Global Curriculum - MyKaplan · 2018-03-29 · Global Curriculum The Kaplan International English (KIE) Global Curriculum provides a framework for the design and delivery of all KIE

Global CurriculumThe Kaplan International English (KIE) Global Curriculum provides a framework for the design and delivery of all KIE courses. The Curriculum makes clear how our many different courses relate to one another, and by providing a standard framework, it also ensures that courses, assessment, and certification are consistent and transparent across all regions.

The Curriculum is also explicitly linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the most widely recognized framework of reference for languages across the globe. This link provides our levels and our certification with external validity, maximum portability, and widespread recognition.

The CurriculumThe Global Curriculum describes what language learners can do at a series of seven levels of attainment. Those levels are linked to the CEFR as below.

KIE Curriculum Level CEFR LevelProficiency C2Advanced C1

Higher Intermediate B2Intermediate B1

Lower Intermediate A2Elementary A1Beginner Pre-A1

Each level of the Curriculum contains a general description of what a language learner at that level should be able to do.

This is followed by a much more comprehensive list of the competencies necessary for communication, and the related knowledge and skills, in a series of can-do statements.

Those descriptions of what learners can do in English are divided into the following areas:

• Spoken Production

• Spoken Interaction

• Writing

• Listening

• Reading

• Pronunciation

Kaplan International English Global Curriculum 20142

The Curriculum also lists the linguistic knowledge expected at each level, under the following two categories:

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

Finally the Curriculum provides a descriptive list of what successful language learners do. Students are encouraged to incorporate these strategies into their study habits, to become better language learners:

• Study Skills

By providing a detailed description of what students should be able to do at each level, the Global Curriculum provides the framework for our many courses, and each and every KIE course is written within that framework.

The syllabus for each of the KIE Courses outlines which level the course is, which can-do descriptors are covered, and in what order. Syllabuses and materials for all courses and programmes in Kaplan International English will be developed in line with the Global Curriculum. Many courses and programmes, like General English and Structured Study, will be developed regionally, to take into account linguistic and operational differences. Other courses, such as Specific Skills or English for Specific Skills, may be developed within individual Centers. In all cases, however, using the Curriculum as the common framework ensures consistency across regions.

Assessment for all courses will also be developed in line with the Global Curriculum, with a common Placement and Exit Test, and common Level Tests used across all regions. Standardized assessment will also ensure that certification of students is reliable, valid and transparent.

Using the Curriculum as a framework

Global CurriculumCan-Do Statements

Pre-A1:Beginner

Can-do statements are adapted from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Those descriptors marked with a (+) describe a strong performance by a student at that level.

Can, with the aid of gesture, understand and use very familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type, as long as the listener is patient and sympathetic. Can introduce himself/herself and interact in a very simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to repeat himself/herself and help.

Global Descriptor


Spoken ProductionTag Descriptor Category

SP001 Can convey personal information and other simple information using basic phrases and formulaic expressions. (+) Overall Spoken Production

SP002 Can convey very limited information about myself using simple words and basic phrases.

Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP010 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Sustained Monologue: Putting a case (e.g. in a debate)

SP014 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Public Announcements

SP015 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Addressing Audiences

SP019 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Planning

SP021 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Compensating

SP025 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Monitoring and Repair

SP028 Simple words and basic phrases and formulaic expressions. General Linguistic Range

SP032 Simple words and basic phrases and formulaic expressions. Vocabulary Range

SP035 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Vocabulary Control

SP036 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Grammatical Accuracy

SP038 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Phonological Control

SP039 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Thematic Development

SP040 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Coherence and Cohesion

SP042 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Spoken Fluency

SP045 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Propositional Precision

Pre-A1 Beginner - Spoken Production


Spoken InteractionTag Descriptor Category

SI001Can ask and answer personal questions using familiar formulaic expressions and some basic sentences (although these are not necessarily accurate). (+)

Overall Spoken Interaction

SI006 Can understand simple questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her. (+)

Understanding a Native Speaker Interlocutor

SI009 Can ask and answer simple questions about times, dates and places. (+) Conversation

SI010 Can ask and answer simple questions about personal topics. Conversation

SI017 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI025 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI030 Can understand simple questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her. (+) Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI031 Can ask people for things, and give people things if addressed carefully and slowly. (+) Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI036 Can ask people for things and give people things if addressed carefully and slowly. (+)

Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services

SI037 Can handle simple numbers, quantities, cost and times with repetition. (+)


SI044 Can understand simple questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her. (+) Information Exchange

SI054 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Interviewing and Being Interviewed

SI058 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI062 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Co-operating

SI066 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Asking for Clarification

SI069 Can use the simplest everyday polite forms of: greetings and farewells; introductions; saying please, thank you, sorry etc. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI073 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Flexibility

Pre-A1 Beginner - Spoken Interaction


WritingTag Descriptor Category

W001 Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences about a limited range of topics. (+) Overall Written Production

W002 Can write simple phrases and sentences about themselves. (+) Creative Writing

W006 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Reports and Essays

W010 Can fill in a written form with basic information (name, address and occupation). (+) Overall Written Interaction

W012 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Correspondence

W014Can fill in a written form with basic information (name, address and occupation). (+) Notes, Messages and Forms

W016 Can copy out single words presented in standard printed format. Processing Text

W019 Can write upper and lower case letters. Orthographic Control

W021 Simple words and basic phrases and formulaic expressions. Vocabulary Range

W024 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Vocabulary Control

W025 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Grammatical Accuracy

W027 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Coherence and Cohesion

Pre-A1 Beginner - Writing


ListeningTag Descriptor Category

L001 Can catch key information necessary for everyday life provided it is delivered slowly and clearly. (+) Overall Listening Comprehension

L004 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Understanding Conversation Between Native Speakers

L006 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Listening as a Member of a Live Audience

L008 Can understand short simple instructions such as stand up or sit down, stop, provided they are delivered face-to-face slowly. (+)

Listening to Announcements and Instructions

L010 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Listening to Audio Media and Recordings

L012 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Watching TV and Film

L015 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Identifying Cues and Inferring

L017 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Note-taking (Lectures, seminars, etc.)

Pre-A1 Beginner - Listening


ReadingTag Descriptor Category

R001Can understand very short, simple directions and individual words in context with support from pictures. (+) Overall Reading Comprehension

R003 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Reading Correspondence

R005 Can recognize familiar names and words on simple notices in the most common everyday situations. (+) Reading for Orientation

R008Can get an idea of the content of very simple or familiar informational material (such as a fast food menu) if there is visual support. (+)

Reading for Information and Argument

R011 Can follow very short, simple written directions. (+) Reading Instructions

R013 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Identifying Cues and Inferring

Pre-A1 Beginner - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V001 The alphabet Functions and Notions

V002 Numbers Functions and Notions

V003 Prices Functions and Notions

V004 Time Functions and Notions

V005 Directions Functions and Notions

V006 Greetings Functions and Notions

V007 Personal information Functions and Notions

V008 Habits and routines Functions and Notions

V030 Common abbreviations Lexis

V032 Animals Lexis

V033 Nationalities and countries Lexis

V034 Food and drink Lexis

V036 Things in the town Lexis

V039 High frequency adjectives Lexis

V040 High frequency verbs Lexis

V042 Sports Lexis

V043 Clothes Lexis

V044 Colours Lexis

V045 Dimensions, size and shape Lexis

V046 Days of the week, months, years and dates Lexis

V048 Parts of the body Lexis

V067 Family life Topics

V068 Hobbies, pastimes and leisure activities Topics

V070 Work and jobs Topics

V071 Shopping Topics

Pre-A1 Beginner - Vocabulary


GrammarTag Descriptor Category G009 To be Simple Verb Forms

G010 Have got / have (possessive) Simple Verb Forms

G011 Imperatives (affirmative / negative) Simple Verb Forms

G012 Question forms Questions

G015 Simple present Present

G016 Present continuous Present

G017 Simple past Past

G023 Future time: Going to Future

G047 Can / can't for ability Modals: Can

G063 Countable and uncountable Nouns

G064 There is / there are Nouns

G066 Personal subject pronouns Pronouns

G067 Possessive adjectives Possessives

G068 Use of 's s' Possessives

G069 Possessive pronouns Possessives

G070 Common prepositions Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

G071 Prepositional phrases (time and movement) Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

G072 Prepositional phrases (place and time) Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

G073 Definite / indefinite articles Articles

G081 Common adjectives Adjectives

G082 Demonstrative adjectives Adjectives

G095 Very basic intensifiers (e.g. very, really) Intensifiers

Pre-A1 Beginner - Grammar


Tag Descriptor Category

P001 Can produce the basic sounds of the English language including consonant clusters/diphthongs. Production

P010 Can recognize the basic sounds of the English language including consonant clusters/diphthongs. Recognition

Pronunciation

Pre-A1 Beginner - Pronunciation


Study SkillsTag Descriptor Category

SS001 Uses a bilingual dictionary to look up words to allow expression of basic needs. Study Skills

SS002 Uses a vocabulary notebook to record new words . Study Skills

SS003 Revises and tests him/herself on new words regularly and repeatedly. Study Skills

SS007 Practises sounds he/she finds difficult. Study Skills

Pre-A1 Beginner - Study Skills


A1:Elementary


Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce himself/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows, and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Global Descriptor



SP101 Can produce simple mainly isolated phrases about people and places. Overall Spoken Production

SP102 Can describe him/herself, what he/she does and where he/she lives.



SP114 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Public Announcements

SP115 Can read a very short, rehearsed statement – e.g. to introduce a speaker, propose a toast. Addressing Audiences

SP119 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Planning

SP121 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Compensating


SP128 Has a very basic range of simple expressions about personal details and needs of a concrete type. General Linguistic Range

SP132 Has a basic vocabulary repertoire of isolated words and phrases related to particular concrete situations. Vocabulary Range

SP135 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Vocabulary Control

SP136 Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learnt repertoire. Grammatical Accuracy

SP138Pronunciation of a very limited repertoire of learnt words and phrases can be understood with some effort by native speakers used to dealing with speakers of his/her language group.

Phonological Control

SP139 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Thematic Development

SP140 Can link words or groups of words with very basic linear connectors like ‘and’ or ‘then’. Coherence and Cohesion

SP142Can manage very short, isolated, mainly pre-packaged utterances, with much pausing to search for expressions, to articulate less familiar words, and to repair communication.

