CEFR Speaking Descriptors

produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured discourse with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.

give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.

reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within their field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.

give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes, etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

produce simple, mainly isolated phrases about people and places.

produce short phrases about themselves, giving basic personal information (e.g. name, address, family, nationality).

give clear, smoothly flowing, elaborate and often memorable descriptions.

give clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects.

give elaborate descriptions and narratives, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding them off with an appropriate conclusion.

give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest.

describe the personal significance of events and experiences in detail.

clearly express feelings about something experienced and give reasons to explain those feelings.

give straightforward descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects within their field of interest.

reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a sequence of points.

give detailed accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions.

relate details of unpredictable occurrences, e.g. an accident.

relate the plot of a book or film and describe their reactions.

describe dreams, hopes and ambitions.

describe events, real or imagined.

narrate a story.

tell a story or describe something in a simple list of points.

describe everyday aspects of their environment, e.g. people, places, a job or study experience.

give short, basic descriptions of events and activities.

describe plans and arrangements, habits and routines, past activities and personal experiences.

use simple descriptive language to make brief statements about and compare objects and possessions.

explain what they like or dislike about something.

describe their family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job.

describe people, places and possessions in simple terms.

express what they are good at and not so good at (e.g. sports, games, skills, subjects).

briefly describe what they plan to do at the weekend or during the holidays.

describe themselves, what they do and where they live.

describe simple aspects of their everyday life in a series of simple sentences, using simple words/signs and basic phrases, provided they can prepare in advance.

describe themselves (e.g. name, age, family), using simple words/signs and formulaic expressions, provided they can prepare in advance.

express how they are feeling using simple adjectives like "happy" or "tired", accompanied by body language.

communicate clearly detailed distinctions between ideas, concepts and things that closely resemble one other.

give instructions on carrying out a series of complex professional or academic procedures.

communicate clearly detailed distinctions between ideas, concepts and things that closely resemble one other.

give instructions on carrying out a series of complex professional or academic procedures.

communicate complex information and advice on the full range of matters related to their occupational role.

communicate detailed information reliably.

give a clear, detailed description of how to carry out a procedure.

explain the main points in an idea or problem with reasonable precision.

describe how to do something, giving detailed instructions.

report straightforward factual information on a familiar topic, for example to indicate the nature of a problem or to give detailed directions, provided they can prepare beforehand.

give simple directions on how to get from X to Y, using basic expressions such as "turn right" and "go straight", along with sequential connectors such as "first", "then" and "next".

name an object and indicate its shape and colour while showing it to others using basic words/signs, phrases and formulaic expressions, provided they can prepare in advance.

argue a case on a complex issue, formulating points precisely and employing emphasis effectively.

develop an argument systematically in well-structured language, taking into account the interlocutor's perspective, highlighting significant points with supporting examples and concluding appropriately.

argue a case on a complex issue, formulating points precisely and employing emphasis effectively.

develop an argument systematically in well-structured language, taking into account the interlocutor's perspective, highlighting significant points with supporting examples and concluding appropriately.

develop an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting their points of view at some length with subsidiary points and relevant examples.

construct a chain of reasoned argument.

explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

develop an argument well enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time.

give simple reasons to justify a viewpoint on a familiar topic.

express opinions on subjects relating to everyday life, using simple expressions.

briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions.

explain whether or not they approve of what someone has done and give reasons to justify this opinion.

explain what they like or dislike about something, why they prefer one thing to another, making simple, direct comparisons.

present their opinion in simple terms, provided interlocutors are patient.

No descriptors available

deliver announcements fluently, almost effortlessly, using stress and intonation to convey finer shades of meaning precisely.

deliver announcements fluently, almost effortlessly, using stress and intonation to convey finer shades of meaning precisely.

deliver announcements on most general topics with a degree of clarity, fluency and spontaneity which causes no strain or inconvenience to the recipient.

deliver short, rehearsed announcements on a topic pertinent to everyday occurrences in their field which, despite possible problems with stress and intonation (= non-manuals in a sign language), are nevertheless clearly intelligible.

deliver very short, rehearsed announcements of predictable, learnt content which are intelligible to recipients who are prepared to concentrate.

No descriptors available

present a complex topic confidently and articulately to an audience unfamiliar with it, structuring and adapting the talk flexibly to meet the audience's needs.

handle difficult and even hostile questioning.

give a clear, well-structured presentation on a complex subject, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples.

structure a longer presentation appropriately in order to help the audience follow the sequence of ideas and understand the overall argumentation.

speculate or hypothesise in presenting a complex subject, comparing and evaluating alternative proposals and arguments.

handle interjections well, responding spontaneously and almost effortlessly.

give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.

depart spontaneously from a prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members of the audience, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression.

give a clear, prepared presentation, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

take a series of follow-up questions with a degree of fluency and spontaneity which poses no strain for either themselves or the audience.

give a prepared presentation on a familiar topic within their field, outlining similarities and differences (e.g. between products, countries/regions, plans).

give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within their field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision.

take follow-up questions, but may have to ask for repetition if the delivery is rapid.

give a short, rehearsed presentation on a topic pertinent to their everyday life, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions.

cope with a limited number of straightforward follow-up questions.

give a short, rehearsed, basic presentation on a familiar subject.

answer straightforward follow-up questions if they can ask for repetition and if some help with the formulation of their reply is possible.

use a very short prepared text to deliver a rehearsed statement (e.g. to formally introduce someone, to propose a toast).