Language Framework

Beginner English

General Descriptors:

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
Can handle shorter social exchanges though it is challenging to keep conversation going on his/her accord.

Specific Area Descriptors

Grammar—Shows partial control of some simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns
Vocabulary—Has a sufficient vocabulary for the expression of basic communicative needs: personal details, daily routines, wants and needs, requests for information.
Pronunciation—Pronunciation can be indiscernible at times while a foreign accent is very apparent. Conversation partners will need to ask for repetition frequently. Sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation are very much influenced by the native language.
Spoken fluency—Can construct phrases and short sentences on familiar topics with relative ease in shorter exchanges, despite very evident hesitation and false starts.
Listening—Can understand enough to be able to meet the needs in areas of most immediate priority--basic personal and family matters, shopping, local environment, work, provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated. With audiocassette material, the student can understand the main points from short passages dealing with simple everyday matters which are delivered in very clear and standard language.
Reading—Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters which consist of the highest frequency everyday language.
Writing—Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences on familiar topics using very basic language.