Spoken Fluency

SP145 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Propositional Precision

A1 Elementary - Spoken Production



SI101

Can interact in a simple way but communication is totally dependent on repetition at a slower rate of speech, rephrasing and repair. Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.


SI106Can understand everyday expressions aimed at the satisfaction of simple needs of a concrete type, delivered directly to him/her in clear, slow and repeated speech by a sympathetic speaker.


SI107 Can understand questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her and follow short, simple directions.


SI109 Can make an introduction and use basic greeting and leave-taking expressions. Conversation

SI110 Can ask how people are and react to news. Conversation

SI111Can understand everyday expressions aimed at the satisfaction of simple needs of a concrete type, delivered directly to him/her in clear, slow and repeated speech by a sympathetic speaker.

Conversation

SI117 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI125 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI130 Can understand questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her and follow short, simple directions. Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI131 Can ask people for things, and give people things. Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI136 Can ask people for things and give people things. Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services

SI137 Can handle numbers, quantities, cost and time. Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services

SI144 Can understand questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her and follow short, simple directions. Information Exchange

SI145Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

Information Exchange

SI146 Can ask and answer questions about themselves and other people, where they live, people they know, things they have. Information Exchange

SI147 Can indicate time by such phrases as next week, last Friday, in November, three o’clock. Information Exchange

A1 Elementary - Spoken Interaction



SI154Can reply in an interview to simple direct questions spoken very slowly and clearly in direct non-idiomatic speech about personal details.

Interviewing and Being Interviewed

SI158 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI162 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Co-operating

SI166 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Asking for Clarification

SI169Can establish basic social contact by using the simplest everyday polite forms of: greetings and farewells; introductions; saying please, thank you, sorry etc.

Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI173 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Flexibility

A1 Elementary - Spoken Interaction



W101 Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences. Overall Written Production

W102 Can write simple phrases and sentences about themselves and imaginary people, where they live and what they do. Creative Writing


W110 Can ask for or pass on personal details in written form. Overall Written Interaction

W112 Can write a short simple message, note, email, or text message. Correspondence

W114Can write numbers and dates, own name, nationality, address, age, date of birth or arrival in the country etc. such as on an application. Notes, Messages and Forms

W116 Can copy out single words and short texts presented in standard printed format. Processing Text

W119Can copy familiar words and short phrases e.g. simple signs or instructions, names of everyday objects, names of shops and set phrases used regularly.

Orthographic Control

W120 Can spell his/her address, nationality and other personal details. Orthographic Control

W121 Has a basic vocabulary repertoire of isolated words and phrases related to particular concrete situations. Vocabulary Range

W124 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Vocabulary Control

W125 Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learnt repertoire. Grammatical Accuracy

W127 Can link words or groups of words with very basic linear connectors like ‘and’ or ‘then’. Coherence and Cohesion

A1 Elementary - Writing



L101 Can follow speech that is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning. Overall Listening Comprehension

L104 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Understanding Conversation Between Native Speakers


L108 Can understand instructions addressed carefully and slowly to him/her and follow short, simple directions.


L110 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Listening to Audio Media and Recordings

L112 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Watching TV and Film

L115 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Identifying Cues and Inferring

L117 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Note-taking (Lectures, seminars etc.)

A1 Elementary - Listening


Reading


R101Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.

Overall Reading Comprehension

R103 Can understand short, simple written messages or emails. Reading Correspondence

R105 Can recognize familiar names, words and very basic phrases on simple notices in the most common everyday situations. Reading for Orientation

R108 Can get an idea of the content of simpler informational material and short simple descriptions, especially if there is visual support.


R111 Can follow short, simple written directions (e.g. to go from X to Y). Reading Instructions

R113 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Identifying Cues and Inferring

A1 Elementary - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V102 Numbers Functions and Notions

V103 Prices Functions and Notions

V104 Time Functions and Notions

V105 Directions Functions and Notions

V106 Greetings Functions and Notions

V107 Personal information Functions and Notions

V108 Habits and routines Functions and Notions

V130 Common abbreviations Lexis

V131 Prefixes and suffixes Lexis

V132 Animals Lexis

V133 Nationalities and countries Lexis



V137 Travel and services Lexis

V138 High frequency adverbs Lexis


V140 High frequency verbs Lexis

V141 Compound nouns Lexis

V142 Sports Lexis

V143 Clothes Lexis

V144 Colours Lexis

V145 Dimensions, size and shape Lexis

V146 Days of the week, months, years and dates Lexis


V161 Computers and technology Topics

V166 Weather and seasons Topics

V167 Family life Topics


A1 Elementary - Vocabulary


Tag Descriptor Category V169 Holidays / Vacations Topics



A1 Elementary - Vocabulary


GrammarTag Descriptor Category G101 Connecting words ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘because’ Discourse Markers

G109 To be Simple Verb Forms

G110 Have got / have (possessive) Simple Verb Forms







G130 Present perfect simple Present Perfect

G132 I'd like Gerunds and Infinitives

G133 Gerunds Gerunds and Infinitives

G147 Can / can't for ability Modals: Can

G148 Can / could for permission, offers and requests Modals: Can


G164 There is / there are Nouns

G166 Personal subject pronouns Pronouns

G167 Possessive adjectives Possessives

G168 Use of 's s' Possessives


G170 Common prepositions Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases



G173 Definite / indefinite articles Articles

G178 Basic determiners (e.g. any, some, a lot of) Determiners


A1 Elementary - Grammar


Tag Descriptor Category G182 Demonstrative adjectives Adjectives

G185 Comparative and superlative adjectives Adjectives

G187 Adverbs of frequency Adverbs


A1 Elementary - Grammar



P101 Can produce the basic sounds of the English language including consonant clusters/diphthongs. Production

P102Can produce contracted forms of the verbs be and have in the affirmative, negative and interrogative, e.g. I’m, you’re, he’s, we’ve, they’ve.

Production

P103 Can use rising intonation for yes/no questions and falling intonation for wh- questions. Production

P104 Can produce verb endings for gerunds, present simple and past simple regular verbs, e.g. /ŋ/, /s/, /z/ and /ɪz/, /t/, /d/ and /ɪd/. Production

P105 Can produce basic sentence stress, e.g. can/can’t, intensifiers, and possessive pronouns and articles. Production

P110 Can recognize the basic sounds of the English language including consonant clusters/diphthongs. Recognition

P111 Can recognize connected speech features of auxiliaries and subjects in questions, e.g. /ɑ:rjə/ and /dɪʤjə/. Recognition

P112 Can recognize vowel reductions and weak forms. Recognition

P113 Can recognize basic sentence stress, e.g. can/can’t, intensifiers, and possessive pronouns and articles. Recognition

Pronunciation

A1 Elementary - Pronunciation



SS101 Uses a bilingual dictionary to find the meaning of new words. Study Skills

SS102 Uses a vocabulary notebook to record and organize new lexical items and sets. Study Skills

SS103 Revises and tests him/herself on new words regularly and repeatedly. Study Skills

SS104 Uses the Study Centre and Study Clubs to practise his/her English. Study Skills

SS105 Sets targets for language learning and then assesses whether or not he/she has achieved them. Study Skills

SS106 Asks questions when he/she doesn’t understand. Study Skills


A1 Elementary - Study Skills


A2: Lower Intermediate


Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.

Global Descriptor



SP201Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Overall Spoken Production

SP202Can tell a story or describe something in a simple list of points. Can describe everyday aspects of his/her environment e.g. people, places, a job or study experience. (+)


SP203 Can give short, basic descriptions of events and activities. (+) Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP204 Can describe plans and arrangements, habits and routines, past activities and personal experiences. (+)


SP205 Can use simple descriptive language to make brief statements about and compare objects and possessions. (+)


SP206 Can explain what he/she likes or dislikes about something. (+) Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP207 Can describe his/her family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job.


SP208 Can describe people, places and possessions in simple terms. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience


SP214Can deliver very short, rehearsed announcements of predictable, learnt content which are intelligible to listeners who are prepared to concentrate.

Public Announcements

SP215Can give a short, rehearsed presentation on a topic pertinent to his/her everyday life, briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions. (+)

Addressing Audiences

SP216 Can cope with a limited number of straightforward follow-up questions. (+) Addressing Audiences

SP217 Can give a short, rehearsed, basic presentation on a familiar subject. Addressing Audiences

SP218Can answer straightforward follow-up questions if he/she can ask for repetition and if some help with the formulation of his/her reply is possible.


SP219 Can recall and rehearse an appropriate set of phrases from his/her repertoire. Planning

A2 Lower Intermediate - Spoken Production



SP221 Can identify what he/she means by pointing to it (e.g. ‘I’d like this, please’). Compensating


SP228

Has a repertoire of basic language which enables him/her to deal with everyday situations with predictable content, though he/she will generally have to compromise the message and search for words. (+)

General Linguistic Range

SP229Can produce brief everyday expressions in order to satisfy simple needs of a concrete type: personal details, daily routines, wants and needs, requests for information.


SP230Can use basic sentence patterns and communicate with memorized phrases, groups of a few words and formulae about themselves and other people, what they do, places, possessions etc.


SP231Has a limited repertoire of short memorized phrases covering predictable survival situations; frequent breakdowns and misunderstandings occur in non-routine situations.


SP232 Has sufficient vocabulary to conduct routine, everyday transactions involving familiar situations and topics. (+) Vocabulary Range

SP233 Has a sufficient vocabulary for the expression of basic communicative needs. Vocabulary Range

SP234 Has a sufficient vocabulary for coping with simple survival needs. Vocabulary Range

SP235 Can control a narrow repertoire dealing with concrete everyday needs. Vocabulary Control

SP236

Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes – for example tends to mix up tenses and forget to mark agreement; nevertheless, it is usually clear what he/she is trying to say.

Grammatical Accuracy

SP238Pronunciation is generally clear enough to be understood despite a noticeable foreign accent, but conversational partners will need to ask for repetition from time to time.

Phonological Control

SP239 Can tell a story or describe something in a simple list of points. Thematic Development

SP240Can use the most frequently occurring connectors to link simple sentences in order to tell a story or describe something as a simple list of points. (+)

Coherence and Cohesion

SP241 Can link groups of words with simple connectors like ‘and’, ‘but’ and ‘because’. Coherence and Cohesion

SP242 Can make him/herself understood in short contributions, even though pauses, false starts and reformulation are very evident. (+) Spoken Fluency




SP243Can construct phrases on familiar topics with sufficient ease to handle short exchanges, despite very noticeable hesitation and false starts.

