Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
Series overview: This CEFR mapping against Skillful is correlated with the following publicly available documents (last
What is Macmillan Skillful? accessed June 15, 2015). Descriptors have been modified from the descriptors given in these sources.
Skillful is a five-level, academic series, spanning 1. EAQUALS/British Council Core Inventory for General English:
from CEFR (Common European Framework of http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/Z243%20E%26E%20EQUALS%20
Reference for Languages) levels A1 to C1. Each BROCHURErevised6.pdf
level is split into two books, one for Reading &
2. EAQUALS Bank of Descriptors—as checklists:
Writing and the other for Listening & Speaking.
http://clients.squareeye.net/uploads/eaquals2011/EAQUALS_Bank_as_checklists.pdf
Skillful offers a skills syllabus, covering listening,
speaking, reading, and writing, with vocabulary, 3. The Council of Europe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching,
grammar, pronunciation, and study skills. Assessment: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/source/framework_en.pdf
What is CEFR? Overview chart of Skillful level correlations to other level/grade systems:
The CEFR was designed to provide a transparent,
CEFR
ALTE
UCLES
IELTS
TOEIC©
TOEFL iBT
PTE
coherent, and comprehensive basis for the
elaboration of language syllabuses and curriculum
guidelines, the design of teaching and learning LEVEL
materials, and the assessment of foreign language Foundation A1 0 - 2.0 0-245 - -
proficiency. It is used in Europe but also in other
Level 1 A2 1 KET 3.0 246-380 - 1
continents and is now available in 39 languages.
See www.coe.int/lang-CEFR for further information. Level 2 B1 2 PET 4.0 500-650 57-86 3
Level 3 B2 3 FCE 5.0 650-720 87-109 4
Level 4 C1 4 CAE 6.0-7.0 720-910 110-120 5
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 1
Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
Overview of global competencies of CEFR Skillful Level 1, A2: Can understand sentences field of specialization. Can interact with a degree
level users: and frequently used expressions related to areas of of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular
The CEFR was designed to level general English most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal interaction with native speakers quite possible
competencies rather than academic English skills, and family information, shopping, local geography, without strain for either party. Can produce clear,
so there are some limitations in mapping Skillful employment). Can communicate in simple detailed text on a wide range of subjects and
against the CEFR. There is no CEFR mapping and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the
for Pronunciation or Study Skills. However, we exchange of information on familiar and routine advantages and disadvantages of various options.
can still find many matches for the more general matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of
Skillful Level 4, C1: Can understand a wide range
language competencies between Skillful and his/her background, immediate environment, and
of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
the CEFR that form the base for developing the matters in areas of immediate need.
meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and
necessary academic skills and language knowledge Skillful Level 2, B1: Can understand the main spontaneously without much obvious searching
more appropriate for a tertiary context. The general points of clear standard input on familiar matters for expressions. Can use language flexibly and
summaries of competencies at each level are: regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, effectively for social, academic, and professional
Skillful Foundation, A1: Can understand and etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured,
use familiar everyday expressions and very basic whilst traveling in an area where the language is detailed text on complex subjects, showing
phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a spoken. Can produce simple connected text on controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors,
concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and topics which are familiar or of personal interest. and cohesive devices.
others and can ask and answer questions about Can describe experiences and events, dreams,
(taken from http://www.englishprofile.org/the-cefr,
personal details such as where he/she lives, people hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and
copyright Council of Europe 2001)
he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact explanations for opinions and plans.
in a simple way provided the other person talks Skillful Level 3, B2: Can understand the main
slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions in his/her
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 2
Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
Reading & Writing Level 3
UNIT 1: Identity CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Previewing; life choices (p8) I can quickly understand the general content of a range of more formal texts on topics that B2
include academic topics, looking for key words and headers to help me orientate myself
Understanding key terms (p8) through the text. I can also understand a lot of the supporting detail in the text.
Identifying the main idea (p10)
Writing skill
Paragraph structure (p13) I can write a clear, well-structured paragraph on a more complex topic with suitable B2
register and good grammatical control.
Grammar
Clause joining with subordinators: because, since, when, after, before, etc. I can use connecting words to express cause, effect, contrast, etc. B2
(p14)
Vocabulary skill
Choosing the right word form and part of speech (p12) N/A N/A
UNIT 2: Design CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Scanning; text about a construction (p18) I can quickly scan through more complex texts to find information that is relevant to my B2+
needs, and determine if a closer reading is needed.
Recognizing cause and effect: because of, due to, give rise to, etc.; I can recognize connecting words expressing cause, effect, contrast, etc. B1-C2
text about construction projects (p20)
Writing skill
Transitions: introducing opposing ideas: on the other hand, in contrast I can use connecting words expressing cause, effect, contrast, etc. B1
to, etc. (p23)
Grammar
Non-defining relative clauses (p24) I can correctly use non-defining relative clauses in sentences, e.g., The Pumping Station, B2
which cost $436 million to build, was completed in 2005.
