B2+ Advanced

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 extract the main points from the arguments and discussions in news and current affairs programmes.

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 read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.

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.

Can use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension, including watching out for main points and checking comprehension by using contextual clues.

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 keep up with an animated conversation between proficient users of the target language.

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 read correspondence relating to their field of interest and readily grasp the essential meaning.

Can understand what is said in a personal e-mail or posting even where some colloquial language is used.

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 the essentials of lectures, talks and reports and other forms of academic/professional presentation which are propositionally and linguistically complex.

Can understand the point of view expressed on topics that are of current interest or that relate to their specialised field, provided the talk is delivered in standard language or a familiar variety.

This pertains to reading with the purpose of familiarizing oneself with new information or environments. It can involve skimming and scanning texts like maps, directories, or brochures for specific details.

Can scan quickly through several sources (articles, reports, websites, books, etc.) in parallel, in both their own field and in related fields, and can identify the relevance and usefulness of particular sections for the task at hand.

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 understand announcements and messages on concrete and abstract topics delivered in standard language or a familiar variety at normal speed.

Can understand detailed instructions well enough to be able to follow them successfully.

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 obtain information, ideas and opinions from highly specialised sources within their field.

Can understand specialised articles outside their field, provided they can use a dictionary occasionally to confirm their interpretation of terminology.

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 recordings in the standard form of the language likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life and identify viewpoints and attitudes as well as the information content.

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 lengthy, complex instructions in their field, including details on conditions and warnings, 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 for pleasure with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts (e.g. magazines, more straightforward novels, history books, biographies, travelogues, guides, lyrics, poems), using appropriate reference sources selectively.

Can read novels with a strong, narrative plot and that use straightforward, unelaborated language, provided they can take their time and use a dictionary.

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, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

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, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to their field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.

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, in preparing for a potentially complicated or awkward situation, plan what to say in the event of different reactions, reflecting on what expression would be appropriate.

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

Can give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest.

Can describe the personal significance of events and experiences in detail.

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

Can give clear, detailed descriptions of real or imaginary events and experiences marking the relationship between ideas in clear connected text, and following established conventions of the genre concerned.

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 use circumlocution and paraphrase to cover gaps in vocabulary and structure.

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

Can communicate complex information and advice on the full range of matters related to their occupational role.

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 an essay or report which develops an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.

Can produce a detailed description of a complex process.

Can evaluate different ideas or solutions to a problem.

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 often retrospectively self-correct their occasional “slips” or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure.

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

Can develop an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

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

Can deliver announcements on most general topics with a degree of clarity, fluency and spontaneity which causes no strain or inconvenience to the recipient.

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, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

Can depart spontaneously from a prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members of the audience, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression.

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

Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what they want to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances.

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

Can understand in detail what is said to them in the standard language or a familiar variety even in a [audially/visually] noisy environment.

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

Can establish a relationship with interlocutors through sympathetic questioning and expressions of agreement plus, if appropriate, comments about third parties or shared conditions.

Can indicate reservations and reluctance, state conditions when agreeing to requests or granting permission, and ask for understanding of their own position.

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

Can keep up with an animated discussion between proficient users of the target language.

Can express their ideas and opinions with precision, and present and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly.

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

Can keep up with an animated discussion, identifying accurately arguments supporting and opposing points of view.

Can use appropriate technical terminology when discussing their area of specialisation with other specialists.

Can express their ideas and opinions with precision, and present and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly.

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

Can understand detailed instructions reliably.

Can help along the progress of the work by inviting others to join in, express what they think, etc.

Can outline an issue or a problem clearly, speculating about causes or consequences, and weighing advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.

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

Can cope linguistically to negotiate a solution to a dispute like an undeserved traffic ticket, financial responsibility for damage in a flat, or blame regarding an accident.

Can outline a case for compensation, using persuasive language to demand satisfaction and state clearly the limits to any concession they are prepared to make.

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

Can carry out an effective, fluent interview, departing spontaneously from prepared questions, following up and probing interesting replies.

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

Can use telecommunications for a variety of personal and professional purposes, provided they can ask for clarification if the accent or terminology is unfamiliar.

Can participate in extended casual conversation over the phone with a known person on a variety of topics.

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

Can express news and views effectively in writing, and relate to those of others.

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

Can maintain a relationship through personal correspondence using the language fluently and effectively to give detailed descriptions of experiences, pose sympathetic questions and follow up issues of mutual interest.

