The table below illustrates typical ability in the work 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 advise on/handle complex delicate or contentious issues,
such as legal or financial matters, to the extent that he/she
has the necessary specialist knowledge. |
CAN understand reports and articles likely to be encountered
during his/her work, including complex ideas expressed in
complex language. |
CAN make full and accurate notes and continue to participate
in a meeting or seminar. |
C1
Level 4 |
CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within
own area of work and argue for or against a case. |
CAN understand correspondence expressed in non-standard
language. |
CAN handle a wide range of routine and non-routine situations
in which professional services are requested from colleague
or external contacts. |
B2
Level 3 |
CAN take and pass on most messages that are likely to require
attention during a normal working day. |
CAN understand most correspondence, reports and factual
product literature he/she is likely to come across. |
CAN deal with all routine requests for goods or services. |
B1
Level 2 |
CAN offer advice to clients within own job area on simple
matters. |
CAN understand the general meaning of non-routine letters
and theoretical articles within own work area. |
CAN make reasonably accurate notes at a meeting or seminar
where the subject matter is familiar and predictable. |
A2
Level 1 |
CAN state simple requirements within own job area, such
as 'I want to order 25 of...'. |
CAN understand most short reports or manuals of a predictable
nature within his/her own area of expertise, provided enough
time is given. |
CAN write a short, comprehensive note of request to a colleague
or a known contact in another company. |
A1
ALTE breakthrough level |
CAN take and pass on simple messages of a routine kind,
such as 'Friday meeting 10 am'. |
CAN understand short reports or product descriptions on
familiar matters, if these are expressed in simple language
and the contents are predictable. |
CAN write a simple routine request to a colleague, such
as 'Can I have 20X please?'. |