Spoken Fluency

SP245

Can communicate what he/she wants to say in a simple and direct exchange of limited information on familiar and routine matters, but in other situations he/she generally has to compromise the message.

Propositional Precision




SI201Can interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary. (+)


SI202Can manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; can ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations. (+)


SI203Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time.


SI204Can handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going of his/her own accord.


SI206 Can understand enough to manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort. (+)


SI207Can generally understand clear, standard speech on familiar matters directed at him/her, provided he/she can ask for repetition or reformulation from time to time. (+)


SI208Can understand what is said clearly, slowly and directly to him/her in simple everyday conversation; can be made to understand, if the speaker can take the trouble.


SI209 Can establish social contact: greetings and farewells; introductions; giving thanks. (+) Conversation

SI210Can generally understand clear, standard speech on familiar matters directed at him/her, provided he/she can ask for repetition or reformulation from time to time. (+)

Conversation

SI211 Can participate in short conversations in routine contexts on topics of interest. (+) Conversation

SI212 Can express how he/she feels in simple terms, and express thanks. (+) Conversation

SI213

Can handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going of his/her own accord, though he/she can be made to understand if the speaker will take the trouble.

Conversation

SI214 Can use simple everyday polite forms of greeting and address. Conversation

A2 Lower Intermediate - Spoken Interaction


Tag Descriptor Category SI215 Can make and respond to invitations, suggestions and apologies. Conversation

SI216 Can say what he/she likes and dislikes. Conversation

SI217 Can generally identify the topic of discussion around him/her when it is conducted slowly and clearly. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI218 Can discuss what to do in the evening, at the weekend. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI219 Can make and respond to suggestions. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI220 Can agree and disagree with others. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI221 Can discuss everyday practical issues in a simple way when addressed clearly, slowly and directly. Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI222 Can discuss what to do, where to go and make arrangements to meet. Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI225 Can generally follow changes of topic in formal discussion related to his/her field which is conducted slowly and clearly. (+) Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI226

Can exchange relevant information and give his/her opinion on practical problems when asked directly, provided he/she receives some help with formulation and can ask for repetition of key points if necessary. (+)

Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI227Can say what he/she thinks about things when addressed directly in a formal meeting, provided he/she can ask for repetition of key points if necessary.


SI230Can understand enough to manage simple, routine tasks without undue effort, asking very simply for repetition when he/she does not understand. (+)

Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI231 Can discuss what to do next, making and responding to suggestions, asking for and giving directions. (+) Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI232 Can indicate when he/she is following and can be made to understand what is necessary, if the speaker takes the trouble. Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI233Can communicate in simple and routine tasks using simple phrases to ask for and provide things, to get simple information and to discuss what to do next.


SI236 Can deal with common aspects of everyday living such as travel, lodgings, eating and shopping. (+)


SI237 Can get all the information needed from a tourist office, as long as it is of a straightforward, non-specialized nature. (+)


SI238 Can ask for and provide everyday goods and services. Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services




SI239 Can get simple information about travel, use public transport: buses, trains, and taxis, ask and give directions, and buy tickets.


SI240 Can ask about things and make simple transactions in shops, post offices or banks.


SI241 Can give and receive information about quantities, numbers, prices etc.


SI242 Can make simple purchases by stating what is wanted and asking the price.


SI243 Can order a meal. Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services

SI244 Can understand enough to manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort. (+) Information Exchange

SI245 Can deal with practical everyday demands: finding out and passing on straightforward factual information. (+) Information Exchange

SI246 Can ask and answer questions about habits and routines. (+) Information Exchange

SI247 Can ask and answer questions about pastimes and past activities. (+) Information Exchange

SI248 Can give and follow simple directions and instructions, e.g. explain how to get somewhere. (+) Information Exchange

SI249 Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information. Information Exchange

SI250 Can exchange limited information on familiar and routine operational matters. Information Exchange

SI251 Can ask and answer questions about what they do at work and in free time. Information Exchange

SI252 Can ask for and give directions referring to a map or plan. Information Exchange

SI253 Can ask for and provide personal information. Information Exchange

SI254

Can make him/herself understood in an interview and communicate ideas and information on familiar topics, provided he/she can ask for clarification occasionally, and is given some help to express what he/she wants to. (+)


SI255 Can answer simple questions and respond to simple statements in an interview. Interviewing and Being Interviewed

SI258 Can use simple techniques to start, maintain, or end a short conversation. (+) Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI259 Can initiate, maintain and close simple, face-to-face conversation. (+) Taking the Floor (Turntaking)



Tag Descriptor Category SI260 Can ask for attention. Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI262 Can indicate when he/she is following. Co-operating

SI266 Can ask very simply for repetition when he/she does not understand. (+) Asking for Clarification

SI267 Can ask for clarification about key words or phrases not understood using stock phrases. (+) Asking for Clarification

SI268 Can say he/she didn’t follow. Asking for Clarification

SI269Can perform and respond to basic language functions, such as information exchange and requests and express opinions and attitudes in a simple way. (+)


SI270 Can socialize simply but effectively using the simplest common expressions and following basic routines. (+) Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI271 Can handle very short social exchanges, using everyday polite forms of greeting and address. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI272 Can make and respond to invitations, suggestions, apologies etc. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI273 Can adapt well-rehearsed memorized simple phrases to particular circumstances through limited lexical substitution. (+) Flexibility

SI274 Can expand learned phrases through simple recombinations of their elements. Flexibility




W201 Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like ‘and’, ‘but’ and ‘because’. Overall Written Production

W202 Can write about everyday aspects of his/her environment, e.g. people, places, a job or study experience in linked sentences. (+) Creative Writing

W203 Can write very short, basic descriptions of events, past activities and personal experiences. (+) Creative Writing

W204Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences about their family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job.

Creative Writing

W205 Can write short, simple imaginary biographies and simple poems about people. Creative Writing


W210 Can write short, simple formulaic notes relating to matters in areas of immediate need. Overall Written Interaction

W212 Can write very simple personal letters, emails and text messages expressing thanks and apology. Correspondence

W214 Can take a short, simple message provided he/she can ask for repetition and reformulation. Notes, Messages and Forms

W215 Can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate need. Notes, Messages and Forms

W216Can pick out and reproduce key words and phrases or short sentences from a short text within the learner’s limited competence and experience. (+)

Processing Text

W217 Can copy out short texts in typed or clearly handwritten format. Processing Text

W219 Can copy short sentences on everyday subjects – e.g. directions how to get somewhere. Orthographic Control

W220Can write with reasonable phonetic accuracy (but not necessarily fully-standard spelling) short words that are in his/her oral vocabulary.

Orthographic Control

W221 Has sufficient vocabulary to conduct routine, everyday transactions involving familiar situations and topics. (+) Vocabulary Range

W222 Has a sufficient vocabulary for the expression of basic written needs. Vocabulary Range

A2 Lower Intermediate - Writing


Tag Descriptor Category W223 Has a sufficient vocabulary for coping with simple survival needs. Vocabulary Range

W224 Can control a narrow repertoire dealing with concrete everyday needs. Vocabulary Control

W225

Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes – for example, tends to mix up tenses and forget to mark agreement; nevertheless, it is usually clear what he/she is trying to express through writing.


W227Can use the most frequently occurring connectors to link simple sentences in order to write a story or describe something as a simple list of points. (+)


W228 Can link groups of words with simple connectors like ‘and’, ‘but’ and ‘because’. Coherence and Cohesion

A2 Lower Intermediate - Writing



L201 Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated. (+) Overall Listening Comprehension

L202

Can understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.

Overall Listening Comprehension

L204 Can generally identify the topic of discussion around him/her, when it is conducted slowly and clearly.

Understanding Conversation Between Native Speakers


L208 Can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.


L209 Can understand simple directions relating to how to get from X to Y, by foot or public transport.


L210Can understand and extract the essential information from short, recorded passages dealing with predictable everyday matters which are delivered slowly and clearly.

Listening to Audio Media and Recordings

L212 Can identify the main point of TV news items reporting events, accidents etc. where the visual supports the commentary. (+) Watching TV and Film

L213 Can follow changes of topic of factual TV news items, and form an idea of the main content. Watching TV and Film

L215Can use an idea of the overall meaning of short texts and utterances on everyday topics of a concrete type to derive the probable meaning of unknown words from the context.

Identifying Cues and Inferring

L217 Working towards descriptor at a higher level Note-taking (Lectures, seminars etc.)

A2 Lower Intermediate - Listening



R201Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high frequency everyday or job-related language. (+)


R202Can understand short, simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a proportion of shared international vocabulary items.


R203Can understand basic types of standard routine letters and emails (enquiries, orders, letters of confirmation etc.) on familiar topics. (+)

Reading Correspondence

R204 Can understand short, simple personal letters or emails. Reading Correspondence

R205Can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus, reference lists and timetables. (+)

Reading for Orientation

R206 Can locate specific information in lists and isolate the information required (e.g. do an Internet search to find a service or tradesman). Reading for Orientation

R207Can understand everyday signs and notices: in public places, such as streets, restaurants, railway stations; in workplaces, such as directions, instructions, hazard warnings.


R208Can identify specific information in simpler written material he/she encounters such as emails, letters, brochures and short newspaper articles describing events.


R211 Can understand regulations, for example safety, when expressed in simple language. (+) Reading Instructions

R212 Can understand simple instructions on equipment encountered in everyday life – such as a public telephone. Reading Instructions

R213Can use an idea of the overall meaning of short texts and utterances on everyday topics of a concrete type to derive the probable meaning of unknown words from the context.


