Levels of language
proficiency
Elementary level
|
A1
|
ALTE: Breakthrough
|
Beginner level
|
A2
|
ALTE: Waystage User
|
Pre-intermediate level
|
B1
|
ALTE: Threshold User
|
Intermediate level
|
B2
|
ALTE: Independent User
|
Advanced level
|
C1
|
ALTE: Competent User
|
Proficiency level
|
C2
|
ALTE: Good User
|
Description of
linguistic skills for particular level of language proficiency
A1
|
The user can
understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed
at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. The user can ask and answer questions about personal
details such as where he/she lives, people she knows and things he/she has. The
user can introduce him/herself and others. The user can interact in a simple way provided that
the other person talks slowly and clearly, and is prepared to help.
|
A2
|
The user can
understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (such as most basic personal and family information ,
shopping, local environment and employment). The user can communicate in simple routine tasks requiring
a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. The
user can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate
environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
|
B1
|
The user can
understand the main points of clear standard input of familiar matters regularly
encountered at work, school, leisure, etc. The user can deal with most situations likely to
arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. The
user can produce simple connected oral speech and text on topics which are
familir or of personal interest. The user can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and
ambitions and briefly give reasons for opinions and plans.
|
B2
|
The user can understand the main ideas of complex
text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in
his/her field of specialization. The user can interact with a degree of
fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite
possible without strain for either party. The user can produce a 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.
|
C1
|
The user can understand a wide range of demanding
longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. The user can express him/herself fluently
and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. The user
can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and
professional purposes. The user can produce clear, well-structured, detailed
text on complex subjects, showing controlled use or organisational patterns,
connectors and cohesive devices.
|
C2
|
The user with ease
virtually everything heard or read. The user can summarise information from different spoken or written
sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. The
user can express him/herself spontaineously, fluently and precisely,
differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
|
Source: ESOKJ 2003