Can Do Statements

CAN DO STATEMENTS

In order to get a sense of where your level is, you can use this quick self-evaluation to showcase what you are currently able to do and help direct you to move to higher levels. Directions: Read each Can Do Statement and place a check in the column titled My Level that best identifies your ability with that mode and domain. You may want to write the date of this evaluation and do this again in several months to monitor growth in these areas.

INTERPRETIVE MODE – LISTENING (UNDERSTANDING SPOKEN LANGUAGE)

ACTFL LevelMy LevelCan Do Statements
Novice-Low I can understand only a few clearly spoken words.
Novice-Mid I can understand familiar names, words, and very basic phrases concerning my family, my immediate surroundings, and myself when people speak slowly and clearly.
Novice-High I can understand many phrases and commonly used vocabulary related to areas of personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, school etc.). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Intermediate-Low I can understand very basic sentences with topics surrounding my immediate surroundings like home, school and friends when the language is clear and slow. I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Intermediate-Mid I can understand some main points in a conversation on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand some main points of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of high interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
Intermediate-High I can understand some extended speech and discussions and follow more complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programs. I can understand the majority of films in standard language.
Advanced-Low I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly. I can understand most television programs and films without too much effort.

ACTFL Level	My Level	Can Do Statements
Novice-Low		I can understand only a few clearly spoken words.
Novice-Mid		I can understand familiar names, words, and very basic phrases concerning my family, my immediate surroundings, and myself when people speak slowly and clearly.
Novice-High		I can understand many phrases and commonly used vocabulary related to areas of personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, school etc.). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Intermediate-Low		I can understand very basic sentences with topics surrounding my immediate surroundings like home, school and friends when the language is clear and slow. I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Intermediate-Mid		I can understand some main points in a conversation on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand some main points of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of high interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
Intermediate-High		I can understand some extended speech and discussions and follow more complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programs. I can understand the majority of films in standard language.
Advanced-Low		I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly. I can understand most television programs and films without too much effort.

INTERPRETIVE MODE – READING (UNDERSTANDING WRITTEN LANGUAGE)

ACTFL LevelMy LevelCan Do Statements
Novice-Low I can understand only a few very common words.
Novice-Mid I can understand some familiar names, words, and very simple phrases, for example on notes, memos, emails, posters or in catalogs.
Novice-High I can read very short, simple, sentence length texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, menus, and schedules and I can understand some short simple personal notes and email greetings.
Intermediate-Low I can understand very basic strings of sentences with topics surrounding my immediate surroundings like home, school and friends. I can catch the main points in short, noncomplicated, emails, letters, advertisements, announcements and some short stories.
Intermediate-Mid I can understand most main points in texts regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main points of most daily news stories and magazine articles with areas/topics where I have an interest or some experience.
Intermediate-High I can read longer texts like short stories and simple novels and understand most of the main ideas. I am able to guess the meaning of many new words from context.
Advanced-Low I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. I can understand specialized articles and longer technical instructions.

ACTFL Level	My Level	Can Do Statements
Novice-Low		I can understand only a few very common words.
Novice-Mid		I can understand some familiar names, words, and very simple phrases, for example on notes, memos, emails, posters or in catalogs.
Novice-High		I can read very short, simple, sentence length texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, menus, and schedules and I can understand some short simple personal notes and email greetings.
Intermediate-Low		I can understand very basic strings of sentences with topics surrounding my immediate surroundings like home, school and friends. I can catch the main points in short, noncomplicated, emails, letters, advertisements, announcements and some short stories.
Intermediate-Mid		I can understand most main points in texts regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main points of most daily news stories and magazine articles with areas/topics where I have an interest or some experience.
Intermediate-High		I can read longer texts like short stories and simple novels and understand most of the main ideas. I am able to guess the meaning of many new words from context.
Advanced-Low		I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. I can understand specialized articles and longer technical instructions.

INTERPERSONAL MODE – SPEAKING (SPEAKING WITH ANOTHER PERSON)

ACTFL LevelMy LevelCan Do Statements
Novice-Low I can say only a few common words or set phrases, like: hello, goodbye, my name is, etc.
Novice-Mid 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 am trying to say. I can answer simple questions about my immediate surroundings using some simple phrases.
Novice-High I can communicate about routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I cannot usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself beyond basic memorized exchanges.
Intermediate-Low I can communicate in some unstructured exchanges of information on familiar topics and activities. I can easily handle short social exchanges and keep the conversation going by asking and responding to basic questions.
Intermediate-Mid I can deal with most situations likely to arise when traveling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversations on topics that are very familiar, of personal interest, or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, school, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
Intermediate-High I can interact with an increasing degree of fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible even though I still need some help formulating more complex thoughts. I can use circumlocution to express ideas with some effort. I can take an active part in discussions in familiar contexts.
Advanced-Low I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without obviously searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for most social and academic purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions and relate my contribution skillfully to other speakers.