A2 Lower Intermediate - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V208 Habits and routines Functions and Notions

V209 Describing places and things Functions and Notions

V210 Adjectives for people’s appearance Functions and Notions

V211 Describing past experiences and storytelling Functions and Notions

V229 Containers Lexis





V238 High frequency adverbs Lexis


V241 Compound nouns Lexis

V247 Places and buildings Lexis


V249 Objects in the home Lexis

V250 Adjectives for personality Lexis

V260 Crime Topics

V261 Computers and technology Topics

V262 Health and medicine Topics

V263 Relationships Topics

V264 Life events Topics

V265 Environment and the natural world Topics


V269 Holidays / Vacations Topics



V272 Education Topics

A2 Lower Intermediate - Vocabulary


GrammarTag Descriptor Category G202 Linkers: Sequential - Past time Discourse Markers



G213 Wh- questions in the past Questions

G214 Question tags Questions




G218 Past continuous Past

G219 Used to Past


G224 Future time: Present simple Future

G225 Future time: Present continuous Future

G226 Future time: Will and going to Future



G234 Infinitives Gerunds and Infinitives

G235 Zero conditional Conditionals

G236 1st conditional Conditionals

G241 Common phrasal verbs Phrasal Verbs

G248 Can / could for permission, offers and requests Modals: Can

G249 Might / may Modals: Possibility

G250 Possibly / probably / perhaps Modals: Possibility

G253 Must / mustn't Modals: Obligation and Necessity

G254 Have to Modals: Obligation and Necessity

G256 Should Modals: Obligation and Necessity

G261 Should / could / might Modals: Advice and Suggestions

G262 Shall / should Modals: Advice and Suggestions


A2 Lower Intermediate - Grammar


Tag Descriptor Category G268 Use of 's s' Possessives




G274 Zero article with uncountable nouns Articles

G275 Definite article with superlatives Articles

G276 Articles with countable and uncountable nouns Articles

G278 Basic determiners (e.g. any, some, a lot of) Determiners

G279 Wider range of determiners (e.g. all, none, not (any), enough, (a) few) Determiners


G282 Demonstrative adjectives Adjectives

G283 Adjectives ending -ed and -ing Adjectives


G287 Adverbs of frequency Adverbs

G288 Simple adverbs of place, manner and time Adverbs

G289 Adverbial phrases of time, place, and frequency, including word order Adverbs


G296 Basic intensifiers (e.g. quite so, a bit) Intensifiers

A2 Lower Intermediate - Grammar



P201 Can produce verb patterns for present simple, past simple, present perfect, going to and will. Production

P202 Can produce weak forms in going to, verbs plus infinitive, including have to. Production

P203 Can produce correct word stress in longer adjectives and adverbs. Production

P204 Can produce correct sentence stress to give emphasis when using modal verbs and adverbs. Production

P205 Can produce correct individual sounds in modal verbs should, have to and must. Production

P206 Can produce correct individual sounds in vocabulary items. Production

P210 Can recognize falling intonation on wh- questions, weak forms in auxiliary verbs. Recognition

P211 Can recognize connected speech weak forms in was and were. Recognition

P212 Can recognize sentence stress and intonation in affirmative/negative and questions. Recognition

P213 Can recognize /æ /, /ɑ:/ and /ə/ in can/can't in natural speech. Recognition

Pronunciation

A2 Lower Intermediate - Pronunciation



SS201 Plans his/her time, and follows a study schedule. Study Skills

SS202 Organizes his/her notes and worksheets from class so they are easy to review. Study Skills

SS203 Uses a bilingual dictionary to find the meaning of new words when appropriate. Study Skills

SS204 Uses a vocabulary notebook to record and organize new lexical items and sets. Study Skills

SS205Records as much information as possible about new words (e.g. meaning, pronunciation, parts of speech, collocation, example sentences, similar words, opposites etc.).

Study Skills

SS206 Reviews and tests themselves on new words regularly and repeatedly. Study Skills

SS207 Tries to use new words as often as possible. Study Skills


SS209 Reads appropriately graded English readers from the Study Centre. Study Skills

SS210Reads a variety of texts in English (e.g. newspapers, magazines, websites, brochures), even if he/she does not understand everything that is read.

Study Skills

SS211 Talks in English outside the classroom as much as possible. Study Skills




SS215 Thinks about how he/she likes to learn and chooses activities that he/she enjoys and finds useful. Study Skills

SS216 Watches TV and films in English, even if he/she does not understand everything that is said. Study Skills

SS217 Listens to the radio, music and podcasts in English. Study Skills

SS218 Reviews the grammar from the previous lesson before the next lesson. Study Skills

A2 Lower Intermediate - Study Skills



SS219 Uses a grammar reference and practice book he/she finds easy to use. Study Skills

SS220 Asks people for feedback on his/her pronunciation. Study Skills

SS221 Writes something in English every day. Study Skills

SS222 Keeps a learner journal where he/she reflects on what they have learnt recently. Study Skills

A2 Lower Intermediate - Study Skills


B1: Intermediate


Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where English is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Global Descriptor



SP301Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.


SP302 Can give straightforward descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects within his/her field of interest.


SP303 Can reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points.


SP304 Can give detailed accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions.


SP305 Can relate details of unpredictable occurrences, e.g. an accident. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP306 Can relate the plot of a book or film and describe his/her reactions. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP307 Can describe dreams, hopes and ambitions. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP308 Can describe events, real or imagined. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP309 Can narrate a story. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP310 Can develop an argument well enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time. (+)

Sustained Monologue: Putting a case (e.g. in a debate)

SP311 Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions.


SP314

Can deliver short, rehearsed announcements on a topic pertinent to everyday occurrences in his/her field which, despite possibly very foreign stress and intonation, are nevertheless clearly intelligible.


SP315

Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision.


SP316 Can take follow-up questions, but may have to ask for repetition if the speech was rapid. Addressing Audiences

B1 Intermediate - Spoken Production



SP319 Can rehearse and try out new combinations and expressions, inviting feedback. (+) Planning

SP320Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/she can recall or find the means to express.

Planning

SP321 Can define the features of something concrete for which he/she can’t remember the word. (+) Compensating

SP322 Can convey meaning by qualifying a word meaning something similar (e.g. a truck for people = bus). (+) Compensating

SP323 Can use a simple word meaning something similar to the concept he/she wants to convey and invite ‘correction’. Compensating

SP324 Can foreignize a mother tongue word and ask for confirmation. Compensating

SP325Can correct mix-ups with tenses or expressions that lead to misunderstandings provided the interlocutor indicates there is a problem. (+)

Monitoring and Repair

SP326 Can ask for confirmation that a form used is correct. Monitoring and Repair

SP327 Can start again using a different tactic when communication breaks down. Monitoring and Repair

SP328

Has a sufficient range of language to describe unpredictable situations, explain the main points in an idea or problem with reasonable precision and express thoughts on abstract or cultural topics such as music and films. (+)


SP329

Has enough language to get by, with sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some hesitation and circumlocutions on topics such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events, but lexical limitations cause repetition and even difficulty with formulation at times.


SP332

Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events.

Vocabulary Range

SP335Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations.

Vocabulary Control

SP336

Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express.


SP337 Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used ‘routines’ and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Grammatical Accuracy




SP338 Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur. Phonological Control

SP339 Can reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points. Thematic Development

SP340 Can link a series of shorter, discrete simple elements into a connected, linear sequence of points. Coherence and Cohesion

SP342Can express him/herself with relative ease. Despite some problems with formulation resulting in pauses and ‘cul-de-sacs’, he/she is able to keep going effectively without help. (+)

Spoken Fluency

SP343Can keep going comprehensibly, even though pausing for grammatical and lexical planning and repair is very evident, especially in longer stretches of free production.

Spoken Fluency

SP345 Can explain the main points in an idea or problem with reasonable precision. (+) Propositional Precision

SP346Can convey simple, straightforward information of immediate relevance, getting across which point he/she feels is most important.


SP347 Can express the main point he/she wants to make comprehensibly. Propositional Precision




SI301Can communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to his/her interests and professional field. (+)


SI302 Can exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem. (+) Overall Spoken Interaction

SI303 Can express thoughts on more abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music etc. (+) Overall Spoken Interaction

SI304 Can exploit a wide range of simple language to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling. Overall Spoken Interaction

SI305

Can enter unprepared into conversation on familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).


SI306Can follow clearly articulated speech directed at him/her in everyday conversation, though will sometimes have to ask for repetition of particular words and phrases.


SI309 Can enter unprepared into conversations on familiar topics. Conversation

SI310Can follow clearly articulated speech directed at him/her in everyday conversation, though will sometimes have to ask for repetition of particular words and phrases.

Conversation

SI311Can maintain a conversation or discussion but may sometimes be difficult to follow when trying to say exactly what he/she would like to.

Conversation

SI312 Can express and respond to feelings such as surprise, happiness, sadness, interest and indifference. Conversation

SI317Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics provided interlocutors avoid very idiomatic usage and articulate clearly. (+)

Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI318 Can express his/her thoughts about abstract or cultural topics such as music, films. Can explain why something is a problem. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI319 Can give brief comments on the views of others. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI320 Can compare and contrast alternatives, discussing what to do, where to go, who or which to choose etc. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

B1 Intermediate - Spoken Interaction



SI321 Can generally follow the main points in an informal discussion with friends provided speech is clearly articulated in standard dialect. Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI322 Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI323Can make his/her opinions and reactions understood as regards solutions to problems or practical questions of where to go, what to do, how to organize an event (e.g. an outing).


SI324 Can express belief, opinion, agreement and disagreement politely. Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI325Can follow much of what is said that is related to his/her field, provided interlocutors avoid very idiomatic usage and articulate clearly.


SI326 Can put over a point of view clearly, but has difficulty engaging in debate. Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI327

Can take part in routine formal discussion of familiar subjects which is conducted in clearly articulated speech in the standard dialect and which involves the exchange of factual information, receiving instructions or the discussion of solutions to practical problems.


SI330Can follow what is said, though he/she may occasionally have to ask for repetition or clarification if the other people’s talk is rapid or extended. (+)


SI331 Can explain why something is a problem, discuss what to do next, compare and contrast alternatives. (+) Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI332 Can give brief comments on the views of others. (+) Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI333Can generally follow what is said and, when necessary, can repeat back part of what someone has said to confirm mutual understanding.


SI334Can make his/her opinions and reactions understood as regards possible solutions or the question of what to do next, giving brief reasons and explanations.


SI335 Can invite others to give their views on how to proceed. Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI336Can deal with most transactions likely to arise whilst travelling, arranging travel or accommodation, or dealing with authorities during a foreign visit.


SI337 Can cope with less routine situations in shops, post offices, banks, e.g. returning an unsatisfactory purchase. Can make a complaint.


