LISTENING

I can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics of academic or vocational relevance.

I can generally understand everybody I talk to, though I may need to confirm some details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.

I can follow extended discussion even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.

I can follow most lectures, discussions and debates both within and outside my field.

I can understand in detail an argument in a discussion program.

I can understand complex technical information, such as instructions for operating equipment and specifications for products and services I know about.

 

READING

I can understand in detail a wide range of lengthy, complex texts likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life, though I may want time to reread them.

I can scan relatively quickly through books and articles within my field of interests and assess their relevance to my needs.

I can understand complex texts where stated opinions and implied points of view are discussed.

I can understand lengthy, complex manuals, instructions, regulations and contracts in my field.

I can read extensively, for example enjoying novels without consulting a dictionary unless I want to note precise meaning, usage or pronunciation.

I can understand formal letters connected or unconnected to my field if I can occasionally check with a dictionary.

 

SPOKEN INTERACTION

I can express myself fluently and appropriately, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances and my relationship to the person I am talking to.

I can keep up with animated discussions on abstract and complex topics with a number of speakers and can participate effectively even when people start talking simultaneously.

I can understand and exchange complex, detailed information on topics with which I am not personally familiar, pinpointing key areas where further explanation or clarification is needed.

I can use the telephone for a variety of purposes, including solving problems and misunderstandings though I may need to ask for clarification if the accent is unfamiliar.

 

SPOKEN PRODUCTION

I can give clear, well-structured descriptions of complex subjects.

I can develop an argument systematically in well-structured speech, highlighting significant points, and concluding appropriately.

I can give a clear, well-structured presentation on a complex subject in my field, expanding and supporting points of view with appropriate reasons and examples.

I can put together information from different sources and relate it in a coherent summary.

I can summarize orally long, demanding texts.

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WRITTEN PRODUCTION

I can write clear, well-structured texts on complex topics in an appropriate style with good grammatical control.

I can write clear, detailed, well- developed short stories and descriptions of personal experiences.

I can present points of view in a paper, developing an argument, highlighting the most important points, and supporting my reasoning with examples.

I can express myself clearly and appropriately in personal correspondence, describing experiences, feelings and reactions in depth.

 

STRATEGIES

I can select from a readily available range of expressions to preface my remarks appropriately and to follow up what other people say.

I do not have to restrict what I want say at all; if I can’t find one expression I can substitute with another.

I can monitor my speech and writing to repair slips and improve formulation.

 

QUALITY OF LANGUAGE

I have a good command of a broad vocabulary.

I do sometimes have to search for expressions but can then find alternatives to express what I want to say.

I can formulate statements in a very precise manner in order to indicate my degree of agreement, certainty, concern, satisfaction, etc.

I can produce clear, well-structured speech and writing, linking my ideas into coherent text.

I maintain a high degree of grammatical control in speech and writing.

I can express myself fluently and spontaneously, except occasionally, when speaking about a conceptually difficult subject. I can use language flexibly and appropriately, adjusting my expression depending who I am talking or writing to.

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