C1 Expert

This skill relates to the comprehension of audio-visual media, understanding not only spoken content but also visual cues and context provided by the medium to decode the message.

Can follow films employing a considerable degree of slang and idiomatic usage.

Can understand in detail the arguments presented in demanding television broadcasts such as current affairs programmes, interviews, discussion programmes and chat shows.

Can understand nuances and implied meaning in most films, plays and TV programmes, provided these are delivered in standard language or a familiar variety.

This is a general ability to understand written texts, encompassing various types and purposes of reading. It serves as the foundation for processing written information in different forms and contexts.

Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not these relate to their own area of speciality, provided they 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 there are opportunities for rereading and they have access to reference tools.

This involves recognizing implicit hints or signals in spoken or written language and deducing meanings or conclusions based on them. It's a critical skill for understanding subtleties and reading between the lines.

Is skilled at using contextual, grammatical and lexical cues to infer attitude, mood and intentions and anticipate what will come next. B2

This competency pertains to grasping the content of discussions between others, often without being an active participant. It involves processing dialogue, contextual cues, and underlying dynamics.

Can easily follow complex interactions between third parties in group discussion and debate, even on abstract, complex, unfamiliar topics.

Can identify the attitude of each participant in an animated discussion characterised by overlapping turns, digressions and colloquialisms that is delivered at a natural speed in varieties that are familiar.

This skill is centered on understanding written communications such as letters, emails, or messages. It requires the ability to grasp both the explicit content and the intended tone or sentiment of the correspondence.

Can understand any correspondence given the occasional use of a dictionary.

Can understand implicit as well as explicit attitudes, emotions and opinions expressed in e-mails, discussion forums, vlogs/blogs, etc., provided there are opportunities for rereading and they have access to reference tools.

Can understand slang, idiomatic expressions and jokes in private correspondence.

This involves comprehending spoken content in settings like lectures, presentations, or performances. As part of an audience, one needs to process information while considering group dynamics and atmosphere.

Can follow most lectures, discussions and debates with relative ease.

This competency revolves around processing and following spoken directives, such as public announcements or guidelines. It requires attention to detail and the ability to translate auditory content into actionable steps.

Can extract specific information from poor quality, [audibly and/or visually] distorted public announcements, e.g. in a station or sports stadium, or on an old recording.

Can understand complex technical information, such as operating instructions or specifications for familiar products and services.

This skill focuses on in-depth reading to extract facts, insights, and logical reasoning from texts. It often involves engaging with more complex content, such as academic articles, reports, or opinion pieces.

Can understand in detail a wide range of lengthy, complex texts likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life, identifying finer points of detail including attitudes and implied as well as stated opinions.

This relates to comprehending content delivered through auditory channels without the benefit of visual context, like in audio books or podcasts. It demands focused listening and the ability to interpret content based solely on auditory cues.

Can understand a wide range of recorded and broadcast material, including some non-standard usage, and identify finer points of detail including implicit attitudes and relationships between people.

This competency is about understanding written directives aimed at guiding actions or processes. It's essential for tasks like assembling a product, following a recipe, or completing a form.

Can understand in detail lengthy, complex instructions on a new machine or procedure, whether or not the instructions relate to their own area of speciality, provided they can reread difficult sections.

This refers to reading for pleasure or relaxation, often involving narratives like novels, magazines, or comics. The focus here is on enjoyment and engagement, rather than critical analysis or information extraction.

Can read and appreciate a variety of literary texts, provided they can reread certain sections and that they can access reference tools if they wish.

Can read contemporary literary texts and non-fiction produced in the standard form of the language or a familiar variety with little difficulty and with appreciation of implicit meanings and ideas.

This competency focuses on one's ability to articulate thoughts, ideas, and information verbally. It encompasses a variety of speaking situations, from casual conversation to more formal discourse.

Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

This skill is about the ability to effectively communicate ideas and information through written mediums. It spans various forms of writing, from short messages to comprehensive documents.

Can produce 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 genres, varying the tone, style and register according to addressee, text type and theme.

This competency deals with the preparation phase of both oral and written expression. It involves organizing thoughts, structuring content, and determining the best approach to convey a message.

Can, when preparing a more formal text, consciously adopt the conventions linked to the particular type of text concerned (e.g. structure, level of formality).

This refers to an extended spoken discourse where an individual shares personal experiences or recounts events without interruption.

Can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects.

Can give elaborate descriptions and narratives, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding them off with an appropriate conclusion.

