VOCABULARY

EXPERT
6

Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on a wide variety of familiar and unfamiliar topics. Vocabulary is idiomatic, nuanced and sensitive to register.

EXTENDED
5

Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete and work-related topics. Paraphrases consistently and successfully. Vocabulary is sometimes idiomatic.

OPERATIONAL
4

Vocabulary range and accuracy are usually sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete and work-related topics. Can often paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary in unusual or unexpected circumstances. 

PRE-OPERATIONAL
3

Vocabulary range and accuracy are often sufficient to communicate on common, concrete and work-related topics but range is limited and the word choice often inappropriate. Is often unable to paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary.

ELEMENTARY
2

Limited vocabulary range consisting only of isolated words and memorized words.

PRE-ELEMENTARY
1

Performs at a level below the Elementary level.

FLUENCY

EXPERT
6

Able to speak at length with a natural, effortless flow. Varies speech flow for stylistic effect, e.g. to emphasize a point. Uses appropriate discourse markers and connectors spontaneously.

EXTENDED
5

Able to speak at length with ease on familiar topics, but may not vary speech flow as a stylistic device. Can make use of appropriate discourse markers or connectors.

OPERATIONAL
4

Produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo. There may be occasional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed or formulaic speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent effective communication. Can make limited use of discourse markers or connectors. Fillers are not distractive.

PRE-OPERATIONAL
3

Produces stretches of language, but phrasing and pausing are often inappropriate. Hesitation or slowness in language processing may prevent effective communication. Fillers are sometimes distractive.

ELEMENTARY
2

Can produce very short, isolated, memorized utterances with frequent pausing and a distracting use of fillers to search for expressions and to articulate less familiar words.

PRE-ELEMENTARY
1

Performs at a level below the Elementary level.