Can in most cases understand idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms in correspondence and other communications and use the most common ones themselves as appropriate to the situation.

Can compose formal correspondence such as letters of enquiry, request, application and complaint using appropriate register, structure and conventions.

Can compose a forceful but polite letter of complaint, including supporting details and a statement of the desired outcome.

This competency refers to composing brief written communications or filling out informational forms, ensuring accuracy, brevity, and relevance.

Can take or leave complex personal or professional messages, provided they can ask for clarification or elaboration if necessary.

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 online exchanges, linking their contributions to previous ones in the thread, understanding cultural implications and reacting appropriately.

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

Can take a lead role in online collaborative work within their area(s) of expertise, keeping the group on task by reminding it of roles, responsibilities and deadlines in order to achieve established goals.

Can engage in online collaborative or transactional exchanges within their area(s) of expertise that require negotiation of conditions and explanation of complicated details and special requirements.

Can deal with misunderstandings and unexpected problems that arise in online collaborative or transactional exchanges by responding politely and appropriately in order to help resolve the issue.

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 intervene appropriately in discussion, exploiting appropriate language to do so.

Can initiate, maintain and end discourse appropriately with effective turntaking.

Can initiate discourse, take their turn when appropriate and end conversation when they need to, though they may not always do this elegantly.

Can use stock phrases (e.g. “That’s a difficult question to answer”) to gain time and keep the turn while formulating what they want to express.

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

Can give feedback on and follow up statements and inferences and so help the development of the discussion.

Can summarise and evaluate the main points of discussion on matters within their academic or professional competence.

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

Can ask follow-up questions to check that they have understood what someone intended to say, and get clarification of ambiguous points.

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

Can relay (in Language B) which presentations given (in Language A) at a conference, or which articles in a book (in Language A) are particularly relevant for a specific purpose.

Can relay in writing (in Language B) which presentations at a conference (given in Language A) were relevant, pointing out which would be worth detailed consideration.

Can relay in writing (in Language B) the relevant point(s) contained in propositionally complex but well-structured texts (in Language A) within their fields of professional, academic and personal interest.

Can relay in writing (in Language B) the relevant point(s) contained in an article (in Language A) from an academic or professional journal.

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

Can interpret and describe reliably (in Language B) detailed information contained in complex diagrams, charts and other visually organised information (with text in Language A) on topics in their fields of interest.

Can interpret and present reliably in writing (in Language B) detailed information from diagrams and visually organised data in their fields of interest (with text in Language A).

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

Can summarise clearly in well-structured language (in Language B) the information and arguments contained in complex texts (in Language A) on a wide range of subjects related to their fields of interest and specialisation.

Can summarise (in Language B) the main points of complex discussions (in Language A), weighing up the different points of view presented.

Can summarise in writing (in Language B) the main content of well-structured but propositionally complex texts (in Language A) on subjects within their fields of professional, academic and personal interest.

Can compare, contrast and synthesise in writing (in Language B) the information and viewpoints contained in academic and professional publications (in Language A) in their fields of special interest.

Can explain in writing (in Language B) the viewpoint articulated in a complex text (in Language A), supporting inferences they make with reference to specific information in the original.

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

Can provide oral translation (into Language B) of complex texts (written in Language A) containing information and arguments on subjects within their fields of professional, academic and personal interest.

Can produce clearly organised translations (from Language A into Language B) that reflect normal language usage but may be over-influenced by the order, paragraphing, punctuation and particular formulations of the original.

Can produce translations (into Language B) that closely follow the sentence and paragraph structure of the original text (in Language A), conveying the main points of the source text accurately, though the translation may read awkwardly.

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

Can understand a clearly structured lecture on a familiar subject, and can take notes on points which strike them as important, even though they tend to concentrate on the actual formulation and therefore to miss some information.

Can take accurate notes in meetings and seminars on most matters likely to arise within their field of interest.

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

Can give a clear presentation of their reactions to a work, developing their ideas and supporting them with examples and arguments.

Can give a personal interpretation of the development of a plot, the characters and themes in a story, novel, film or play.

Can describe their emotional response to a work and elaborate on the way in which it has evoked this response.

Can express in some detail their reactions to the form of expression, style and content of a work, explaining what they appreciated and why.

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

Can compare two works, considering themes, characters and scenes, exploring similarities and contrasts and explaining the relevance of the connections between them.

