Can complete routine tasks such as asking where the bathroom is in a restaurant.

Can describe very simply where they are from, their likes and dislikes etc.

Can use all simple tenses (I go, I went, I will go)

Frequent errors in grammar and pronunciation

Students can use all simple tenses as well as continuous and perfect tenses. Students know the 1st conditional and some modal verbs. They can recognize the most common phrasal verbs (e.g. to get on with, to look after etc)

Students can communicate any idea that they have, but may have errors in grammar and pronunciation.

Can deal with any situation that arises while travelling (e.g. telling someone they’ve lost their passport and asking what to do).

Can use all tenses without error including 1st, 2nd and 3rd conditionals and all modal verbs

Can express ideas clearly and fluently and errors do not impede understanding

Has a wide range of vocabulary, can use phrasal verbs and some idiomatic language (e.g. to throw someone in at the deep end) with ease.

Understands complex texts and has the ability to interpret meaning and read between the lines. Could read a broadsheet newspaper with no difficulty.

Can use all grammar structures correctly, including mixed conditionals.

Expresses themselves fluently and spontaneously without having to search for expressions. Can use idiomatic expressions with ease.

Would be able to study academically or work professionally in the language without much difficulty

Often considered ‘native’ ability. However, not all native speakers would be able to pass a C2 level exam.

Can understand any document, including academic journals and legal documents with ease. Can identify nuances in language and distinguish between finer shades of meaning even in the most complex of texts.

Can express themselves articulately, spontaneously and fluently without any grammatical or pronunciation errors.