SI338Can deal with most situations likely to arise when making travel arrangements through an agent or when actually travelling, e.g. asking passenger where to get off for an unfamiliar destination.





SI344Can exchange, check and confirm accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. (+)


SI345 Can describe how to do something, giving detailed instructions. (+) Information Exchange

SI346Can summarize and give his or her opinion about a short story, article, talk, discussion, interview, or documentary and answer further questions of detail. (+)


SI347 Can find out and pass on straightforward factual information. Information Exchange

SI348 Can ask for and follow detailed directions. Information Exchange

SI349 Can obtain more detailed information. Information Exchange

SI354Can provide concrete information required in an interview/consultation (e.g. describe symptoms to a doctor) but does so with limited precision. (+)


SI355Can carry out a prepared interview, checking and confirming information, though he/she may occasionally have to ask for repetition if the other person’s response is rapid or extended. (+)


SI356Can take some initiatives in an interview/consultation (e.g. to bring up a new subject) but is very dependent on interviewer in the interaction.


SI357 Can use a prepared questionnaire to carry out a structured interview, with some spontaneous follow-up questions. Interviewing and Being Interviewed

SI358 Can intervene in a discussion on a familiar topic, using a suitable phrase to get the floor. (+) Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI359 Can initiate, maintain and close simple, face-to-face conversation on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI362 Can exploit a basic repertoire of language and strategies to help keep a conversation or discussion going. (+) Co-Operating

SI363 Can summarize the point reached in a discussion and so help focus the talk. (+) Co-Operating

SI364 Can repeat back part of what someone has said to confirm mutual understanding and help keep the development of ideas on course. Co-Operating

SI365 Can invite others into the discussion. Co-Operating

SI366 Can ask someone to clarify or elaborate what they have just said. Asking for Clarification

SI369 Can perform and respond to a wide range of language functions, using their most common exponents in a neutral register. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI370 Is aware of the salient politeness conventions and acts appropriately. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness




SI371

Is aware of, and looks out for signs of, the most significant differences between the customs, usages, attitudes, values and beliefs prevalent in the community concerned and those of his or her own.


SI373 Can adapt his/her expression to deal with less routine, even difficult, situations. (+) Flexibility

SI374 Can exploit a wide range of simple language flexibly to express much of what he/she wants. Flexibility




W301Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.

Overall Written Production

W302 Can write straightforward, detailed descriptions on a range of familiar subjects within his/her field of interest. Creative Writing

W303 Can write accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions in simple connected text. Creative Writing

W304 Can write a description of an event, a recent trip – real or imagined. Creative Writing

W305 Can narrate a story. Creative Writing

W306 Can write short, simple essays on topics of interest. (+) Reports and Essays

W307Can summarize, report and give his/her opinion about accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. (+)

Reports and Essays

W308Can write very brief reports to a standard conventionalized format, which pass on routine factual information and state reasons for actions.

Reports and Essays

W310Can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics, check information and ask about or explain problems with reasonable precision.

Overall Written Interaction

W311Can write personal letters, emails and notes asking for or conveying simple information of immediate relevance, getting across the point he/she feels to be important.

Overall Written Interaction

W312 Can write personal letters/emails giving news and expressing thoughts about abstract or cultural topics such as music, films. (+) Correspondence

W313 Can write personal letters/emails describing experiences, feelings and events in some detail. Correspondence

W314 Can take messages communicating enquiries, explaining problems. (+) Notes, Messages and Forms

W315

Can write notes conveying simple information of immediate relevance to friends, service people, teachers and others who feature in his/her everyday life, getting across comprehensibly the points he/she feels are important.

Notes, Messages and Forms

B1 Intermediate - Writing



W316 Can collate short pieces of information from several sources and summarize them for somebody else. Processing Text

W317 Can paraphrase short written passages in a simple fashion, using the original text wording and ordering. Processing Text

W319 Can produce continuous writing which is generally intelligible throughout. Orthographic Control

W320 Spelling, punctuation and layout are accurate enough to be followed most of the time. Orthographic Control

W321

Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events.

Vocabulary Range

W324Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations.

Vocabulary Control

W325

Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable native language influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express.


W326 Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used ‘routines’ and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Grammatical Accuracy

W327 Can link a series of shorter, discrete simple elements into a connected, linear sequence of points. Coherence and Cohesion

B1 Intermediate - Writing



L301

Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job-related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. (+)


L302Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives.


L304Can generally follow the main points of extended discussion around him/her, provided speech is clearly articulated in standard dialect.


L306Can follow a lecture or talk within his/her own field, provided the subject matter is familiar and the presentation straightforward and clearly structured. (+)

Listening as a Member of a Live Audience

L307 Can follow in outline straightforward short talks on familiar topics provided these are delivered in clearly articulated standard speech.


L308 Can understand simple technical information, such as operating instructions for everyday equipment.


L309 Can follow detailed directions. Listening to Announcements and Instructions

L310Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. (+)


L311Can understand the main points of radio news bulletins and simpler recorded material about familiar subjects delivered relatively slowly and clearly.


L312Can understand a large part of many TV programmes on topics of personal interest such as interviews, short lectures, and news reports when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. (+)

Watching TV and Film

L313Can follow many films in which visuals and action carry much of the storyline, and which are delivered clearly in straightforward language.

Watching TV and Film

L314 Can catch the main points in TV programmes on familiar topics when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. Watching TV and Film

L315 Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Identifying Cues and Inferring

B1 Intermediate - Listening



L316Can extrapolate the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and deduce sentence meaning provided the topic discussed is familiar.


L317Can take notes during a lecture which are precise enough for his/her own use at a later date, provided the topic is within his/her field of interest and the talk is clear and well-structured. (+)

Note-taking (Lectures, seminars etc.)

L318

Can take notes as a list of key points during a straightforward lecture, provided the topic is familiar, and the talk is both formulated in simple language and delivered in clearly articulated standard speech.


B1 Intermediate - Listening



R301 Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension. Overall Reading Comprehension

R303 Can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters well enough to correspond regularly with a friend. Reading Correspondence

R305Can scan longer texts in order to locate desired information, and gather information from different parts of a text, or from different texts in order to fulfill a specific task. (+)


R306 Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as emails, letters, brochures and short official documents. Reading for Orientation

R308 Can identify the main conclusions in clearly signalled argumentative texts. (+)


R309 Can recognize the line of argument in the treatment of the issue presented, though not necessarily in detail. (+)


R310 Can recognize significant points in straightforward newspaper articles on familiar subjects.


R311 Can understand clearly written, straightforward instructions for a piece of equipment. Reading Instructions

R313 Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Identifying Cues and Inferring

R314Can extrapolate the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and deduce sentence meaning provided the topic discussed is familiar.


B1 Intermediate - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V309 Describing places and things Functions and Notions

V311 Describing past experiences and storytelling Functions and Notions

V312 Describing feelings, emotions and attitudes Functions and Notions

V320 Expressing opinions Functions and Notions

V321 Expressing agreement and disagreement Functions and Notions

V323 Critiquing and reviewing Functions and Notions


V335 Food, cooking and restaurants Lexis



V351 Contrasting opinions (e.g. on the one hand) Lexis

V352 Summarizing exponents (e.g. briefly, all in all) Lexis

V353 Collocation Lexis

V354 Colloquial language Lexis

V360 Crime Topics



V373 Film Topics

V374 Books and literature Topics

V375 News, lifestyles and current affairs Topics

V376 Media Topics

V379 Technical, legal and business language Topics

B1 Intermediate - Vocabulary



G303 Connecting words expressing cause and effect, contrast etc. Discourse Markers

G306 Markers to structure informal spoken discourse Discourse Markers

G313 Wh- questions in the past Questions

G314 Question tags Questions



G319 Used to Past

G320 Would expressing habit in the past Past

G321 Past perfect Past


G327 Future continuous Future


G331 Present perfect continuous Present Perfect


G335 Zero conditional Conditionals

G336 1st conditional Conditionals

G337 2nd conditional Conditionals

G338 3rd conditional Conditionals

G342 Extended phrasal verbs Phrasal Verbs

G343 Simple passive Passives

G344 All passive forms Passives

G345 Reported speech Other Verb Forms

G351 Might / may / will / probably Modals: Possibility

G352 Must / can't for deduction Modals: Possibility

G355 Must / have to / have got to Modals: Obligation and Necessity

G357 Ought to Modals: Obligation and Necessity

G358 Need to / needn't Modals: Obligation and Necessity

G359 Should have / might have / etc. Modals: Past

B1 Intermediate - Grammar


Tag Descriptor Category G376 Articles with countable and uncountable nouns Articles

G380 Broad range of determiners (e.g. all the, most, both) Determiners

G384 Collocation of adjectives Adjectives


G386 Comparisons with fewer and less Adjectives

G389 Adverbial phrases of time, place and frequency, including word order Adverbs

G390 (Adjectives and) adverbs Adverbs

G391 Adverbial phrases of degree, extent and probability Adverbs

G392 Comparative and superlative adverbs Adverbs

G397 Broader range of intensifiers (e.g. too, enough) Intensifiers

G398 Wide range of intensifiers (e.g. extremely, much, too) Intensifiers

B1 Intermediate - Grammar



P301Can produce contracted forms and vowel reduction in modal verbs should’ve, might’ve, have to and ought to e.g. /ʃʊdəv/ and /maɪdəv/.

Production

P302 Can produce proclaiming and referring tones in tag questions. Production

P303 Can produce word stress in adjectives and adverbs and shift stress when using affixes. Production

P304 Can produce common consonant clusters, such as bl, pr, sp, xtr. Production

P305 Can shift stress when using phrasal verbs as a verb or noun. Production

P306 Can distinguish and produce the different sounds /əʊ/, /ɔ:/ and /ɒ/. Production

P310 Can recognize vowel reduction and connected speech in wh-questions and conditional sentences. Recognition

P311 Can recognize omission of sounds at the end of modal verbs, such at the /t/ at the end of must and the glottal stop in might. Recognition

P312 Can recognize the difference between rhotic and non-rhotic accents. Recognition

P313 Can identify linking words and basic discourse markers to help follow the flow of natural speech. Recognition

P314 Can recognize contrastive stress in sentences to change meaning and emphasis. Recognition

Pronunciation

B1 Intermediate - Pronunciation





SS303

Uses a vocabulary notebook to record and organize new lexical items and sets, recording as much information as possible about new words (e.g. meaning, pronunciation, parts of speech, collocation, example sentences, similar words, opposites etc.)

