Language Framework

Low-Intermediate English

General Descriptors:

Can use a wide range of simple language to deal with most situations likely to occur while traveling in English speaking areas.
Can enter unprepared into conversation on familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life.

Specific Area Descriptors

Grammar—Can use reasonably accurately more frequently used structures and patterns associated with more predictable situations.
Vocabulary—Has sufficient vocabulary to express his/herself with some hesitation and circumlocutions on many familiar topics such as family, hobbies and interests, school, and work, but lexical limitations cause repetition and difficulty with formulation at times.
Pronunciation—Pronunciation is fairly intelligible though a foreign accent is apparent. Mispronunciations are common and conversation partners will have to ask for clarification at times. Sentence level stress, rhythm, and intonation are still much influenced by the native language.
Spoken fluency—Can keep going comprehensibly, even though pausing for grammatical and lexical planning and repair is very evident, especially in longer stretches of production.
Listening—Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in school, work, leisure, etc. With audiocassette material, the student can understand the main points of simpler recorded material about familiar subjects delivered relatively slowly and clearly.
Reading—Can understand the main ideas in straightforward texts on familiar topics.
Writing—Can write uncomplicated shorter texts on familiar topics in a standard conventionalized format.