Most of you
probably know some English, but might not have the fluency you want. That will
come with practice, the same as playing basketball. The more you listen, the
more you attempt to repeat or speak, the more fluent you'll be. Of course, your
vocabulary level is important, too, and helps greatly with fluency.
Let's look now at one of the six language
levels. Remember the six levels, as designated by the CEFR (Common European
Framework of Reference to Language Learning) are: A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2.
The levels can refer to ANY language, not only English, and they include the abilities
of listening, speaking, reading, writing.
The A-1 level is basic English. It is
NOT, however, the very beginning level, such as an ELL (English Language
Learner) at kindergarten or first grade level. For a child in a school with a
true bilingual program (50% Spanish/50% English), the A-1 level should be
reached by the end of second grade or primary school.
But what if the child has English
only an hour a week? Or, what about students who begin to study in their teen
or adult years? Let's look at the
observable characteristics of Levels A-1 described as "Basic English
Users".
In general, at A-1, the ELL can understand and
use expressions of daily habits, such as "Hello. How are you?".
Can ask basic questions about home, preferences, personal belongings, to
persons they know. Can understand others
if they speak slowly and clearly and have an attitude of helping the new
language learner. Can give their name and address to friends, and use simple
phrases to meet personal needs.
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
LISTENING
A-1
I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases
concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people
speak slowly and clearly.
SPOKEN
PRODUCTION
A-1
I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe
where I live and people I know.
SPOKEN INTERACTION
A-1
I can interact in a simple way provided the other
person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and
help me formulate what I'm trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions
in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
READING
A-1
I can understand familiar names, words and very simple
sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
WRITING
A-1
I can write a short, simple postcard, for example
sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for
example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
Now you
are more familiar with the first CEFR level, A-1.
Next blog, I'll describe A-2. As you read the next few
blogs, see if you can figure out YOUR
personal English level.