This skill focuses on producing original written content, often involving imaginative storytelling, poetry, or other forms of artistic expression.

Can produce clear, detailed, well-structured and developed descriptions and imaginative texts in an assured, personal, natural style appropriate to the reader in mind.

Can incorporate idiom and humour, though use of the latter is not always appropriate.

Can give a detailed critical review of cultural events (e.g. plays, films, concerts) or literary works.

This competency pertains to adjusting one's communication approach when faced with gaps in vocabulary or grammar knowledge. It's about finding alternative ways to express a thought or idea when the exact words or structures are not readily accessible.

Can exploit their range of vocabulary options creatively so as to readily and effectively use circumlocution in almost all situations.

This involves a continuous spoken discourse centered on imparting specific information or details on a subject without interruption.

Can communicate clearly detailed distinctions between ideas, concepts and things that closely resemble one other.

Can give instructions on carrying out a series of complex professional or academic procedures. B2

This skill relates to the structured written presentation of information or arguments on a particular topic. Both formats require clarity, coherence, and a logical flow of ideas.

Can produce clear, well-structured expositions of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues.

Can expand and support points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples.

Can produce a suitable introduction and conclusion to a longer report, article or dissertation on a complex academic or professional topic provided the topic is within their field of interest and there are opportunities for redrafting and revision.

This competency concerns self-awareness and the ability to identify and correct errors in real-time during communication. It involves both recognizing mistakes and making necessary adjustments on the fly.

Can backtrack when they encounter a difficulty and reformulate what they want to say without fully interrupting the flow of language.

Can self-correct with a high degree of effectiveness.

This skill refers to speaking at length to present a particular argument or perspective, supporting the case with evidence and reasoning.

Can argue a case on a complex issue, formulating points precisely and employing emphasis effectively.

Can develop an argument systematically in well-structured language, taking into account the interlocutor’s perspective, highlighting significant points with supporting examples and concluding appropriately.

This relates to delivering information to a general audience, often in a formal setting, ensuring clarity, brevity, and appropriateness.

Can deliver announcements fluently, almost effortlessly, using stress and intonation to convey finer shades of meaning precisely.

This competency focuses on speaking to groups, whether small or large, ensuring the content is engaging, relevant, and adapted to the audience's needs and context.

Can give a clear, well-structured presentation on a complex subject, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples.

Can structure a longer presentation appropriately in order to help the audience follow the sequence of ideas and understand the overall argumentation.

Can speculate or hypothesise in presenting a complex subject, comparing and evaluating alternative proposals and arguments.

Can handle interjections well, responding spontaneously and almost effortlessly.

This competency revolves around engaging in spoken dialogues, ensuring mutual understanding and effective exchange of ideas across various contexts.

Can express themselves 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.

This skill involves comprehending the spoken words, sentiments, and intentions of a conversation partner, ensuring effective and empathetic communication.

Can understand an interlocutor in detail on abstract and complex topics of a specialist nature beyond their own field, though they may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the variety is unfamiliar.

This competency pertains to participating in casual spoken exchanges, demonstrating fluency, coherence, and adaptability based on the context and participants.

Can use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes, including emotional, allusive and joking usage.

This skill refers to engaging in relaxed, non-structured dialogues where participants share opinions, ideas, and experiences without a rigid agenda.

Can easily follow and contribute to complex interactions between third parties in group discussion even on abstract, complex unfamiliar topics.

This competency involves participating in structured discussions or debates, often following specific conventions or protocols, ensuring clear, organized, and persuasive contributions.

Can easily keep up with the debate, even on abstract, complex, unfamiliar topics.

Can argue a formal position convincingly, responding to questions and comments and answering complex lines of counter-argument fluently, spontaneously and appropriately.

Can restate, evaluate and challenge contributions from other participants about matters within their academic or professional competence.

Can make critical remarks or express disagreement diplomatically.

Can follow up questions by probing for more detail and can reformulate questions if these are misunderstood.

This skill revolves around collaborating with others to achieve a specific purpose or outcome through oral communication, ensuring mutual understanding and shared responsibility.

Can frame a discussion to decide on a course of action with a partner or group, reporting on what others have said, and summarising, elaborating and weighing up multiple points of view.

This competency concerns communicating effectively to procure products or services, demonstrating clarity, politeness, and negotiation skills when required.

Can negotiate complex or sensitive transactions in public, professional or academic life.

This competency pertains to both conducting interviews and responding as an interviewee, demonstrating effective questioning, listening, and answering techniques.