Can give a reasoned opinion of a work, showing awareness of the thematic, structural and formal features and referring to the opinions and arguments of others.

Can evaluate the way the work encourages identification with characters, giving examples.

Can describe the way in which different works differ in their treatment of the same theme.

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

Can, based on people’s reactions, adjust the way they formulate questions and/or intervene in a group interaction.

Can act as rapporteur in a group discussion, noting ideas and decisions, discussing these with the group and later giving a summary of the group’s view(s) in a plenary.

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

Can highlight the main issue that needs to be resolved in a complex task and the important aspects that need to be taken into account.

Can contribute to collaborative decision making and problem solving, expressing and co-developing ideas, explaining details and making suggestions for future action.

Can help organise the discussion in a group by reporting what others have said, summarising, elaborating and weighing up different points of view.

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

Can organise and manage collaborative group work efficiently

Can monitor individual and group work non-intrusively, intervening to set a group back on task or to ensure even participation.

Can intervene supportively in order to focus people’s attention on aspects of the task by asking targeted questions and inviting suggestions.

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

Can encourage members of a group to describe and elaborate on their thinking

Can encourage members of a group to build on one another’s information and ideas to come up with a concept or solution.

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

Can exploit knowledge of sociocultural conventions in order to establish a consensus on how to proceed in a particular situation that is unfamiliar to everyone involved.

Can, in intercultural encounters, demonstrate appreciation of perspectives other than that of their own worldview, and express themselves in a way appropriate to the context.

Can clarify misunderstandings and misinterpretations during intercultural encounters, suggesting how things were actually meant in order to clear the air and move the discussion forward.

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

Can mediate (between Language A and Language B) conveying detailed information, drawing the attention of both sides to background information and sociocultural cues, and posing clarification and follow-up questions or statements as necessary.

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

Can elicit possible solutions from parties in disagreement in order to help them to reach consensus, formulating open-ended, neutral questions to minimise embarrassment or offence.

Can help the parties in a disagreement better understand each other by restating and reframing their positions more clearly and by prioritising needs and goals.

Can formulate a clear and accurate summary of what has been agreed and what is expected from each of the parties.

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

Can clearly explain the connections between the goals of the session and the personal or professional interests and experiences of the participant(s).

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

Can explain technical topics within their field, using suitably non-technical language for a recipient who does not have specialist knowledge.

Can make a specific, complex piece of information in their field clearer and more explicit for others by paraphrasing it in simpler language.

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

Can make a complicated issue easier to understand by presenting the components of the argument separately.

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

Can make the content of a text on a subject in their fields of interest more accessible to a target audience by adding examples, reasoning and explanatory comments.

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

Can simplify a source text by excluding non-relevant or repetitive information and taking into consideration the intended 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 express themselves clearly without much sign of 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.

Can understand and use the main technical terminology of their field, when discussing their area of specialisation with other specialists.

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

Good grammatical control; occasional “slips” or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect.

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

Lexical accuracy is generally high, though some confusion and incorrect word/sign choice does occur without hindering communication.

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

Can generally use appropriate intonation, place stress correctly and articulate individual sounds clearly; accent tends to be influenced by the other language(s) they speak, but has little or no effect on intelligibility.

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

Can produce clearly intelligible, continuous writing which follows standard layout and paragraphing conventions.

Spelling and punctuation are reasonably accurate but may show signs of mother-tongue influence.

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 with some effort keep up with and contribute to group discussions even when talk is fast and colloquial.

Can recognise and interpret sociocultural/sociolinguistic cues and consciously modify their linguistic forms of expression in order to express themselves appropriately in the situation.

Can express themselves confidently, clearly and politely in a formal or informal register, appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned.

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

Can intervene appropriately in discussion, exploiting appropriate language to do so.

Can initiate, maintain and end discourse appropriately with effective turntaking.

Can use stock phrases (e.g. “That’s a difficult question to answer”) to gain time and keep the turn while formulating what they want to express.

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

Can develop an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

Can present and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly.

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 use a variety of linking expressions efficiently to mark clearly the relationships between ideas.

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

Can pass on detailed information reliably.

Can communicate the essential points even in more demanding situations, though their language lacks expressive power and idiomaticity.

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 adjust what they say and the means of expressing it to the situation and the recipient and adopt a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances.

Can initiate discourse, take their turn when appropriate and end conversation when they need to, though they may not always do this elegantly.

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 communicate spontaneously, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression in even longer complex stretches of language.