Language Courses

... can understand people if they speak very slowly and clearly about simple everyday topics.

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

 ... write  in short simple sentences a  blog entry or a similar piece of writing introducing oneself with  basic information such as  family, jobs, hobbies, one’s  hometown, etc.

... 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).

... catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcement.

... understand short, simple texts containing familiar vocabulary including international words.

.. write short, simple notes  and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs.

... write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.

... understand enough of what people say to be able to meet immediate needs, provided people speak slowly and clearly.

... generally understand clear, standard speech on familiar matters directed at them, provided they can ask for repetition or reformulation from time to time.

...  follow the main points of TV news, if people talk slowly and clearly, if they are familiar with the subject and if the TV pictures help them to understand the story.

... understand short, simple texts on familiar subjects, which consist of high-frequency, everyday or job-related language.

... understand the main points in short newspaper / magazine stories, especially when they are illustrated.

... understand simple texts, emails and letters from friends or colleagues, for example saying when they should meet for lunch/dinner or asking them to be at  work early.

... write about my everyday life in simple sentences (people, places, job, school, family, hobbies, etc.).

... write very short, basic descriptions of past activities, and personal experiences, for example a recent holiday.

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

... understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.

... understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job -related language.

... understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

... can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

... write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

... understand straightforward information about everyday, study-or work-related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided people speak clearly in a familiar accent.

... follow clear speech directed at them in everyday conversation, in an accent that is familiar to them.

... follow a lecture or talk within their own field, if the subject matter is familiar and the presentation clearly structured.

... understand the main points in straightforward texts on subjects of personal or professional interest.

... look quickly through simple, factual texts in magazines, brochures or on a website, and identify information that might be of practical use to them.

... identify the main conclusions in texts which clearly argue a point of view.

... write about a variety of familiar subjects well enough for others to follow their story or argument.

... write a detailed description of an experience, dream or imaginary event, including their feelings and reaction.

... write about familiar topics, comparing and contrasting different opinions.

... understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar.

... understand most TV news and current affairs programmes.

... understand the majority of films in standard dialect.

... read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.

... understand contemporary literary prose.

... write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to their interests.

... write an essay or report, passing on  information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.

... write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

... understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, even in a noisy environment.

... keep up with an animated discussion between native speakers.

... follow lectures and presentations in their field, even if the organisation and language are both complex. 

... understand in detail TV documentaries, interviews, talk shows, plays and films in standard language.

... have a broad active reading vocabulary, which means they can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes.

... quickly scan through long and complex texts on topics of interest to locate relevant details.

... understand in detail texts within their field of interest or speciality.

... understand specialised articles outside their own field if they can occasionally check with a dictionary.

... write a paper developing their argument with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting details.

... use a range of language to express abstract ideas as well as topical subjects, correcting most of their mistakes in the process.

... write clear, detailed descriptions of real or imaginary events and experiences.

... understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.

... understand television programmes and films without too much effort.

... understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style.

... understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to their field.

... express themselves in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length.

... write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what they consider to be the salient issues.

... can select style appropriate to the reader in mind.