ACTFL Level	My Level	Can Do Statements
Novice-Low		I can say only a few common words or set phrases, like: hello, goodbye, my name is, etc.
Novice-Mid		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 am trying to say. I can answer simple questions about my immediate surroundings using some simple phrases.
Novice-High		I can communicate about routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I cannot usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself beyond basic memorized exchanges.
Intermediate-Low		I can communicate in some unstructured exchanges of information on familiar topics and activities. I can easily handle short social exchanges and keep the conversation going by asking and responding to basic questions.
Intermediate-Mid		I can deal with most situations likely to arise when traveling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversations on topics that are very familiar, of personal interest, or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, school, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
Intermediate-High		I can interact with an increasing degree of fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible even though I still need some help formulating more complex thoughts. I can use circumlocution to express ideas with some effort. I can take an active part in discussions in familiar contexts.
Advanced-Low		I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without obviously searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for most social and academic purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions and relate my contribution skillfully to other speakers.

PRESENTATIONAL MODE – SPEAKING (SPEAKING TO ANOTHER PERSON OR AUDIENCE)

ACTFL LevelMy LevelCan Do Statements
Novice-Low I can say only a few common words or set phrases.
Novice-Mid I can use simple words and phrases to describe myself, where I live and other basic language about my immediate environment.
Novice-High I can use a series of learned phrases and basic sentences to describe my family and other people, my immediate surroundings and general weather conditions. I am also able to state simple likes and interests associated with food, beverages and personal interests.
Intermediate-Low I can use a series of basic sentences to describe themes and topics connected with my every-day life experience. I am also able to formulate more extended questions and use more details in my language.
Intermediate-Mid I can connect sentences in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give basic reasons and explanations and I can narrate a short story or relate the plot of a short story or summarize a simple news report.
Intermediate-High I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects. I can explain a process on a topic or event that I am very familiar with and include extended details. I can link main ideas together using basic transition or linking words.
Advanced-Low I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and formulating an appropriate conclusion. I can present a clear, smoothly flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient notice and remember significant points.

ACTFL Level	My Level	Can Do Statements
Novice-Low		I can say only a few common words or set phrases.
Novice-Mid		I can use simple words and phrases to describe myself, where I live and other basic language about my immediate environment.
Novice-High		I can use a series of learned phrases and basic sentences to describe my family and other people, my immediate surroundings and general weather conditions. I am also able to state simple likes and interests associated with food, beverages and personal interests.
Intermediate-Low		I can use a series of basic sentences to describe themes and topics connected with my every-day life experience. I am also able to formulate more extended questions and use more details in my language.
Intermediate-Mid		I can connect sentences in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give basic reasons and explanations and I can narrate a short story or relate the plot of a short story or summarize a simple news report.
Intermediate-High		I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects. I can explain a process on a topic or event that I am very familiar with and include extended details. I can link main ideas together using basic transition or linking words.
Advanced-Low		I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and formulating an appropriate conclusion. I can present a clear, smoothly flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient notice and remember significant points.

PRESENTATIONAL MODE – WRITING (WRITING TO ANOTHER PERSON OR AUDIENCE)

ACTFL LevelMy LevelCan Do Statements
Novice-Low I can write only a few common words or set phrases or copy a few characters.
Novice-Mid I can write a few short, simple phrases. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. I can write a few characters in a character-based language.
Novice-High I can write a few short and simple sentences about those things most familiar to me. These sentences have little or no added detail and follow very formulaic structures. Spelling and grammar errors occur often. I can write several characters in a character-based language related with the most frequently used characters or vocabulary.
Intermediate-Low I can write series of basic sentences to describe themes and topics connected with my every-day life experience. I am also able to formulate more extended questions and use more details. Errors in spelling and usage are common in my writing. I can write many characters in a character-based language, using keyboard input skills to assist in the writing process.
Intermediate-Mid I can connect sentences in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events in my everyday life at home, school and in my community. I can give basic reasons and explanations as I write more extended emails and personal notes. Character-based languages can accomplish the same tasks, using keyboard input processes to assist in completing the task.
Intermediate-High I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write a basic single paragraph essay or report that conveys information. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences in my life. Character- based languages can accomplish the same tasks, using keyboard input processes to assist in completing the task.
Advanced-Low I can express myself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the key issues. I can select a style appropriate to the reader in mind. Character-based languages can accomplish the same tasks, using keyboard input processes to assist in completing the task.

ACTFL Level	My Level	Can Do Statements
Novice-Low		I can write only a few common words or set phrases or copy a few characters.
Novice-Mid		I can write a few short, simple phrases. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. I can write a few characters in a character-based language.
Novice-High		I can write a few short and simple sentences about those things most familiar to me. These sentences have little or no added detail and follow very formulaic structures. Spelling and grammar errors occur often. I can write several characters in a character-based language related with the most frequently used characters or vocabulary.
Intermediate-Low		I can write series of basic sentences to describe themes and topics connected with my every-day life experience. I am also able to formulate more extended questions and use more details. Errors in spelling and usage are common in my writing. I can write many characters in a character-based language, using keyboard input skills to assist in the writing process.
Intermediate-Mid		I can connect sentences in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events in my everyday life at home, school and in my community. I can give basic reasons and explanations as I write more extended emails and personal notes. Character-based languages can accomplish the same tasks, using keyboard input processes to assist in completing the task.
Intermediate-High		I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write a basic single paragraph essay or report that conveys information. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences in my life. Character- based languages can accomplish the same tasks, using keyboard input processes to assist in completing the task.
Advanced-Low		I can express myself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the key issues. I can select a style appropriate to the reader in mind. Character-based languages can accomplish the same tasks, using keyboard input processes to assist in completing the task.

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