Languages - choosing the right level for you

Speaking

Listening

Reading

Writing

Functions

Join

I can say a few words.

I can understand a few words.

I can read a few words.

I can write a few words.

Greeting people, ordering some common food and drink.

I can reply to and ask simple questions on familiar topics.

I can understand key words but perhaps not the whole meaning of sentences.

I can understand simple sentences for example on signs.

I can fill in personal information on forms and write simple postcards.

Personal information, food and drink, booking accommodation, giving and requesting directions, shopping, numbers.

Year 2

I can reply to and ask questions at a reduced speed.

I can understand spoken language on predictable topics at a reduced speed and/or when repeated.

I can read longer sentences in order to get the general gist of short texts.

I can write simple sentences and short texts on predictable topics.

Descriptions. Talking simply about the past and future in the main European languages.

Year 3

I can speak about familiar topics with a certain amount of competence.

I can understand language on familiar topics when spoken by a sympathetic native speaker.

I can summarise short texts.

I can write short texts (emails, letters) on familiar topics.

Describe events in the past. Ability to express future plans. Express opinions.

Year 4

I can have a conversation with a sympathetic native speaker on familiar topics.

I can understand the gist of a broad range of topics.

I can understand texts of medium length on a variety of topics.

I can write informal and formal pieces of short to medium length.

Describe events in the past and future in detail, express suggestions/regrets, use comparisons and commands.

Year 5

I can maintain a fairly detailed conversation on familiar topics with a sympathetic native speaker.

I can understand most of the detail when communicating with a sympathetic native speaker.

I can read texts of a longer length and understand the main points.

I am starting to develop my writing style and can write around 300 words, although there may be inaccuracies.

Use the main tenses and subjunctive, if appropriate.

Year 6

I feel relatively comfortable when communicating with a sympathetic native speaker.

I can get the gist of language spoken at normal speed for example on TV or radio.

I can understand the main points from a range of magazine, newspaper and website articles.

I can write longer pieces which show the ability to communicate relatively accurately.

Appropriate intonation and colloquial expressions. Ability to express and qualify opinions.

Year 7

I enjoy communicating with native speakers on a range of topics.

I can generally understand the language spoken at normal speed, for example on TV or radio.

I can understand texts of general interest including the finer points.

I can write at least 500 words and any minor mistakes do not hinder communication.

Communicate on a broad range of topics of cultural and current interest.

Year 8

I can communicate easily with native speakers.

I enjoy reading authentic texts.

I can write at some length on topics of general interest with good expression and accuracy.

Communicate on complex issues and elaborate convincing arguments.

Advanced conversation