Reading Levels

Level A1

• I can understand the general idea of simple informational texts and short simple descriptions, especially if they contain pictures which help to explain the text.
• I can understand very short, simple texts, putting together familiar names, words and basic phrases, by for example rereading parts of the text.
• I can follow short, simple written instructions, especially if they contain pictures.
• I can recognise familiar names, words and very simple phrases on simple notices in the most common everyday situations.
• I can understand short, simple messages e.g. on postcards.

Level A2

• I can understand short, simple texts containing the most common words, including some shared international words.\
• I can understand short, simple texts written in common everyday language.
• I can understand short simple texts related to my job.
• I can find specific information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, brochures, menus and timetables.
• I can identify specific information in simple written material such as letters, brochures and short newspaper articles describing events.
• I can understand short simple personal letters.
• I can understand standard routine letters and faxes on familiar topics.
• I can understand simple instructions on equipment encountered in everyday life - such as a public telephone.
• I can understand everyday signs and notices in public places, such as streets, restaurants, railway stations and in workplaces.

Level B1

• I can understand straightforward texts on subjects related to my fields of interest.
• I can find and understand general information I need in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents.
• I can search one long or several short texts to locate specific information
• I need to help me complete a task.
• I can recognise significant points in straightforward newspaper articles on familiar subjects.
• I can identify the main conclusions in clearly written argumentative texts.
• I can recognise the general line of argument in a text but not necessarily in detail.
• I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters well enough to correspond with a friend or acquaintance.
• I can understand clearly written straightforward instructions for a piece of equipment

Level B2

• I can read correspondence relating to my fields of interest and easily understand the essential meaning.
• I can understand specialised articles outside my field, provided I can use a dictionary to confirm terminology.
• I can read many kinds of texts quite easily at different speeds and in different ways according to my purpose in reading and the type of text. I have a broad reading vocabulary, but I sometimes experience difficulty with less common words and phrases.
• I can go quickly through long and complex texts, locating relevant details.
• I can obtain information, ideas and opinions from highly specialised sources within my field.
• I can 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.
• I can understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints

Level C1

• I can understand in detail a wide range of long, complex texts provided I can reread difficult sections.
• In a range of long complex texts from social, professional or academic life, I can identify fine points of detail including attitudes and opinions which are not explicitly stated.
• I can understand any correspondence with an occasional use of dictionary.
• I can understand in detail long, complex instructions on a new machine or procedure even outside my own area of speciality if I can reread difficult sections.

Level C2

• I can understand and interpret practically all forms of written language including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non- literary writings.
• I can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, understanding fully subtleties of style and meaning which is directly stated or implied.