Quality First Group (Group of Private Language Schools specialized in Corporate Language Training established in Italy in 2002 with the objective of enhancing the quality of the individual schools. AH is a Founder Member)
2CEF
Common European Framework Levels (Levels of linguistic competence according to the model of the Council of Europe)
3ALTE
Association of Language Testers in Europe (Association that includes the major European Institutions in the field of foreign language testing)
4BEC
Business English Certificates (Cambridge Exams for Professional and Business English)
5BULATS
Business Language Testing Service (Computer Test for the assessment of linguistic competence in a professional and work context for four languages – English, French, German and Spanish)
6TOEIC
Test of American English Test for evaluating the level of people who work in International Contexts by ETS
7IELTS
Test of British English in academic context by Cambridge Esol
8TOEFL
Test of American English in academic context by ETS
THE THREE LEVELS OF LINGUISTIC INDEPENDENCE
The three levels of linguistic independence to aim at in a work context are the following:
1. The Threshold Level
The level B1 INTERMEDIATE is the first level of linguistic independence. At this level – according to the ALTE description of skills in the field of work – in oral production one ‘has the ability to express oneself in a limited way in familiar situations, and to deal with general topics and information even if non-routine’. This is aimed specifically at the technician, the secretary, the receptionist. At this level we recommend the Cambridge certifications PET or BEC Preliminary, the BULATS Test (score 40-59), or TOEIC at 381-540. The TOEIC score is purely indicative as it does not follow the CEF levels.
2. The Independent Level
The second level is B2: it is consideredthe true level of linguistic independence. ALTE describes a person at this level as ‘having the skills to attain the majority of the communicative objectives and to express oneself on most topics’. It is the level of the young graduate, mid-manager, the personal assistant. It is the UPPER INTERMEDIATE level and we recommend the Cambridge certifications FCE and BEC Vantage, or to the BULATS (score of 60-74), or TOIEC at 541-700.
3. The Competent Level
The third level of linguistic independence is C1ADVANCED. According to ALTE a person at this level ‘has the skills of communicating with the right emphasis and appropriateness. The ability to deal with subjects of a non-familiar nature’. It is the level for the executive or the entrepreneur. At this level we recommend the Cambridge certifications CAE or BEC Higher, or the BULATS Test (score of 75-89), or TOIEC at 701-910.
CAN-DO STATEMENTS
LEVEL
Listening and Speaking
P
Reading
P
Writing
P
A1
¨1 BEGINNER
CAN ask very simple questions for information, such as “What is this?”. CAN understand 1 or 2 word answers. CAN understand simple replies, for example: “Yes. We will deliver on Friday.”
CAN understand basic hotel rules and signs, for example “Dining room”. CAN understand basic hotel information, for example, times when meals are served.
CAN write a simple routine request to a colleague, of the “Can I have 20 X, please?” type. CAN leave a simple message giving information on, e.g. where he/she has gone, what time he/she will be back.
¨
2a ELEMENTARY
A2
¨
2b
ELEMENTARY +
CAN understand and answer simple predictable questions. CAN give simple explanations about familiar places. CAN express simple opinions using expressions such as “I don’t agree”. CAN understand a simple phone message and confirm details of the message.
CAN understand price labels and a range of advertisements such as “Special Offer” in a department store or counter service shop. CAN understand a letter which describes people or events. CAN understand the main points of information given on posters.
CAN complete most forms related to personal information. CAN write a short, simple letter introducing her/himself to a host or exchange family containing basic, factual information such as name, age, etc.
¨3 PRE-
INTERMEDIATE
1a INDIPENDENZA
B1
¨4LOW
INTERMEDIATE
CAN answer questions of a routine nature and provide simple explanations. CAN keep up a casual conversation for a reasonable period of time, provided that this is of a mainly familiar, predictable nature.
CAN understand a letter expressing personal opinions. CAN understand most tourist brochures, guidebooks, etc. CAN understand most articles and reports of a “general” nature.
CAN write to a hotel in order to confirm accommodation, etc. CAN write letters on a limited range of predictable topics related to personal experience. CAN write a simple narrative or description, for example: “My last holiday”, with some inaccuracies in vocabulary and grammar.
¨5MID
INTERMEDIATE
2aINDIPENDENZA
B2
¨6a UPPER
INTERMEDIATE 1
CAN give a clear presentation on a familiar topic, and CAN answer predictable or factual questions. CAN keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, e.g. personal and professional experiences, events currently in the news. CAN present her/his own opinion, and justify opinions.
CAN understand most correspondence likely to be received. CAN understand the general meaning of a report even if the topic is not entirely predictable. CAN understand most factual product literature within own work area.
CAN write letters of thanks, congratulations and sympathy. CAN draft a set of straightforward instructions, regulations, etc. CAN present arguments, using a limited range of expressions (vocabulary, grammatical structures).
¨6b UPPER
INTERMEDIATE 2
3aINDIPENDENZA
C1
¨7
ADVANCED 1
CAN show visitors round and give a detailed description of a place. CAN deal with unpredictable questions. CAN follow up questions by probing for more detail. CAN reformulate questions if misunderstood.
CAN understand the media with little risk of misunderstanding. CAN scan texts for relevant information, and grasp the main topic of a text. CAN understand complex opinions/arguments as expressed in serious newspapers.
CAN write a report that communicates the desired message. WILL need more time to write the report than a native speaker would. CAN write an essay with only occasional difficulties for the reader, whose message can be followed throughout.
¨8
ADVANCED 2
C2
¨9 POST
ADVANCED
CAN argue effectively for or against a case, handle sufficient language to be able to talk about/discuss most aspects of her/his work. CAN take an active part in most kinds of seminars or tutorials. IS LIKELY to understand cultural references. CAN use the telephone confidently, even if the line is bad or the caller has a non-standard accent.
CAN understand abstract concepts and argumentation. CAN use appropriate strategies for efficient reading (skimming, scanning, etc.). CAN read quickly enough to cope with the demands of an academic course.
CAN write with an understanding of the style and content appropriate to the task. CAN write any type of letter necessary in the course of his/her work.
CAN-DO STATEMENTS
LEVEL
Grammar
P
Vocabulary
P
A1
¨1BEGINNER
Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learnt repertoire.
Has a basic vocabulary repertoire of isolated words and phrases related to particular concrete situations.
¨2ELEMENTARY
A2
¨2b ELEMENTARY +
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.
Has a sufficient vocabulary for the expression of basic communicative needs. Has a sufficient vocabulary for coping with simple survival needs.
¨3 PRE INTERMEDIATE
1a INDIPENDENZA B1
¨ 4 LOW INTERMEDIATE
Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations.
Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to her/his everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel and current events.
¨ 5 MID INTERMEDIATE
2a INDIPENDENZA
B2
¨6a UPPER
INTERMEDIATE 1
Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding.
Has a good range of vocabulary for matters connected to his field and most general topics. Can vary formulations to avoid frequent repetition, but lexical gaps can still cause hesitation and circumlocution.
¨ 6b UPPER
INTERMEDIATE 2
3a INDIPENDENZA C1
¨ 7 ADVANCED 1
Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot.
Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be easily overcome with circumlocutions; little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies. Good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
¨8 ADVANCED 2
C2
¨9 POST ADVANCED
Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is otherwise engaged (e.g. in forward planning, in monitoring others’ reactions).
Has a good command of a very broad lexical repertoire including idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms; shows awareness of connotative levels of meaning.