Study Skills

SS304 Reviews and tests him/herself on new words regularly and repeatedly. Study Skills


SS306 Uses an English–English dictionary. Study Skills



SS309Reads a variety of texts in English (e.g., newspaper, magazines, websites, brochures), even if he/she does not understand everything read.

Study Skills

SS310 Thinks about what kind of reading skills he/she needs to use when reading a text. Study Skills

SS311 Watches TV and films in English, even if he/she doesn’t understand everything. Study Skills


SS313Guesses the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary in films, songs, books, newspaper articles etc., then checks in an English–English dictionary later.

Study Skills

SS314 Practices sounds he/she finds difficult. Study Skills



B1 Intermediate - Study Skills




SS318 Reviews the new language from the previous lesson before the next lesson. Study Skills


SS320 Monitors his/her speech and writing for repeated mistakes and tries to correct them. Study Skills


SS322 Records him/herself speaking English and listens back to the recording. Study Skills



SS325 Uses the three stages of writing – planning, editing and drafting. Study Skills

SS326 Keeps a learner journal where he/she reflects on what he/she has learnt recently. Study Skills

SS327 Talks to other people about how they learn English and what tips they have. Study Skills

SS328 Asks for feedback from their teachers, other students and native speakers he/she meets. Study Skills

SS329 Is prepared to try new things, make mistakes and learn from them. Study Skills

B1 Intermediate - Study Skills


B2: Higher Intermediate


Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce 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.

Global Descriptor



SP401Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. (+)


SP402Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.


SP403 Can give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest.


SP410 Can develop an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. (+)


SP411Can develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting his/her points of view at some length with subsidiary points and relevant examples.


SP412 Can construct a chain of reasoned argument. Sustained Monologue: Putting a case (e.g. in a debate)

SP413 Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.


SP414Can deliver announcements on most general topics with a degree of clarity, fluency and spontaneity which causes no strain or inconvenience to the listener.


SP415 Can give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. (+) Addressing Audiences

SP416Can depart spontaneously from a prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members of the audience, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression. (+)


SP417Can give a clear, prepared presentation, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.


SP418Can take a series of follow-up questions with a degree of fluency and spontaneity which poses no strain for either him/herself or the audience.


SP419 Can plan what is to be said and the means to say it, considering the effect on the recipient/s. Planning

SP421 Can use circumlocution and paraphrase to cover gaps in vocabulary and structure. Compensating

B2 Higher Intermediate - Spoken Production



SP425 Can correct slips and errors if he/she becomes conscious of them or if they have led to misunderstandings. Monitoring and Repair

SP426 Can make a note of ‘favourite mistakes’ and consciously monitor speech for it/them. Monitoring and Repair

SP428 Can express him/herself clearly and without much sign of having to restrict what he/she wants to say. (+) General Linguistic Range

SP429

Has a sufficient range of language to be able to give clear descriptions, express viewpoints and develop arguments without much conspicuous searching for words, using some complex sentence forms to do so.


SP432

Has a good range of vocabulary for matters connected to his/her field and most general topics. Can vary formulation to avoid frequent repetition, but lexical gaps can still cause hesitation and circumlocution.

Vocabulary Range

SP435Lexical accuracy is generally high, though some confusion and incorrect word choice does occur without hindering communication.

Vocabulary Control

SP436Good grammatical control; occasional ‘slips’ or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect. (+)


SP437 Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding. Grammatical Accuracy

SP438 Has acquired a clear, natural, pronunciation and intonation. Phonological Control

SP439Can develop a clear description or narrative, expanding and supporting his/her main points with relevant supporting detail and examples.

Thematic Development

SP440 Can use a variety of linking words efficiently to mark clearly the relationships between ideas. (+) Coherence and Cohesion

SP441Can use a limited number of cohesive devices to link his/her utterances into clear, coherent discourse, though there may be some ‘jumpiness’ in a long contribution.


SP442Can communicate spontaneously, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression in even longer complex stretches of speech.

Spoken Fluency

SP443Can produce stretches of language with a fairly even tempo; although he/she can be hesitant as he/she searches for patterns and expressions, there are few noticeably long pauses.

Spoken Fluency




SP444Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without imposing strain on either party.

Spoken Fluency

SP445 Can pass on detailed information reliably. Propositional Precision




SI401Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between idea-


SI402Can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what he/she wants to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. (+)


SI403Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and sustained relationships with native speakers quite possible without imposing strain on either party.


SI404Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments.


SI406 Can understand in detail what is said to him/her in the standard spoken language even in a noisy environment.


SI409 Can engage in extended conversation on most general topics in a clearly participatory fashion, even in a noisy environment. Conversation

SI410Can sustain relationships with native speakers without unintentionally amusing or irritating them, or requiring them to behave other than they would with a native speaker.

Conversation

SI411 Can convey degrees of emotion and highlight the personal significance of events and experiences. Conversation

SI417 Can keep up with an animated discussion between native speakers. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI418 Can express his/her ideas and opinions with precision, and present and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly. (+) Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI419Can take an active part in informal discussion in familiar contexts, commenting, putting point of view clearly, evaluating alternative proposals and making and responding to hypotheses.


SI420

Can with some effort catch much of what is said around him/her in discussion, but may find it difficult to participate effectively in discussion with several native speakers who do not modify their language in any way.


SI421 Can account for and sustain his/her opinions in discussion by providing relevant explanations, arguments and comments. Informal Discussion (with friends)

B2 Higher Intermediate - Spoken Interaction



SI425 Can keep up with an animated discussion, identifying accurately arguments supporting and opposing points of view. (+) Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI426 Can express his/her ideas and opinions with precision, present and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly. (+) Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI427 Can participate actively in routine and non-routine formal discussion. Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI428 Can follow the discussion on matters related to his/her field, understand in detail the points given prominence by the speaker. Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI429 Can contribute, account for and sustain his/her opinion, evaluate alternative proposals and make and respond to hypotheses. Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI430 Can understand detailed instructions reliably. Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI431 Can help along the progress of the work by inviting others to join in, say what they think etc. Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI432Can outline an issue or a problem clearly, speculating about causes or consequences, and weighing advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.


SI436Can cope linguistically to negotiate a solution to a dispute like an undeserved traffic ticket, financial responsibility for damage in a flat, for blame regarding an accident. (+)


SI437Can outline a case for compensation, using persuasive language to demand satisfaction and state clearly the limits to any concession he/she is prepared to make. (+)


SI438 Can explain a problem which has arisen and make it clear that the provider of the service/customer must make a concession. (+)


SI444 Can understand and exchange complex information and advice on the full range of matters related to his/her occupational role. (+) Information Exchange

SI445 Can pass on detailed information reliably. Information Exchange

SI446 Can give a clear, detailed description of how to carry out a procedure. Information Exchange

SI447 Can synthesize and report information and arguments from a number of sources. Information Exchange

SI454Can carry out an effective, fluent interview, departing spontaneously from prepared questions, following up and probing interesting replies. (+)


SI455 Can take initiatives in an interview, expand and develop ideas with little help or prodding from an interviewer. Interviewing and Being Interviewed

SI458 Can intervene appropriately in discussion, exploiting appropriate language to do so. Taking the Floor (Turntaking)




SI459 Can initiate, maintain and end discourse appropriately with effective turntaking. Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI460Can initiate discourse, take his/her turn when appropriate and end conversation when he/she needs to, though he/she may not always do this elegantly.

Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI461 Can use stock phrases (e.g. ‘That’s a difficult question to answer’) to gain time and keep the turn whilst formulating what to say. Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI462 Can give feedback on and follow up statements and inferences and so help the development of the discussion. Co-operating

SI463 Can help the discussion along on familiar ground, confirming comprehension, inviting others in etc. Co-operating

SI466Can ask follow-up questions to check that he/she has understood what a speaker intended to say, and get clarification of ambiguous points.

Asking for Clarification

SI469Can express him/herself confidently, clearly and politely in a formal or informal register, appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned. (+)


SI470 Can with some effort keep up with and contribute to group discussions even when speech is fast and colloquial. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI471Can sustain relationships with native speakers without unintentionally amusing or irritating them or requiring them to behave other than they would with a native speaker.


SI472 Can express him/herself appropriately in situations and avoid crass errors of formulation. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI473Can adjust what he/she says and the means of expressing it to the situation and the recipient and adopt a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. (+)

Flexibility

SI474 Can adjust to the changes of direction, style and emphasis normally found in conversation. Flexibility

SI475 Can vary formulation of what he/she wants to say. Flexibility




W401Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.


W402

Can write clear, detailed descriptions of real or imaginary events and experiences, marking the relationship between ideas in clear connected text, and following established conventions of the genre concerned. (+)

Creative Writing

W403 Can write clear, detailed descriptions on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest. Creative Writing

W404 Can write a review of a film, book or play. Creative Writing

W406Can write an essay or report which develops an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail. (+)

Reports and Essays

W407 Can evaluate different ideas or solutions to a problem. (+) Reports and Essays

W408Can write an essay or report which develops an argument, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Reports and Essays

W409 Can synthesize information and arguments from a number of sources. Reports and Essays

W410 Can express news and views effectively in writing, and relate to those of others. Overall Written Interaction

W412Can write emails and letters conveying degrees of emotion and highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences and commenting on the correspondent’s news and views.

Correspondence

W414 As B1 Notes, Messages and Forms

W416Can summarize a wide range of factual and imaginative texts, commenting on and discussing contrasting points of view and the main themes.

Processing Text

W417 Can summarize extracts from news items, interviews or documentaries containing opinion, argument and discussion. Processing Text

W418 Can summarize the plot and sequence of events in a film or play. Processing Text

W419 Can produce clearly intelligible continuous writing which follows standard layout and paragraphing conventions. Orthographic Control

B2 Higher Intermediate - Writing



W420 Spelling and punctuation are reasonably accurate but may show signs of mother tongue influence. Orthographic Control

W421

Has a good range of vocabulary for matters connected to his/her field and most general topics. Can vary formulation to avoid frequent repetition, but lexical gaps can still cause hesitation and circumlocution.

Vocabulary Range

W424Lexical accuracy is generally high, though some confusion and incorrect word choice does occur without hindering communication.