Can participate fully in an interview, as either interviewer or interviewee, expanding and developing the point being discussed fluently without any support, and handling interjections well.

This skill involves communicating via devices such as phones, ensuring clarity, appropriateness, and effective conveyance of information or sentiments.

Can use telecommunications effectively for most professional or personal purposes.

This competency centers on engaging in written exchanges, ensuring mutual comprehension and effective sharing of ideas across diverse platforms.

Can express themselves with clarity and precision, relating to the addressee flexibly and effectively.

This skill involves writing letters, emails, or other direct written communications, ensuring clarity, appropriateness, and adherence to conventions.

Can express themselves with clarity and precision in personal correspondence, using language flexibly and effectively, including emotional, allusive and joking usage.

Can, with good expression and accuracy, compose formal correspondence such as letters of clarification, application, recommendation, reference, complaint, sympathy and condolence.

This skill revolves around participating in digital interactions, such as chats or forums, ensuring effective exchange, netiquette, and adaptability based on the platform.

Can engage in real-time online exchanges with several participants, understanding the communicative intentions and cultural implications of the various contributions.

Can participate effectively in live, online professional or academic discussion, asking for and giving further clarification of complex, abstract issues as necessary.

Can adapt their register according to the context of online interaction, moving from one register to the other within the same exchange if necessary.

Can evaluate, restate and challenge arguments in professional or academic live online chat and discussion.

This competency pertains to working with others in a digital environment towards a shared objective, ensuring mutual understanding, and effective online communication.

Can co-ordinate a group that is working on a project online, formulating and revising detailed instructions, evaluating proposals from team members, and providing clarifications in order to accomplish the shared tasks.

Can deal with complex online transactions in a service role (e.g. applications with complicated requirements), adjusting language flexibly to manage discussions and negotiations.

Can participate in complex projects requiring collaborative writing and redrafting as well as other forms of online collaboration, following and relaying instructions with precision in order to reach the goal.

Can deal effectively with communication problems and cultural issues that arise in an online collaborative or transactional exchange by reformulating, clarifying and providing examples through media (visual, audio, graphic).

This skill involves recognizing when to speak or write and when to listen or read during an interaction, ensuring a balanced and respectful exchange

Can select a suitable phrase from a readily available range of discourse functions to preface their remarks appropriately in order to get the floor, or to gain time and keep the floor while thinking.

This competency is about collaborating harmoniously with others in conversations or discussions, demonstrating flexibility, empathy, and shared responsibility.

Can relate own contribution skilfully to that of others.

This skill involves seeking further information or verification when something is unclear in a conversation or written communication, ensuring full comprehension.

Can ask for explanation or clarification to ensure they understand complex, abstract ideas in professional or academic contexts, live or online.

This competency involves conveying precise details clearly and accurately, ensuring that the intended audience understands the exact data points.

Can explain (in Language B) the relevance of specific information found in a particular section of a long, complex text (in Language A).

This competency pertains to interpreting and elaborating on data points, making them comprehensible and relatable to an audience.

Can interpret and describe clearly and reliably (in Language B) the salient points and details contained in complex diagrams and other visually organised information (with text in Language A) on complex academic or professional topics.

an interpret and present clearly and reliably in writing (in Language B) the salient, relevant points contained in complex diagrams and other visually organised data (with text in Language A) on complex academic or professional topics.

This skill refers to reading and understanding written content, extracting essential information, and discerning its significance.

Can summarise (in Language B) long, demanding texts (in Language A).

Can summarise (in Language B) discussion (in Language A) on matters within their academic or professional competence, elaborating and weighing up different points of view and identifying the most significant points.

Can summarise clearly in well-structured language (in Language B) the main points made in complex texts (in Language A) in fields of specialisation other than their own, although they may occasionally check particular technical concepts.

Can explain (in Language B) subtle distinctions in the presentation of facts and arguments (in Language A).

Can exploit information and arguments from a complex text (in Language A) to discuss a topic (in Language B), glossing with evaluative comments, adding their opinion, etc.

Can explain (in Language B) the attitude or opinion expressed in a source text (in Language A) on a specialised topic, supporting inferences they make with reference to specific passages in the original.

Can summarise in writing (in Language B) long, complex texts (in Language A), interpreting the content appropriately, provided they can occasionally check the precise meaning of unusual, technical terms.

Can summarise in writing a long and complex text (in Language A) (e.g. an academic article, article providing political analysis, novel extract, editorial, literary review, report or extract from a scientific book) for a specific audience, respecting the style and register of the original.

