Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – Listening &

Family Reading
New &
Levels Descriptors
Headway Friend
s
Can understand virtually all forms of the written language including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary
writings. Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.
Proficient User

C2 Proficient
Can understand with ease virtually any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast natural speed.

Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of speciality, provided he/she can reread difficult
sections. Can understand a wide variety of texts including literary writings, newspaper or magazine articles, and specialised academic or
professional publications, provided that there are opportunities for re-reading and he/she has access to reference tools.
C1 Advanced Can 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. Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating
register shifts. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled
explicitly.

Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate
Independent User

reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.
Upper-
B2 Intermediat 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 influence the ability to
e understand. Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in
standard speech, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can 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.

F&F6 Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interests with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
Intermediat
B1
e Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific
F&F5 details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar
matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives.

Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high frequency everyday or job-related language. Can
Pre- F&F4 understand short, simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a proportion of shared international vocabulary items.

A2 Intermediat
Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated. Can understand phrases and
e F&F3 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.
Basic User

F&F2 Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.

A1 Elementary
Can follow speech that is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning. Can recognise concrete
F&F1 information (e.g. places and times) on familiar topics encountered in everyday life, provided it is delivered in slow and clear speech.

Can recognise familiar words accompanied by pictures, such as a fast-food restaurant menu illustrated with photos or a picture book using familiar
vocabulary.
F&F Can understand short, very simple questions and statements provided that they are delivered slowly and clearly and accompanied by visuals or
A0 Beginner
 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – Speaking &
Family Writing
New &
Levels Descriptors
Headway Friend
s
Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with awareness of connotative levels of meaning. Can convey finer shades of
meaning precisely by using, with reasonable accuracy, a wide range of modification devices. Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so
Proficient User

smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it.

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.
C1 Advanced
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. Can employ the structure and
conventions of a variety of written genres, varying the tone, style and register according to addressee, text type and theme.
Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the
relationships between ideas. Can 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. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes
Upper-
Independent User

regular interaction, and sustained relationships with speakers of the target language quite possible without imposing strain on either party. Can
highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and
B2 Intermediat arguments.
e
Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments
from a number of sources.

Can communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to his/her interests and professional field. Can
exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem. Can express thoughts on more
F&F6 abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music etc. Can exploit a wide range of simple language to deal with most situations likely to arise
Intermediat whilst travelling. Can enter unprepared into conversation of familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are
B1 familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
e
Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his/her field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete
F&F5 elements into a linear sequence.

Can interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary. Can manage
simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; can ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable
Pre- F&F4 everyday situations. Can 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. Can handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going
A2 Intermediat of his/her own accord.

e
F&F3
Basic User

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

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
F&F2 answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

A1 Elementary
Can give information in writing about matters of personal relevance (e.g. likes and dislikes, family, pets) using simple words and basic expressions.
F&F1 Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences.

Can ask and answer questions about him/herself and daily routines, using short, formulaic expressions and relying on gestures to reinforce the