Vocabulary Control

W425Good grammatical control; occasional ‘slips’ or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect. (+)


W426 Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding. Grammatical Accuracy

W427 Can use a variety of linking words efficiently to mark clearly the relationships between ideas. (+) Coherence and Cohesion

W428Can use a limited number of cohesive devices to link his/her utterances into clear, coherent discourse, though there may be some ‘jumpiness’ in a long contribution.


B2 Higher Intermediate - Writing



L401

Can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Only extreme background noise, inadequate discourse structure and/or idiomatic usage influences the ability to understand. (+)


L402

Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.


L403Can follow extended speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the direction of the talk is sign–posted by explicit markers.


L404 Can keep up with an animated conversation between native speakers. (+)


L405

Can with some effort catch much of what is said around him/her, but may find it difficult to participate effectively in discussion with several native speakers who do not modify their language in any way.


L406Can follow the essentials of lectures, talks and reports and other forms of academic/professional presentation which are propositionally and linguistically complex.


L408 Can understand announcements and messages on concrete and abstract topics spoken in standard dialect at normal speed.


L410

Can understand recordings in standard dialect likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life and identify speaker viewpoints and attitudes as well as the information content. (+)


L411Can understand most radio documentaries and most other recorded or broadcast audio material delivered in standard dialect and can identify the speaker’s mood, tone etc.


L412 Can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. Watching TV and Film

L413 Can understand documentaries, live interviews, talk shows, plays and the majority of films in standard dialect. Watching TV and Film

L415Can use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension, including listening for main points; checking comprehension by using contextual clues.


B2 Higher Intermediate - Listening



L417

Can understand a clearly structured lecture on a familiar subject, and can take notes on points which strike him/her as important, even though he/she tends to concentrate on the words themselves and therefore to miss some information.


B2 Higher Intermediate - Listening



R401

Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low frequency idioms.


R403 Can read correspondence relating to his/her field of interest and readily grasp the essential meaning. Reading Correspondence

R405 Can scan quickly through long and complex texts, locating relevant details. Reading for Orientation

R406Can quickly identify the content and relevance of news items, articles and reports on a wide range of professional topics, deciding whether closer study is worthwhile.


R408 Can obtain information, ideas and opinions from highly specialized sources within his/her field. (+)


R409Can understand specialized articles outside his/her field, provided he/she can use a dictionary occasionally to confirm his/her interpretation of terminology. (+)


R410Can understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints.


R411Can understand lengthy, complex instructions in his/her field, including details on conditions and warnings, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.

Reading Instructions

R413Can use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension, including reading for main points; checking comprehension by using contextual clues.


B2 Higher Intermediate - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V411 Describing past experiences and storytelling Functions and Notions

V412 Describing feelings, emotions and attitudes Functions and Notions

V413 Describing hopes and plans Functions and Notions

V414 Giving precise information Functions and Notions

V415 Expressing abstract ideas Functions and Notions

V416 Expressing certainty, probability and doubt Functions and Notions

V417 Generalizing and qualifying Functions and Notions

V418 Synthesizing, evaluating and glossing info Functions and Notions

V419 Speculating and hypothesizing Functions and Notions


V421 Expressing agreement and disagreement Functions and Notions

V422 Expressing reaction Functions and Notions


V424 Developing an argument Functions and Notions


V451 Contrasting opinions (e.g. on the one hand) Lexis

V452 Summarizing exponents (e.g. briefly, all in all) Lexis




V473 Film Topics



V476 Media Topics

V477 Arts Topics


B2 Higher Intermediate - Vocabulary



G403 Connecting words expressing cause and effect, contrast etc. Discourse Markers

G404 Linkers: Although, in spite of, despite Discourse Markers

G407 Markers to structure formal speech Discourse Markers



G419 Used to Past



G422 Past perfect continuous Past



G428 Future perfect Future

G429 Future perfect continuous Future

G431 Present perfect continuous Present Perfect


G434 Infinitives Gerunds and Infinitives

G439 Mixed conditionals Conditionals

G440 Wish, if only, and regrets Conditionals



G445 Reported speech Other Verb Forms

G446 Relative clauses Other Verb Forms


G460 Can't have / needn't have Modals: Past

G477 Articles with abstract nouns Articles

G490 (Adjectives and) adverbs Adverbs

G493 Attitudinal adverbs Adverbs

G499 Collocation of intensifiers Intensifiers

B2 Higher Intermediate - Grammar



P401 Can reduce vowel sounds to produce weak forms and contractions in verb patterns e.g. I’d been going ... Production

P402 Can produce correct word stress for a range of adjectives and adverbs. Production

P403 Can produce emphasis on adverbs and time markers in a sentence and at discourse level (telling an anecdote for example). Production

P404 Can extend their pitch range to express attitude. Production

P410Can apply bottom up processing skills and identify form and meaning of a variety of tenses and conditional structures in rapid speech.

Recognition

P411 Can recognize attitude through intonation. Recognition

P412 Can pick out key content words in natural rapid speech to support listening skills. Recognition

P413 Can identify discourse markers in rapid natural speech. Recognition

Pronunciation

B2 Higher Intermediate - Pronunciation





SS403

Uses a vocabulary notebook to record and organize new lexical items and sets, recording as much information as possible about new words (e.g. meaning, pronunciation, parts of speech, collocation, example sentences, similar words, opposites etc.).

Study Skills






SS409Reads a variety of texts in English (e.g., newspaper, magazines, websites, brochures), even if he/she does not understand everything.

Study Skills





Study Skills




B2 Higher Intermediate - Study Skills






SS420 Monitors his/her speech and writing for regular mistakes and tries to correct them. Study Skills


SS422 Records him/herself speaking English and listens back to it. Study Skills





SS427 Talks to other people about how he/she learns English and what tips they have. Study Skills

SS428 Asks for feedback from teachers, other students and other native speakers he/she meets. Study Skills


B2 Higher Intermediate - Study Skills


C1: Advanced


Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Global Descriptor



SP501Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.


SP502 Can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects. Sustained Monologue: Describing experience

SP503Can give elaborate descriptions and narratives, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.


SP510 As B2 Sustained Monologue: Putting a case (e.g. in a debate)

SP514 Can deliver announcements fluently, almost effortlessly, using stress and intonation to convey finer shades of meaning precisely. Public Announcements

SP515Can give a clear, well-structured presentation of a complex subject, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples.


SP516 Can handle interjections well, responding spontaneously and almost effortlessly. Addressing Audiences

SP519 As B2 Planning

SP521 As B2 (+) Compensating

SP525Can backtrack when he/she encounters a difficulty and reformulate what he/she wants to say without fully interrupting the flow of speech.

Monitoring and Repair

SP528Can select an appropriate formulation from a broad range of language to express him/herself clearly, without having to restrict what he/she wants to say.


SP532

Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions; little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies. Good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

Vocabulary Range

SP535 Occasional minor slips, but no significant vocabulary errors. Vocabulary Control

SP536 Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot. Grammatical Accuracy

SP538 Can vary intonation and place sentence stress correctly in order to express finer shades of meaning. Phonological Control

C1 Advanced - Spoken Production



SP539Can give elaborate descriptions and narratives, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

Thematic Development

SP540Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured speech, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.


SP542Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

Spoken Fluency

SP545 Can qualify opinions and statements precisely in relation to degrees of, for example, certainty/uncertainty, belief/doubt, likelihood etc. Propositional Precision

C1 Advanced - Spoken Production



SI501

Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions. There is little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies; only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.


SI506

Can understand in detail speech on abstract and complex topics of a specialist nature beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.


SI509 Can use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes, including emotional, allusive and joking usage. Conversation

SI517Can easily follow and contribute to complex interactions between third parties in group discussion even on abstract, complex unfamiliar topics.


SI525 Can easily keep up with the debate, even on abstract, complex unfamiliar topics. Formal Discussion and Meetings

SI526Can argue a formal position convincingly, responding to questions and comments and answering complex lines of counter argument fluently, spontaneously and appropriately.


SI530 As B2 Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI536 As B2 Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services

SI544 As B2 Information Exchange

SI554Can participate fully in an interview, as either interviewer or interviewee, expanding and developing the point being discussed fluently without any support, and handling interjections well.


SI558

Can select a suitable phrase from a readily available range of discourse functions to preface his/her remarks appropriately in order to get the floor, or to gain time and keep the floor whilst thinking.

Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI562 Can relate own contribution skilfully to those of other speakers. Co-operating

SI566 As B2 Asking for Clarification

C1 Advanced - Spoken Interaction



SI569Can recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts; may, however, need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.


SI570 Can follow films employing a considerable degree of slang and idiomatic usage. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI571 Can use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes, including emotional, allusive and joking usage. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI573 As B2 (+) Flexibility

C1 Advanced - Spoken Interaction



W501

Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.


W502Can write clear, detailed, well-structured and developed descriptions and imaginative texts in an assured, personal, natural style appropriate to the reader in mind.

Creative Writing

W506 Can write clear, well-structured expositions of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues. Reports and Essays

W507 Can expand and support points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples. Reports and Essays

W510 Can express him/herself with clarity and precision, relating to the addressee flexibly and effectively. Overall Written Interaction

W512Can express him/herself with clarity and precision in personal correspondence, using language flexibly and effectively, including emotional, allusive and joking usage.

Correspondence


W516 Can summarize long, demanding texts. Processing Text

W519 Layout, paragraphing and punctuation are consistent and helpful. Orthographic Control

W520 Spelling is accurate, apart from occasional slips of the pen. Orthographic Control

W521

Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions; little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies. Good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.

Vocabulary Range

W524 Occasional minor slips, but no significant vocabulary errors. Vocabulary Control

W525 Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot. Grammatical Accuracy

W527Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured speech, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.


C1 Advanced - Writing



L501Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.


L502 Can recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts. Overall Listening Comprehension

L503 Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. Overall Listening Comprehension

L504Can easily follow complex interactions between third parties in group discussion and debate, even on abstract, complex unfamiliar topics.


L506 Can follow most lectures, discussions and debates with relative ease.


L508Can extract specific information from poor quality, audibly distorted public announcements, e.g. in a station, sports stadium etc.


L509 Can understand complex technical information, such as operating instructions, specifications for familiar products and services.


L510

Can understand a wide range of recorded and broadcast audio material, including some non-standard usage, and identify finer points of detail including implicit attitudes and relationships between speakers.


