Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.

Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people people they know and things they have.

Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).

Can communicate in simple and routine terms requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Can describe aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need in simple terms.

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 whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.

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.

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.

Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Can produce a clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.