Vocabulary skill
Prefix over- (p22) N/A N/A
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 3
Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
UNIT 3: Thought CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Skimming; text about internet information (p28) I can quickly skim through more complex texts to find information that is relevant to my B2
needs, and determine if a closer reading is needed.
Understanding vocabulary from context; text about multitasking (p30) I can read a range of texts fairly independently and know when it’s appropriate to refer to B2
OR consult dictionaries and other sources to help my understanding.
Writing skill
Summarizing (p33) I can summarize information from a number of sources and text types including short B2
academic texts.
Grammar
Adverb clauses of reason and purpose: since, as, so that, etc. (p34) I can use connecting words to express cause, effect, contrast, etc. B1-B2
Vocabulary skill
Collocations: noun + verb (p32) I can use a wide range of collocations. B1-C2
UNIT 4: Fire CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Summarizing; interview with a firefighter (p38) I can summarize information from a number of sources and text types including short B2
academic texts.
Identifying steps in a sequence; text about pyrotechnics (p40) I can follow sequential linkers with present, past, and future times such as first and finally B1
and other date and time references.
Writing skill
Using sensory details in a narrative (p43) I can write more detailed descriptions of abstract or concrete events, and expand on my B1+
feelings and reactions.
Grammar
Adverbs as stance markers (p44) I can use attitude adverbs to express stance, e.g., Frankly, I’m not particularly interested in B2
what he is saying.
Vocabulary skill
American and British English: have to vs. have got to (p42) N/A N/A
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 4
Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
UNIT 5: Movement CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Making inferences; text about invasive species (p48) I can quickly skim through more complex texts to find information that is relevant to my B2
needs, and determine if a closer reading is needed.
Using a graphic organizer to take notes; text about animal navigation (p50) N/A N/A
Writing skill
Using sentence variety (p53) I can use an increasingly wide range of grammatical structures to create variety in my B2
writing on formal and informal topics.
Grammar
Object noun clauses with that (p54) I can use that in a relative clause. B1
I can develop my argument by referring to other points and ideas through using phrases C1
that contain that clauses, e.g., It was widely believed that …
Vocabulary skill
Collocations: verb + preposition (p52) N/A N/A
UNIT 6: Disease CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Increasing reading speed; text about telesurgery (p58) I can read quickly through more complex texts to find information that is relevant to my B2
needs, and determine if a closer reading is needed.
Distinguishing fact and opinion; text about genetic testing (p60) I can understand more advanced texts which contain stated facts and opinions. C1
Writing skill
Thesis statements (p63) N/A N/A
Grammar
Passive modals: advice, ability, and possibility (p64) I can use passive modals to give advice and to talk about ability and possibility, e.g., I C1
should have reminded her to take an umbrella, but I didn’t see her this morning.
(This Skillful section uses passive modals in the present tense.)
Vocabulary skill
Words with Greek and Latin origins (p62) N/A N/A
UNIT 7: Survival CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 5
Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
Reading skill
Using questions to be an active reader; book report (p68) N/A N/A
Annotating text; blog about research trip (p70) N/A N/A
Writing skill
Writing about cause and effect (p73) I can use connecting words to express cause, effect, contrast, etc. B2
Grammar
Past unreal conditional (p74) I can use the third or unreal conditional and mixed conditional sentences. B2
Vocabulary skill
Prefixes un- and in- (p72) N/A N/A
UNIT 8: Drive CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Identifying important details; text about William Kamkwamba (p78) I can read quickly through more complex texts to find information that is relevant to my B2
needs, and determine if a closer reading is needed. I can distinguish between the main
idea and supporting details and understand details to a fair degree.
Identifying sources of information (p80) N/A N/A
Writing skill
Effective hooks: writing techniques to grab the reader’s interest (p83) N/A N/A
Grammar
Intensifier + comparative combinations (p84) I can use intensifiers such as completely hopeless, entirely satisfied, etc. B1-B2
I can express ideas with a more precise degree of meaning, e.g., Building costs will be a great C1
deal higher next year.
Vocabulary skill
Idioms related to success (p82) I can use some idiomatic expressions. C1
UNIT 9: Sound CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Identifying tone and mood; book excerpt (p88) I can understand how tone can affect the style of a text. C1+
Writing skill
Using similes and metaphors (p93) N/A N/A
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 6
Skillful
Reading&Writing Level 3
CEFR B2
Grammar
Cleft sentences with what (p94) N/A N/A
Vocabulary skill
Descriptive adjectives (p92) I can use a wide range of descriptive adjectives. B1+
UNIT 10: Tomorrow CEFR Descriptor CEFR Level
Reading skill
Recognizing the writer’s attitude and bias (p98) I can understand how tone can affect the style of a text. C1+
Reading statistical data (p100) N/A N/A
Writing skill
Qualifying statistical data (p103) N/A N/A
Grammar
The future progressive (p104) I can use the future progressive/continuous to talk about predictions, e.g., Next month, I’ll B2
be undertaking an internship with a major bank.
Vocabulary skill
Vocabulary for describing trends: surge, decline, etc. (p102) N/A N/A
PHOTOCOPIABLE Skillful Level 3. This page is photocopiable, but all copies must be complete pages. Copyright © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016. 7
