EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C.2 C2 1. LISTE N Has no difficulty in understanding any I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken I can understand any kind of spoken language, kind of spoken language, wheter live or language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast speed, broadcast, delivered at fast native at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get even in a noisy environment. speed. familiar with the accent. [1.2000-CH] C2 2. LISTE N I can appreciate irony and sarcasm and draw I can appreciate irony and sarcasm and draw appropriate appropriate conclusions about their use. conclusions about their use. C2 3. LISTE N TO Can understand any native speaker I can understand any native speaker I can understand any interlocutor, given an opportunity to INTERLOCUTOR interlocutor, even on abstract and interlocutor, given an opportunity to adjust to a adjust to a non-standard accent or dialect. [29.2002- complex topics of a specialist nature non-standard accent or dialect.[29.2002- CERCLES- adapted] beyond his/her own field, given an CERCLES] opportunity to adjust to a non-standard accent or dialect. C2 4. LISTE N TO LIVE I can follow specialised lectures and I can follow debates, discussions, specialised lectures and AUDIENCE presentations that contain a high degree of presentations that contain a high degree of colloquial colloquial expressions, regional usage, or expressions, regional usage, or unfamiliar terminology. unfamiliar terminology. [35.2002-ELC adapted] [35.2002-ELC] C2 5. LISTE N TO Can extract specific information I can extract specific information from poor quality, I can extract necessary information from poor quality, audibly ANNOUNCEMENTS from poor quality, audibly distorted audibly distorted public announcements (e.g., in a station, distorted public announcements or instructions, e.g. in a public announcements e.g. in a sports stadium, etc.) station with a train going past, in a sports stadium, etc. [29.2002-CERCLES] station, sports stadium etc. (C1) C2 6. LISTE N TO TV I can fully appreciate films, plays, TV and the I can fully appreciate films, plays, TV and the radio, including radio, including humour, nuance, and implied humour, nuance, and implied meaning. (ALTE 2003 AB) meaning. (ALTE 2003 AB) C2 7. READ FOR I can scan quickly through complex tests from a variety of ORIENTATION genres, including unfamiliar ones; I can read several texts in parallel to integrate information from them. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 1/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C2 8. READ Can understand and interpret critically I can understand texts written in a very I can understand any kind of text including those written in a virtually all forms of the written colloquial style and containing many idiomatic very colloquial style and containing many idiomatic language including abstract, structurally expressions or slang. expressions or slang. complex, or highly colloquial literary and [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH adapted] non-literary writings. C2 9. READ Can understand a wide range of long I can read texts such as literary columns or I can understand texts (for example newspaper columns and and complex texts, appreciating subtle satirical glosses where much is said in an satirica glosses) in which much is said in an indirect and distinctions of style and implicit as well indirect and ambiguous way and which contain ambiguous way and which contain hidden value judgements. as explicit meaning. hidden value judgements. [1.2000-CH adapted ] [1.2000-CH] C2 10. READ Can understand and interpret critically I can understand and interpret critically classical I can understand and interpret critically classical as well as LITERATURE virtually all forms of the written as well as contemporary literary texts in contemporary literary texts in different genres. [New] language including abstract, structurally different genres. [New] complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary writings. C2 11. READ I can understand the reports that (s)he is likely I can understand complex reports, manuals and to come across, including the finer points, contracts, including finer shades of meaning and implications etc. of a complex report. (ALTE differentiation, plus issues that are implied rather than stated. 2002) (ALTE 2002) C2 12. READ I can easily understand any formal correspondence, including CORRESPONDENCE on specialized or legal matters. C2 13. SPOK EN Can converse comfortably and I can converse comfortably and appropriately. I can converse comfortably, appropriately and without INTERACTION appropriately, unhampered by any (Eurocentres) limitations in casual conversation, at social events and in CONVERSATION linguistic limitations in conducting a full more formal discussions and debates. social and personal life. C2 14. SPOK EN Can converse comfortably and I can employ irony and understatement in an I can employ irony and understatement in an appropriate INTERACTION appropriately, unhampered by any appropriate manner (Eurocentres) manner. CONVERSATION linguistic limitations in conducting a full social and personal life. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 2/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C2 15. FORM AL MEETINGS Can hold his/her own in formal I can easily keep up with extended debate, even when this is discussion of complex issues, highly idiomatic. I can contribute to formal discussion of putting an articulate and complex issues articulately and persuasively. persuasive argument, at no disadvantage to native speakers. C2 16. FORM AL MEETINGS Can hold his/her own in formal When arguing for or against a case, I can convey finer discussion of complex issues, shades of meaning precisely in order to give emphasis, putting an articulate and differentiate and eliminate ambiguity. persuasive argument, at no (EAQUALS C-2008) disadvantage to native speakers. C2 17. SPOK EN Can give clear, smoothly flowing, I can give clear, smoothly flowing, elaborate and often PRODUCTION - elaborate and often memorable memorable descriptions. DESCRIPTION descriptions. C2 18. SPOK EN I can argue a case on a complex issue, adapting the PRODUCTION – structure, content and emphasis in order to to convince ARGUE A CASE particular listeners of the validity of my argument.. C2 19. SPOK EN Can present a complex topic I can present a complex topic in my field I can give a smoothly flowing, elaborate presentation on a PRODUCTION - confidently and articulately to an confidently and articulately, and can handle complex topic, and can handle difficult, unpredictable and PRESENTATIONS audience unfamiliar with it, difficult and even hostile questioning.[29.2002- even hostile questioning. [29.2002-CERCLES edited] structuring and adapting the talk CERCLES] flexibly to meet the audience’s needs. Can give clear, smoothly flowing, elaborate and often memorable descriptions. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 3/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C2 20. SPOK EN Can summarise information from I can reconstruct arguments and accounts I can summarise orally information from different sources, PRODUCTION - different sources, reconstructing accurately, coherently and concisely without reconstructing arguments and accounts accurately, SUMMARISE arguments and accounts in a coherent including unnecessary detail. (ALTE 2003 JN coherently and concisely withouth including unnecessary presentation of the overall result. edited) detail. (ALTE 2003 JN edited) [1.2000-CH] C2 21. WRITI NG REPORTS Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, I can write a report or academic paper that I can produce written work that shows good organizational complex reports, articles or essays shows good organizational structure, with an structure, with an understanding of the style and content which present a case, or give critical understanding of the style and content appropriate to the task. I can produce text which is proof-read appreciation of proposals or literary appropriate to the task. I can produce text which and laid out in accordance with relevant conventions. (ALTE works. is proof-read and laid out in accordance with 2002 edited) relevant conventions. (ALTE 2002 edited) C2 22. WRITI NG CREATIVE Can write clear, smoothly flowing, and I can write narratives about experiences in a I can write stories and descriptions in a clear, sophisticated fully engrossing stories and descriptions clear, fluent style appropriate to the genre. style appropriate to the genre. of experience in a style appropriate to [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH edited] the genre adopted. C2 23. WRITI NG REPORTS Can produce clear, smoothly flowing, I can write a well-structured review of a paper or I can write a well-structured review of a paper or a project complex reports, articles or essays a project giving reasons for my opinion. giving reasons for my opinion. which present a case, or give critical [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] appreciation of proposals or literary works. C2 24. WRITI NG REPORTS Can provide an appropriate and I can write up an account of an experiment I can write papers that present the background and context, effective logical structure which helps appropriately , presenting the theoretical describing procedures and/or proposals, evaluating the reader to find significant points. background, the procedures followed and the outcomes and drawing conclusions, whilst following the conclusions, whilst displaying sensitivity to the appropriate conventions throughout. conventions concerned. (ALTE 2002 edited) C2 25. WRITI NG No Descriptor Available I can write clear, well-structured complex letters I can write clear, well-structured complex letters in an CORRESPONDENCE in an appropriate style, for example an appropriate style, for example an application, request, or offer application or request, an offer to authorities, to authorities or commercial clients. superiors or commercial clients. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 4/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C2 26. WRITI NG No Descriptor Available In a letter I can express myself in a consciously In a letter I can express myself in a consciously ironical, CORRESPONDENCE ironical, ambiguous and humorous way. ambiguous and humorous way. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C2 27. STRAT EGY - I can interact naturally, picking up and using non-verbal and INTERACTION intonational cues without effort, and interweaving my contribution into the joint discourse with fully natural turntaking, referencing, etc. C2 28. STRAT EGY - Can substitute an equivalent term for a I can substitute an equivalent term for a word I I can substitute an equivalent term for a word I can’t recall COMPENSATE word he/she can’t recall so smoothly can’t recall without distracting the listener. without distracting the listener. that it is scarcely noticeable. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C2 29. STRAT EGY - REPAIR Can backtrack and restructure around a I can backtrack and restructure around a I can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it. hardly aware of it. aware of it. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C2 30. STRAT EGY - REPAIR I can edit my written work to achieve the effect I want in a more differentiated and appropriate style. C2 31. QUAL ITY - FLUENCY Can express him/herself at length with a I can express myself naturally and effortlessly; I I can express myself naturally and effortlessly; I only need to natural, effortless, unhesitating flow. only need to pause occasionally in order to pause occasionally in order to select precisely the right Pauses only to reflect on precisely the select precisely the right words. words. right words to express his/her thoughts or to find an appropriate example or [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] explanation. C2 32. QUAL ITY - RANGE Shows great flexibility reformulating I can reformulate ideas in differing ways to give emphasis, to ideas in differing linguistic forms to differentiate and to eliminate ambiguity convey finer shades of meaning precisely, to give emphasis, to differentiate and to eliminate ambiguity. Also has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 5/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C2 33. QUAL ITY- PRECISION Can convey finer shades of meaning I can convey finer shades of meaning precisely I can convey finer shades of meaning precisely by using, with precisely by using, with reasonable by using, with reasonable accuracy, a wide reasonable accuracy, a wide range of expressions to qualify accuracy, a wide range of qualifying range of expressions to qualify statements and statements and pinpoint the extent to which something is the devices (e.g. adverbs expressing pinpoint the extent to which something is the case. degree, clauses expressing limitations). case. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C2 34. QUAL ITY - Has a good command of idiomatic I have a good command of idiomatic I have a good command of idiomatic expressions and APPROPRIACY expressions and colloquialisms with expressions and colloquialisms with an colloquialisms with an awareness of implied meaning and awareness of connotative levels of awareness of implied meaning and meaning by meaning by association. meaning. association. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C2 35. QUAL ITY - ACCURACY Maintains consistent grammatical I can consistently maintain grammatical control I can consistently maintain grammatical control of complex control of complex language, even while of complex language even when my attention is language even when my attention is otherwise engaged. attention is otherwise engaged (e.g. in otherwise engaged. [1.2000-CH] forward planning, in monitoring others’ [1.2000-CH] reactions). C2 36. QUAL ITY - LINKING Can create coherent and cohesive I can make full and appropriate use of a variety of discourse making full and appropriate organisational patterns and a wide range of connectors in use of a variety of organisational order to organize what I say and write. patterns and a wide range of connectors and other cohesive devices. C2 37. QUAL ITY - Can interact with ease and skill, picking I can interact naturally, picking up and using non-verbal and INTERACTION up and using non-verbal and intonational cues without effort, and interweaving my intonational cues apparently effortlessly. contribution into the joint discourse with fully natural Can interweave his/her contribution into turntaking, referencing, allusion making, etc. the joint discourse with fully natural turntaking, referencing, allusion making, etc. C2 38. S OCIOCULTURAL Appreciates fully the sociolinguistic and I have a good command of idiomatic expressions and sociocultural implications of language colloquialisms, including emotional, allusive and joking used by native speakers and can react usage. with a high degree of awareness of implied meaning accordingly. and meaning by association. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 6/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C1.2 C1.2 1. LISTE N Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic I can understand a wide range of idiomatic I can understand a wide range of idiomatic expressions and expressions and colloquialisms, expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating colloquialisms, appreciating shifts in style and register. appreciating register shifts. shifts in style and register. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C1.2 2. LISTE N TO Can easily follow complex interactions I can easily follow complex interactions between I can easily follow complex interactions in group discussion INTERLOCUTOR between third parties in group third parties in group discussion and debate, and debate, even on abstract and unfamiliar topics. discussion and debate, even on even on abstract and unfamiliar topics. [29.2002-CERCLES edited] abstract, complex unfamiliar topics. [29.2002-CERCLES] C1.2 3. LISTE N TO I can understand everybody I talk to, given the opportunity to INTERLOCUTOR occasionally confirm something, especially if the accent or dialect is non-standard and unfamiliar. C1.2 4. LISTE N TO LIVE Can follow most lectures, discussions I can follow lectures, presentations and I can follow lectures, presentations and demonstrations with AUDIENCE and debates with relative ease. demonstrations with ease, and can ask detailed relative ease, making decisions about what to note down and questions. (ALTE 2002 edited) what to omit as the lecture proceeds and ask detailed I can follow much of what is said in a lecture, questions. presentation or demonstration, making decisions about what to note down and what to omit as the lecture proceeds and ask detailed questions. (ALTE 2002 edited) C1.2 5. LISTE N TO Can extract specific information from I can understand public announcements (, e.g. I can understand public announcements (, e.g. in a station, ANNOUNCEMENTS poor quality, audibly distorted public in a station, sports stadium etc.) even when the sports stadium etc.) even when the audio quality is distorted. announcements, e.g. in a station, sports audio quality is very distorted. (Bergen edited) (Bergen edited) stadium etc. C1.2 6. LISTE N TO TV Can follow films employing a I can easily understand films which contain a large amount of considerable degree of slang and slang and idiomatic usage. idiomatic usage. [1.2000-CH] EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 7/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C1.2 7. READ Can understand in detail a wide range I can read complex reports, analyses and I can understand complex reports, analyses and of lengthy, complex texts likely to be commentaries where opinions, viewpoints and commentaries in which opinions, viewpoints and connections encountered in social, professional or connections are discussed. (Expanded Swiss) are discussed, recognizing contradictions, inconsistencies, or academic life, identifying finer points of illogical arguments. (Expanded Swiss-merged) detail including attitudes and implied as well as stated opinions. C1.2 8. READ Can understand in detail a wide range Even in difficult texts, I can recognize whether of lengthy, complex texts likely to be they contain contradictions, inconsistencies, or encountered in social, professional or illogical arguments. (Expanded Swiss) academic life, identifying finer points of detail including attitudes and implied as well as stated opinions. C1.2 9. READ Can understand in detail lengthy, I can understand long complex texts, even if I can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or complex texts, whether or not they these are not related to my job or field of not they relate to my area of speciality. [1.2000-CH edited] relate to his/her own area of speciality, interest, provided I have enough time to reread provided he/she can reread difficult them. sections. [1.2000-CH] C1.1 10.R EAD FOR I can scan quickly through a variety of sources both within ORIENTATION and outside my field and assess their relevance to my needs. C1.2 11.R EAD LITERATURE I can appreciate shifts of tone and style in I can appreciate shifts of tone and style in contemporary contemporary literary texts and recognise their literary texts and recognise their significance. significance. (New) 12.R EAD I can understand any formal or informal correspondence. CORRESPONDENCE C1.2 13.R EAD Can understand in detail lengthy, I can understand complex manuals, regulations I can understand complex manuals, regulations and contracts INSTRUCTIONS complex instructions on a new machine and contracts even within unfamiliar fields. even within unfamiliar fields if I can reread difficult sections. or procedure, whether or not the [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] edited instructions relate to his/her own area of speciality, provided he/she can reread difficult sections. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 8/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C1.2 14.C ONV ERSATION Can easily follow and contribute to I can participate fully and appropriately in I can participate easily and appropriately in conversation and complex interactions between third conversation and discussion with a good discussion. (ALTE 2002 edited). parties in group discussion even on understanding of humour, irony, implicit cultural abstract, complex unfamiliar topics. references and nuances of meaning. (ALTE 2002 edited). C1.2 15.C ONV ERSATION Can easily follow and contribute to I can participate fully and appropriately in I have a good understanding of humour, irony and implicit complex interactions between third conversation and discussion with a good cultural references. (ALTE 2002 edited). parties in group discussion even on understanding of humour, irony, implicit cultural abstract, complex unfamiliar topics. references and nuances of meaning. (ALTE 2002 edited). C1.2 16.F ORM AL DISCUSSION Can easily keep up with the debate, I can easily keep up with and contribute to an I can easily keep up with and contribute to an extended even on abstract, complex unfamiliar extended debate on an abstract and complex debate on an abstract and complex topics, even when these topics. topics, even when these are unfamiliar to me. are unfamiliar to me, and when people start talking (New) simultaneously. C1.2 17.F ORM AL DISCUSSION Can argue a formal position I can argue a formal position convincingly, I can formulate a convincing argument and respond to convincingly, responding to questions responding to questions and comments and questions, comments and complex counter arguments and comments and answering complex answering complex lines of counter argument fluently, spontaneously and appropriately. lines of counter argument fluently, fluently, spontaneously and appropriately. [29.2002-CERCLES edited] spontaneously and appropriately. [29.2002-CERCLES] C1.2 18.S POK EN Can give elaborate descriptions and I can give an extended description or account of I can give an elaborate description or account of an PRODUCTION - narratives, integrating sub themes, something, integrating themes, developing experience or topic of relevance, integrating themes, DESCRIPTION developing particular points and particular points and concluding appropriately. developing particular points and concluding appropriately. rounding off with an appropriate [1.2000-CH] 1.2000-CH] conclusion. C1.2 19.S POK EN I can confidently put forward a systematically developed PRODUCTION - argument, taking account of the audience’s perspective, ARGUE A CASE evaluating areas of ambiguity and selecting appropriate supporting examples. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 9/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected] EAQUALS BANK OF DESCRIPTORS - COMPARISON WITH CEFR DESCRIPTORS EQUALS 2008 Version Level Category CEFR Descriptor Portfolio Descriptors (colours refer to stages in the drafting process) C1.2 20.S POK EN Can give a clear, well-structured I can give a clearly developed presentation on a I can give a clear, well-structured presentation of a complex PRODUCTION - presentation of a complex subject, subject in my fields of personal or professional subject, expanding and supporting points of view with PRESENTATIONS expanding and supporting points of interest, departing when necessary from the reasons and relevant examples. view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples. prepared text and following up spontaneously I can confidently handle detailed questions and points raised by members of the audience. spontaneously follow up points raised by members of the [1.2000-CH] audience. C1.2 21.S POK EN I can confidently handle detailed questions and PRODUCTION - spontaneously follow up points raised by members of the PRESENTATIONS audience. C.1.2 22.S POK EN Can summarise information from I can summarise orally information from I can summarise orally information from different sources, PRODUCTION - different sources, reconstructing different sources, reconstructing arguments and selecting the most salient and relevant ideas, and SUMMARISE arguments and accounts in a coherent accounts in a coherent presentation. reconstructing arguments in a coherent presentation. presentation of the overall result. [1.2000-CH edited] [1.2000-CH edited] C1.2 23.W RITT EN I can write texts which show a high degree of I can write well-structured texts which show a high degree of PRODUCTION grammatical correctness and vary my grammatical correctness and vary my vocabulary and style vocabulary and style according to the according to the addressee, the kind of text and the topic. addressee, the kind of text and the topic. [1.2000-CH] [1.2000-CH] C1.2 24.W RITT EN Can write clear, well-structured texts of I can write well-structured texts on complex I can write papers on complex topics, developing an PRODUCTION complex subjects, underlining the topics highlighting the main issues and argument systematically by highlighting the main issues and relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view with relevant supporting points with relevant examples and details and supporting points of view at some examples and important details and concluding rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.. length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding appropriately. off with an appropriate conclusion. EAQUALS/ALTE Portfolio Descriptor Revision Project 10/65 © EAQUALS 2008 www.eaquals.org [email protected]