C2 (ALTE Level Five)

At this level, the learner is approaching the linguistic competence of an educated native speaker, and is able to use the language in a range of culturally appropriate ways. Users at this level are able to improve their use of the language by extending their vocabulary and refining their usage and command of style and register rather than by learning about new areas of grammar. Their level of competence gives them access to the press and other media, and to areas of the culture such as drama, film and literature.

Success in examinations at this level may be seen as proof that the learner is able to cope with high level academic work. Such examinations frequently have some cultural or academic content, often in the form of an optional component.

Productive Skills

Speaking
In social and travel contexts, a Level C2 user can cope with ease with the language use situations of everyday life, including conversations on a variety of topics and in a variety of contexts. Lapses in understanding or appropriacy of language use which occur are likely to be minor, and users at this level have the strategies for repairing misunderstandings. They can also handle phone conversations with people they know on a variety of topics.

In the workplace, they can argue a case effectively, justifying demands and specifying needs clearly. They can handle a wide range of non-routine as well as routine situations arising out of dealings with colleagues and outside contacts. In meetings they can participate fully in discussions and arguments. If unknown terms are used, they can check them or compensate for lack of knowledge in the same way a native speaker would.

If studying, users at this level can give a presentation or demonstration, handling questions or criticisms appropriately, although a complex, theoretical matter may prove difficult to explain. They can take an active part in seminars and tutorials, arguing and expressing disagreement without giving offence.

Writing
In the social and travel context, all normal uses of writing are available at a level below this.

In the workplace, learners at this level can handle a wide range of non-routine as well as routine situations arising out of dealings with colleagues and outside contacts. They can take dictation on all matters likely to arise in their area of expertise, but may need to use a dictionary to check spellings, just as a native speaker would. In meetings, they can make full and accurate notes while continuing to follow discussions and arguments and participate in them. Correspondence, even of a specialist type, can be understood at this level, and the learner can write any type of letter demanded by the area of work. They can write reports without taking much longer than a native speaker, and without the risk of more than occasional, minor errors, and can write a set of instructions with little risk of error, even when complex or sensitive issues are involved.

If studying, users at this level can make useful notes from text, and write essays with only the occasional error in grammar or vocabulary. They can write accounts of experiments with sensitivity to the conventions of presentation and style.

Receptive Skills

Reading
In social and travel contexts, users at this level can cope with all areas of the media with little risk of misunderstanding.

In the workplace, they can deal with correspondence, even where specialist areas of knowledge are involved. Reports and articles are also fully accessible, with the possibility of difficulties only where very complex or technical points are being made.

If studying, they can use written sources of information effectively. In dealing with texts, reading speed is still slow for a postgraduate level of study, and culturally remote references in the material may interfere with understanding. Sources of information can be accessed, the usefulness of materials assessed and dictionaries used effectively.

Listening
In social and travel contexts, users at this level can cope with most of what is available in the media.

In the workplace, such learners can follow presentations, demonstrations, with difficulties only where complex theoretical information, of a kind which might also present difficulties to a native speaker, is given.

If studying, they can cope with lectures, presentations and demonstrations, although jokes and allusions and unfamiliar accents could cause difficulties.