Examination Levels

Performance descriptors outline what criteria the candidate has to meet to pass an examination at a particular level. All the performance descriptors are detailed below.

General English examination levels: Performance discriptors

First step level

The student.....
  -  has a basic vocabulary recognition of about 100 words
  -  can read and follow simple instructions
  -  can understand the language of basic identification

Junior level

The student.....
  -  has a basic vocabulary recognition of about 200 words.
  -  knows how to describe present actions.
  -  can identify and describe basic location and position.
  -  can follow a short, simple written text.

Primary level

The student.....
  -  has a basic active vocabulary of about 300 words.
  -  can tell the time.
  -  can describe present actions, give personal and family information, describe habits, routines and everyday activities.
  -  can communicate about when and how often an action or event takes place.
  -  can form questions and negatives.

Preliminary level

The student.....
  -  has a basic active vocabulary of about 400 words.
  -  can communicate about present and past events, recently completed actions and life experiences.
  -  can communicate about where things are and when things happen.
  -  can express opposites, comparisons and ownership.
  -  can ask questions, answer questions, and write full sentences.

Elementary level

The student has sufficient active vocabulary and structural understanding to.....
  -  write a short connected text on descriptive or narrative topics.
  -  read and understand a text from a familiar range of topics.
  -  ask and answer questions about past or present events.
  -  distinguish between and use a variety of tenses in familiar contexts: past, present and future.
  -  express basic intention, purpose, obligation, preference and advice.

Pre - intermediate level

The student has sufficient active vocabulary and structural understanding to.....
  -  write a short connected text on descriptive, narrative or imaginary topics.
  -  read and understand a text from a familiar range of topics.
  -  distinguish between and use a variety of tenses: past present and future.
  -  ask and answer questions about past or present or future events.
  -  express basic intention, purpose, obligation, preference, advice, agreement and
     disagreement, hypothesis and process.

Intermediate level

The student has sufficient active vocabulary and structural understanding to.....
  -  write a short connected text on descriptive, narrative or imaginary topics.
  -  read and understand texts from both concrete or abstract topics.
  -  distinguish between and use a variety of tenses: past present and future.
  -  ask and answer questions about past or present or future events.
  -  express basic intention, purpose, obligation, preference, advice, agreement and
     disagreement process and hypothesis including regret and consequence.
  -  repeat messages, pass on information, check facts.

Advanced level

The student has a good active vocabulary and structural understanding, and can.....
  -  write clear connected text on descriptive, narrative, imaginary or discursive topics.
  -  write letters, both formal and informal.
  -  understand and respond to the main points of a text on any topic, concrete or
     abstract.
  -  use language to perform any function likely to arise in a normal social or learning
     context.
  -  manipulate structures to create emphasis, and vary style and idiom.
  -  listen and respond to passages and questions in a variety of forms delivered at a measured speaking pace.

Proficiency level

The student has a very good active vocabulary and structural understanding, and can therefore undertake a course of study in English in further or higher education. The student can successfully.....
  -  write clear, organised text on descriptive, narrative, or discursive topics, including giving opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of a given issue.
  -  write letters, both formal and informal.
  -  read and respond to a longer text on any topic, concrete or abstract.
  -  provide an accurate summary of a text.
  -  use language to perform any function likely to arise in a normal social or learning context.
  -  manipulate structures to create emphasis, and vary style and idiom.
  -  listen and respond accurately to passages and questions in a variety of forms and contexts, delivered at a normal speaking pace.

Masters level

The student can confidently manipulate the language and use it both for any study or professional purpose. Building on proficiency level, the student can successfully.....
  -  take notes while listening to information given at normal speaking pace and then
     use those notes for a targeted task. 
  -  take notes from a long text on any topic and use those notes to argue a case in
     clear, organised written text.
  -  show understanding of a variety of texts in both a detailed and global way.
  -  understand and produce language in a variety of styles and idioms.