This competency concerns converting text from one language to another while retaining the original message's essence, tone, and intent.

Can provide fluent oral translation (into Language B) of complex texts (written in Language A) on a wide range of general and specialised topics, capturing most nuances.

Can translate (into Language B) abstract texts on social, academic and professional subjects in their field (written in Language A), successfully conveying evaluative aspects and arguments, including many of the implications associated with them, though some expression may be over-influenced by the original.

This skill revolves around capturing the key points from spoken or written sources concisely, ensuring the core message is retained for future reference.

Can take detailed notes during a lecture on topics in their field of interest, recording the information so accurately and so closely to the original that the notes could also be useful to other people.

Can make decisions about what to note down and what to omit as the lecture or seminar proceeds, even on unfamiliar matters.

Can select relevant, detailed information and arguments on complex, abstract topics from multiple oral sources (e.g. lectures, podcasts, formal discussions and debates, interviews), provided the delivery is at normal speed.

This competency involves articulating one's interpretations, feelings, and thoughts about artistic or imaginative writings.

Can describe in detail a personal interpretation of a work, outlining their reactions to certain features and explaining their significance.

Can outline a personal interpretation of a character in a work: their psychological/emotional state, the motives for their actions and the consequences of these actions.

This skill pertains to examining, interpreting, and evaluating the content, structure, and style of imaginative writings, providing constructive feedback when necessary.

Can critically appraise a wide variety of texts including literary works of different periods and genres.

Can evaluate the extent to which a work follows the conventions of its genre

Can describe and comment on ways in which the work engages the audience (e.g. by building up and subverting expectations)

This competency concerns leading and managing group discussions, ensuring all members contribute, understand, and work harmoniously.

Can show sensitivity to different perspectives within a group, acknowledging contributions and formulating any reservations, disagreements or criticisms in such a way as to avoid or minimise any offence.

Can develop the interaction and tactfully help steer it towards a conclusion

This skill involves working together with others to interpret, create, or convey shared understandings, pooling collective insights.

Can frame a discussion to decide on a course of action with a partner or group, reporting on what others have said, summarising, elaborating and weighing up multiple points of view.

Can evaluate problems, challenges and proposals in a collaborative discussion in order to decide on the way forward.

Can highlight inconsistencies in thinking, and challenge others’ ideas in the process of trying to reach a consensus.

This competency revolves around overseeing conversations, ensuring they remain productive, respectful, and on topic, guiding participants when necessary.

Can organise a varied and balanced sequence of plenary, group and individual work, ensuring smooth transitions between the phases.

Can intervene diplomatically in order to redirect discussion, prevent one person dominating or confront disruptive behaviour.

This skill refers to promoting deeper, more abstract discussions, stimulating participants to think critically and share innovative ideas.

Can ask a series of open questions that build on different contributions in order to stimulate logical reasoning (e.g. hypothesising, inferring, analysing, justifying and predicting).

This competency pertains to creating an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can share and learn from one another.

Can act as a mediator in intercultural encounters, contributing to a shared communication culture by managing ambiguity, offering advice and support, and heading off misunderstandings.

Can anticipate how people might misunderstand what has been said or written and can help maintain positive interaction by commenting on and interpreting different cultural perspectives on the issue concerned.

This skill involves mediating between parties, bridging communication gaps, and resolving misunderstandings to ensure harmonious interactions.

Can communicate fluently (in Language B) the sense of what is said (in Language A) on a wide range of subjects of personal, academic and professional interest, conveying significant information clearly and concisely as well as explaining cultural references.

This competency revolves around tactfully handling sensitive topics or conflicts, guiding participants towards understanding and resolution.

Can demonstrate sensitivity to different viewpoints, using repetition and paraphrase to demonstrate a detailed understanding of each party’s requirements for an agreement.

Can formulate a diplomatic request to each side in a disagreement to determine what is central to their position, and what they may be willing to give up under certain circumstances.

Can use persuasive language to suggest that parties in disagreement shift towards a new position.

This skill involves connecting new information to what's already known, aiding in comprehension and retention.

Can spontaneously pose a series of questions to encourage people to think about their prior knowledge of an abstract issue and to help them establish a link to what is going to be explained.

This competency concerns adjusting one's linguistic style based on the audience or context, ensuring clarity and appropriateness.

