The table below illustrates typical ability in the social and
tourism context at each level and in the skill areas.
Click on the other ability statements to the left to view other
tables.
LEVELS |
Listening/Speaking |
Reading |
Writing |
C2
Level 5 |
CAN talk about complex or sensitive issues without awkwardness. |
CAN (when looking for accommodation) understand a tenancy
agreement in detail, for example technical details and the
main legal implications. |
CAN write letters on any subject with good expression and
accuracy. |
C1
Level 4 |
CAN keep up conversations of a casual nature for an extended
period of time and discuss abstract/cultural topics with
a good degree of fluency and range of expression. |
CAN understand complex opinions/arguments as expressed
in serious newspapers. |
CAN write letters on most subjects. Such difficulties as
the reader may experience are likely to be at the level
of vocabulary. |
B2
Level 3 |
CAN keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics,
such as personal and professional experiences, events currently
in the news. |
CAN understand detailed information, for example a wide range of culinary terms on a restaurant menu, and terms and abbreviations in accommodation advertisements. |
CAN write to a hotel to ask about the availability of services,
for example facilities for the disabled or the provision
of a special diet. |
B1
Level 2 |
CAN express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a
limited way and pick up nuances of meaning/opinion. |
CAN understand factual articles in newspapers, routine
letters from hotels and letters expressing personal opinions. |
CAN write letters on a limited range of predictable topics
related to personal experience and express opinions in predictable
language. |
A2
Level 1 |
CAN express likes and dislikes in familiar contexts using
simple language such as 'I (don't) like...'. |
CAN understand straightforward information, for example
labels on food, standard menus, road signs and messages
on automatic cash machines. |
CAN complete most forms related to personal information. |
A1
ALTE breakthrough level |
CAN ask simple questions of a factual nature and understand
answers expressed in simple language. |
CAN understand simple notices and information, for example
in airports, on store guides and on menus. CAN understand
simple instructions on medicines and simple directions to
places. |
CAN leave a very simple message for a host family or write
short simple 'thank you' notes. |
