Adult

Level ADB-00 corresponds to basic users of the language, i.e. those able to communicate in a conversation in a simple way as long as the other person is willing to repeat what they have said or to say it in other words and at a slower speed, and helps them formulate what they are trying to say.

Language skills

Students are able to:

• Recognize very basic, commonly used words and expressions related to self, family and immediate environment when spoken slowly and clearly.
• Understand familiar words and names and very simple phrases, for example, those on signs, posters and catalogs.
• Use simple expressions and phrases to describe the place where they live and the people they know.

Adult Basic Levels 1, 2 and 3 correspond to basic users of the language, i.e., those able to communicate in everyday situations with frequently used expressions and elementary vocabulary.

Language skills

Students are able to:

• Understand and use very frequently used everyday expressions and simple sentences aimed at satisfying immediate needs.
• Introduce him/herself and others, ask for and give basic personal information about his/her home, personal belongings and people he/she knows.
• Interact in a basic way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate.

The Adult Basic 4, Intermediate 1 and 2 levels correspond to basic language users, that is, those who are able to communicate in everyday situations with frequently used expressions, elementary vocabulary and who are starting to be able to communicate in different verb tenses.

Language skills

Students are able to:

• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., basic information about him/herself and family, shopping, places of interest, occupations).
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring simple and direct exchanges of information on familiar or routine matters.
• Describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background and environment as well as matters related to his/her immediate needs.

Adult Basic levels 7, 8 and 9 correspond to independent language users, i.e., those who are fluent enough to communicate effortlessly with native speakers in social and work contexts.

Language skills

Students are able to:

• Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
• Deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• Produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
• Describe experiences, events, wishes and aspirations and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Advanced Adult English levels 3 and 4 correspond to users who are proficient with the language, i.e., capable of complex work and study tasks.

Language skills

Students are able to:

• Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning.
• Express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
• Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
• Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, articulation and cohesion.