Level Pre-1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6/6G

Writing

Cannot write a short paragraph with simple sentences relating to a given topic.

Can write one paragraph on a single subject with several correct sentences. May or may not have a topic sentence.  Can use some basic time connectors. Can construct simple sentences.

Can write a paragraph with a topic sentence and some supporting sentences.  Can use logical transitional devices. Can write simple and compound sentences. Might use basic complex sentences.

Can write a well-developed paragraph (s) with an introduction, body, and conclusion.  Can use appropriate transitions and conjunctions. Can write simple, compound, and some complex sentences.

Can write a long paragraph or several paragraphs with supporting details and examples.  Can use a variety of transitional devices. Can write simple, compound, and complex structures.

Can write a well-developed composition with a variety of sentence structures, but may not use reduced clauses correctly. Can use transitional devices effectively.

Can write a fully supported and detailed composition with a wide variety of sentence structures.  Can use effective and logical transitional devices.  Can communicate effectively.

Grammar

Cannot write simple sentences with subject and verb.

Cannot use Be and Have verbs correctly.  Cannot distinguish count/non-count nouns.

Can distinguish basic parts of speech.  May have inconsistent mastery of simple present and simple past tenses. Can understand sentence pattern with subject/verb/object, but does not always use correct agreement.

Can write correct sentences, mostly with the be verb in the simple present and simple past tenses.  Cannot consistently use modals or the perfect tenses correctly.

Can use irregular verbs correctly in the simple tenses but does not use

the passive voice or perfect tenses correctly.

Can use the present progressive tense correctly but does not show mastery of comparative forms.

Can use the simple, progressive, and present perfect tense correctly.  May have errors with the past perfect tense. Can use basic infinitives and gerunds.  Can write basic adverb clauses but may have errors in adjective clauses.

Can use all verb tenses correctly in both voices. Can use adverb and adjective clauses, but may have some errors with noun clauses. Has not mastered conditional structures or agreement rules.

Can use all verb tenses, forms, and voices correctly. Can use a variety of dependent clauses. Can understand complex agreement rules. May have errors with perfect modals, causatives, and past unreal conditionals.

Reading/

Vocabulary

Cannot comprehend beginning level reading passages.  Has virtually no knowledge of English vocabulary.

Can recognize pronoun references, recall details, sequence, and recognize main ideas in simple narrative and descriptive texts.

Has a very restricted basic vocabulary.

Can recognize pronoun references, recall details, sequence, predict, scan and skim, extract main ideas, make basic inferences in elementary narrative and descriptive texts. Has a limited basic vocabulary.

Can recognize pronoun references, recall details, sequence, predict, scan, skim, extract main ideas, make basic inferences, paraphrase and summarize low- intermediate descriptive texts.  Has an extensive basic vocabulary.

Can recognize pronoun references, sequence, predict, scan, skim, extract main ideas and supporting details, make inferences, recognize fact vs. opinion and author's purpose, paraphrase and summarize intermediate academic texts.  Has a mastery of basic vocabulary and a limited academic vocabulary.

Can recognize pronoun references, sequence, predict, scan, skim, extract main ideas and supporting details,  make inferences,  recognize fact vs. opinion, author's purpose and tone, identify patterns of organization,  paraphrase and summarize high-intermediate academic texts.  Has a mastery of basic vocabulary and a substantial academic vocabulary.

Can recognize  pronoun references, sequence, predict, scan, skim extract main ideas and supporting details, make inferences,  recognize fact vs. opinion, author's purpose, tone, and argument, identify patterns of organization,  paraphrase and summarize advanced academic texts. Has a mastery of basic vocabulary and an extensive academic vocabulary.

Speaking/

Listening

Cannot understand or respond to most simple statements and questions.

Can understand and use the English sound system and follows basic directions. Is familiar with basic speech routines and conversations.

Can understand directions, comprehend and handle basic speech routines and conversations, and reproduce received speech.

Can understand directions, comprehend and handle basic speech routines and conversations, participate in group discussions and present informal talks.

Can understand directions, comprehend and handle speech routines and conversations, comprehend short discourses on basic academic topics, participate in group discussions, make group presentations/speeches.

Can understand simplified academic lectures, take notes from audio and video presentations, make speeches, and participate in debates and critical discussions.

Can understand university-level lectures, take notes from audio and video presentations, make speeches, and participate in debates and critical discussions.