L512 Can follow films employing a considerable degree of slang and idiomatic usage. Watching TV and Film

L515 Is skilled at using contextual, grammatical and lexical cues to infer attitude, mood and intentions and anticipate what will come next. Identifying Cues and Inferring

L517Can take detailed notes during a lecture on topics in his/her field of interest, recording the information so accurately and so close to the original that the notes could also be useful to other people.


C1 Advanced - Listening



R501Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of specialty, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.


R503 Can understand any correspondence given the occasional use of a dictionary. Reading Correspondence

R505 As B2 Reading for Orientation

R508

Can understand in detail a wide range of lengthy, complex texts likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life, identifying finer points of detail including attitudes and implied as well as stated opinions.


R511

Can understand in detail lengthy, complex instructions on a new machine or procedure, whether or not the instructions relate to his/her own area of specialty, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.

Reading Instructions

R513 Is skilled at using contextual, grammatical and lexical cues to infer attitude, mood and intentions and anticipate what will come next. Identifying Cues and Inferring

C1 Advanced - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V512 Describing feelings, emotions and attitudes Functions and Notions





V525 Conceding a point Functions and Notions

V526 Emphasizing points, feelings and issues Functions and Notions

V527 Defending a point of view Functions and Notions

V528 Responding to counter arguments Functions and Notions




V555 Approximating (vague language) Lexis

V556 Differentiating to choose the best in context Lexis

V557 Eliminating false friends Lexis

V558 Formal and informal registers Lexis

V559 Idiomatic expressions Lexis



V576 Media Topics

V577 Arts Topics

V578 Science Topics


C1 Advanced - Vocabulary


GrammarTag Descriptor Category G505 Linking devices: Logical markers Discourse Markers

G508 Markers to structure and signpost formal and informal speech and writing Discourse Markers



G519 Used to Past









G540 Wish, if only and regrets Conditionals





G565 Noun clauses Nouns

G594 Inversion (negative adverbials) hardly Adverbs

C1 Advanced - Grammar



P501 Can use contrastive stress effectively when talking about wishes and regrets. Production

P502 Can produce intonation and pausing when using discourse markers to structure formal and informal speech. Production

P503 Can produce reduced forms of past time modals in the affirmative and negative forms. Production

P504 Can differentiate and produce different stress patterns in phrasal verbs in both verb and noun form. Production

P505 Can produce various features of connected speech to support fluency, such as, linking /j/ /w/ /r/. Production

P510Can recognize form and meaning of reduced forms of complex structures, such as, inversions, conditionals, if only and passive forms.

Recognition

P511 Can recognize attitude through tone and intonation. Recognition

P512 Can recognize markers in order to follow the stream of natural rapid speech. Recognition

Pronunciation

C1 Advanced - Pronunciation





SS503


Study Skills







Study Skills





Study Skills




C1 Advanced - Study Skills
















C1 Advanced - Study Skills


C2: Proficiency


Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express himself/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Global Descriptor



SP601Can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured speech with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.


SP602 Can give clear, smoothly flowing, elaborate and often memorable descriptions.


SP610 As B2 Sustained Monologue: Putting a case (e.g. in a debate)

SP614 As C1 Public Announcements

SP615Can present a complex topic confidently and articulately to an audience unfamiliar with it, structuring and adapting the talk flexibly to meet the audience’s needs.


SP616 Can handle difficult and even hostile questioning. Addressing Audiences

SP619 As B2 Planning

SP621 Can substitute an equivalent term for a word he/she can’t recall so smoothly that it is scarcely noticeable. Compensating

SP625 Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it. Monitoring and Repair

SP628

Can exploit a comprehensive and reliable mastery of a very wide range of language to formulate thoughts precisely, give emphasis, differentiate and eliminate ambiguity. No signs of having to restrict what he/she wants to say.


SP632Has a good command of a very broad lexical repertoire including idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms; shows awareness of connotative levels of meaning.

Vocabulary Range

SP635 Consistently correct and appropriate use of vocabulary. Vocabulary Control

SP636Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is otherwise engaged (e.g. in forward planning, in monitoring others’ reactions).


SP638 As C1 Phonological Control

SP639 As C1 Thematic Development

SP640Can create coherent and cohesive text making full and appropriate use of a variety of organizational patterns and a wide range of cohesive devices.


C2 Proficiency - Spoken Production



SP642

Can express him/herself at length with a natural, effortless, unhesitating flow. Pauses only to reflect on precisely the right words to express his/her thoughts or to find an appropriate example or explanation.

Spoken Fluency

SP645Can convey finer shades of meaning precisely by using, with reasonable accuracy, a wide range of qualifying devices (e.g. adverbs expressing degree, clauses expressing limitations).


SP646 Can give emphasis, differentiate and eliminate ambiguity. Propositional Precision

C2 Proficiency - Spoken Production



SI601 Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with awareness of connotative levels of meaning. Overall Spoken Interaction

SI602 Can convey finer shades of meaning precisely by using, with reasonable accuracy, a wide range of modification devices. Overall Spoken Interaction

SI603 Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it. Overall Spoken Interaction

SI606Can understand any native speaker interlocutor, even on abstract and complex topics of a specialist nature beyond his/her own field, given an opportunity to adjust to a non-standard accent or dialect.


SI609 Can converse comfortably and appropriately, unhampered by any linguistic limitations in conducting a full social and personal life. Conversation

SI617 As C1 Informal Discussion (with friends)

SI625Can hold his/her own in formal discussion of complex issues, putting an articulate and persuasive argument, at no disadvantage to native speakers.


SI630 As B2 Goal-Oriented Co-operation

SI636 As B2 Transactions to Obtain Goods and Services

SI644 As B2 Information Exchange

SI654

Can keep up his/her side of the dialogue extremely well, structuring the talk and interacting authoritatively with complete fluency as interviewer or interviewee, at no disadvantage to a native speaker.


SI658 As C1 Taking the Floor (Turntaking)

SI662 As C1 Co-operating

SI666 As B2 Asking for Clarification

SI669 Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with awareness of connotative levels of meaning. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI670 Appreciates fully the sociolinguistic and sociocultural implications of language used by native speakers and can react accordingly. Sociolinguistic Appropriateness

SI671Can mediate effectively between speakers of the target language and that of his/her community of origin taking account of sociocultural and sociolinguistic differences.


C2 Proficiency - Spoken Interaction



SI673Shows great flexibility reformulating ideas in differing linguistic forms to give emphasis, to differentiate according to the situation, interlocutor etc. and to eliminate ambiguity.

Flexibility

C2 Proficiency - Spoken Interaction



W601Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.


W602Can write clear, smoothly flowing, and fully engrossing stories and descriptions of experience in a style appropriate to the genre adopted.

Creative Writing

W606Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, complex reports, articles or essays which present a case, or give critical appreciation of proposals or literary works.

Reports and Essays

W607 Can provide an appropriate and effective logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points. Reports and Essays

W610 As C1 Overall Written Interaction

W612 As C1 Correspondence


W616Can summarize information from different sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation of the overall result.

Processing Text

W619 Writing is orthographically free of error. Orthographic Control

W621Has a good command of a very broad lexical repertoire including idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms; shows awareness of connotative levels of meaning.

Vocabulary Range

W624 Consistently correct and appropriate use of vocabulary. Vocabulary Control

W625 Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is otherwise engaged. Grammatical Accuracy

W627Can create coherent and cohesive text making full and appropriate use of a variety of organizational patterns and a wide range of cohesive devices.


C2 Proficiency - Writing



L601 Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed. Overall Listening Comprehension

L604 As C1 Understanding Conversation Between Native Speakers

L606 Can follow specialized lectures and presentations employing a high degree of colloquialism, regional usage or unfamiliar terminology.


L608 As C1 Listening to Announcements and Instructions

L610 As C1 Listening to Audio Media and Recordings

L612 As C1 Watching TV and Film

L615 As C1 Identifying Cues and Inferring

L617Is aware of the implications and allusions of what is said and can make notes on them as well as on the actual words used by the speaker.


C2 Proficiency - Listening



R601Can understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary writings.


R602Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.


R603 As C1 Reading Correspondence

R605 As B2 Reading for Orientation

R608 As C1 Reading for Information and Argument

R611 As C1 Reading Instructions

R613 As C1 Identifying Cues and Inferring

C2 Proficiency - Reading


VocabularyTag Descriptor Category V612 Describing feelings, emotions and attitudes Functions and Notions





V625 Conceding a point Functions and Notions

V626 Emphasizing points, feelings and issues Functions and Notions

V627 Defending a point of view Functions and Notions

V628 Responding to counter arguments Functions and Notions




V655 Approximating (vague language) Lexis

V656 Differentiating to choose the best in context Lexis

V657 Eliminating false friends Lexis

V658 Formal and informal registers Lexis

V659 Idiomatic expressions Lexis



V676 Media Topics

V677 Arts Topics

V678 Science Topics


C2 Proficiency - Vocabulary


GrammarTag Descriptor Category G605 Linking devices: logical markers Discourse Markers

G608 Markers to structure and signpost formal and informal speech and writing Discourse Markers



G619 Used to Past









G640 Wish, if only and regrets Conditionals





G665 Noun clauses Nouns

G694 Inversion (negative adverbials) hardly Adverbs

C2 Proficiency - Grammar



P601 Can use contrastive stress effectively when talking about wishes and regrets. Production

P602 Can produce intonation and pausing when using discourse markers to structure formal and informal speech. Production

P603 Can produce reduced forms of past time modals in the affirmative and negative forms. Production

P604 Can differentiate and produce different stress patterns in phrasal verbs in both verb and noun form. Production

P605 Can produce various features of connected speech to support fluency, such as, linking /j/ /w/ /r/. Production

P610Can recognize form and meaning of reduced forms of complex structures, such as, inversions, conditionals, if only and passive forms.

Recognition

P611 Can recognize attitude through tone and intonation. Recognition

P612 Can recognize markers in order to follow the stream of natural rapid speech. Recognition

Pronunciation

C2 Proficiency - Pronunciation





SS603


Study Skills







Study Skills





Study Skills





















Documents

Global Curriculum - MyKaplan · 2018-03-29 · Global Curriculum The Kaplan International English (KIE) Global Curriculum provides a framework for the design and delivery of all KIE