main point
in short, clear, simple
messages and
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 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 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 use a series of
phrases 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 write a series of
simple phrases and
sentences linked with
simple connectors like
„and", „but“ and
„because“.
words and very basic
phrases concerning
myself, my family and
immediate concrete
surroundings when people
speak slowly and clearly.
familiar names, words
and very simple
sentences, for
example on notices
and posters or in
catalogues.
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'm trying to say. I can
ask and answer simple
questions in areas of
immediate need or on very
simple postcard, for
examples sending
holiday greetings. I
can fill in forms with
personal details, for
example entering my
name, nationality and
address on a hotel
and sentences to describe
where I live and people I
know.
isolated phrases and
sentences.