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Discover the six levels of competence for self-assessment
Based on the European Framework of Reference for Languages, the respective language competencies you will possess upon successful completion of a competency level are described below.
I can:
Basic Level A1
- understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases when spoken slowly.
- introduce myself and others, as well as ask and answer questions about personal details such as where I live, people I know and things I have.
- interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
- write holiday greetings and fill out simple forms.
Basic Level A2
- understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
- communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- describe in simple terms aspects of my background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
- write short, simple messages
Intermediate Level B1
- understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
- produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
- describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
- Describe experiences, hopes, and goals, and justify opinions.
- Write simple, coherent texts about everyday topics.
Intermediate Level B2
- understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in my field of specialisation.
- interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
- Write detailed and clear texts on familiar topics, for example, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of a particular issue, for example.
Advanced Level C1
- express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
- understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
- use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Advanced Level C2
- understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
- express myself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
- Write a wide variety of texts fluently and in a style appropriate to the purpose, e.g., sophisticated reports and letters as well as summaries and discussions of factual texts and literary works.
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