Can explain technical terminology and difficult concepts when communicating with non-experts about matters within their own field of specialisation

Can adapt their language (e.g. syntax, idiomaticity, jargon) in order to make a complex specialist topic accessible to recipients who are not familiar with it

Can paraphrase and interpret complex, technical texts, using suitably non-technical language for a recipient who does not have specialist knowledge

This skill refers to simplifying complex data or concepts, making them accessible and understandable to a broader audience.

Can facilitate understanding of a complex issue by highlighting and categorising the main points, presenting them in a logically connected pattern, and reinforcing the message by repeating the key aspects in different ways.

This competency involves expanding on concise or intricate writings, elaborating for clarity and depth.

Can make complex, challenging content more accessible by explaining difficult aspects more explicitly and adding helpful detail.

Can make the main points contained in a complex text more accessible to the target audience by adding redundancy, explaining, and modifying style and register.

This skill pertains to condensing verbose or redundant content, ensuring it remains clear, concise, and focused on the core message.

Can reorganise a complex source text in order to focus on the points of most relevance to the target audience.

This skill pertains to one's ability to use a broad spectrum of linguistic structures and expressions in various contexts, showcasing language proficiency.

Can use a broad range of complex grammatical structures appropriately and with considerable flexibility.

Can select an appropriate formulation from a broad range of language to express themselves clearly, without having to restrict what they want to say.

This competency focuses on the extent of words and phrases an individual knows and can use effectively in diverse situations.

Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions; little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies.

Can select from several vocabulary options in almost all situations by exploiting synonyms of even words/ signs less commonly encountered.

Has a good command of common idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms; can play with words/signs fairly well.

Can understand and use appropriately the range of technical vocabulary and idiomatic expressions common to their area of specialisation.

This skill revolves around the correct and consistent use of grammatical structures in speech or writing, ensuring clarity and proper language form.

Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot.

This competency pertains to the aptitude to select and use appropriate words and phrases based on the context and intent.

Uses less common vocabulary idiomatically and appropriately.

Occasional minor slips, but no significant vocabulary errors.

This skill involves the ability to produce sounds, stress patterns, intonations, and rhythms of a language accurately and naturally.

Can employ the full range of phonological features in the target language with sufficient control to ensure intelligibility throughout. Can articulate virtually all the sounds of the target language; some features of accent(s) retained from other language(s) may be noticeable, but they do not affect intelligibility.

This competency concerns the correct and consistent use of spelling and punctuation, ensuring written clarity and following standard language norms.

Layout, paragraphing and punctuation are consistent and helpful.

Spelling is accurate, apart from occasional slips of the pen.

This skill revolves around understanding and applying the social rules of language use, ensuring one's expressions align with the cultural and societal norms of the audience.

Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts; may, however, need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.

Can understand humour, irony and implicit cultural references and pick up nuances of meaning.

Can follow films employing a considerable degree of slang and idiomatic usage.

Can use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes, including emotional, allusive and joking usage.

Can adjust their level of formality (register and style) to suit the social context: formal, informal or colloquial as appropriate, and maintain a consistent register.

Can frame critical remarks or express strong disagreement diplomatically.

This competency involves recognizing when to speak and when to listen during a conversation, ensuring a balanced and respectful exchange.

Can select a suitable phrase from a readily available range of discourse functions to preface their remarks appropriately in order to get the floor, or to gain time and keep the floor while thinking.

This skill pertains to building and expanding upon a topic cohesively, ensuring the discussion remains focused and evolves logically.

Can use the conventions of the type of text concerned to hold the target reader’s attention and communicate complex ideas.

Can give elaborate descriptions and narratives, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

Can write a suitable introduction and conclusion to a long, complex text.

Can expand and support the main points at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples.

This competency focuses on organizing ideas logically and connecting them with appropriate linguistic tools, ensuring the content flows smoothly and is easy to follow.

Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured language, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Can produce well-organised, coherent text, using a variety of cohesive devices and organisational patterns.

This skill concerns conveying ideas with exactness, ensuring the message is clear, concise, and free from ambiguity.

Can qualify opinions and statements precisely in relation to degrees of, for example, certainty/uncertainty, belief/doubt, likelihood, etc.

Can make effective use of linguistic modality to signal the strength of a claim, an argument or a position.

This competency revolves around adapting one's linguistic style and content based on the evolving dynamics of a conversation or the needs of the audience.

Can make a positive impact on an intended audience by effectively varying style of expression and sentence length, use of advanced vocabulary and word order.

Can modify their expression to express degrees of commitment or hesitation, confidence or uncertainty.

This skill refers to the ease and flow of speech or writing, ensuring the message is conveyed smoothly and without undue hesitation or disruption.

Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.