ALTE framework - individual Welsh language skill areas

Level 0 – Awareness

Speaking

I can repeat some basic, simple words upon hearing them often.

Listening

I can recognise some basic everyday greetings for example, bore da, diolch, if the person is talking very slowly.

Reading 

I can recognise some basic, short Welsh words. I can also guess the meaning of some words when they are in an explanatory context.

Writing

I can write a short Welsh word with minimal assistance.

Level 1 – Entry

Speaking

I can use some familiar everyday expressions, for example, bore da, diolch. I can also pronounce names of places, people and organisations. I can talk about basic personal things in an informal situation, for example, interests, family, work, what you did yesterday. I can also talk about basic topics, for example, the weather, time, prices.

Listening

I can understand everyday expressions and very basic phrases if the speaker is talking slowly. I can understand conversations about basic personal information, for example, where someone lives, works, what they like doing, what they did. I can guess what is being said when someone is giving details about events, such as time and place.

Reading 

I can understand very short phrases and can guess what some notices mean. I can understand short texts where people are giving basic information about themselves or others. I usually find details, such as time and cost, in advertisements or notices.

Writing

I can write very simple phrases or sentences about yourself or others. I can also pass on a simple message or make a simple request, for example, by e-mail.

Level 2 – Foundation

Speaking

I can hold a basic conversation with someone on a common everyday topic, provided the other speaker helps. I can ask and answer questions on familiar topics, for example, work, hobbies, preferences, things which have happened or future plans.

Listening

I understand when people talk about everyday situations, for example, personal information, work, what they have done or would do, provided they talk slowly. I can understand when people ask me or others to do something, and when they’re asking about future plans, for example, requesting a meeting.

Reading 

I understand messages about everyday things, and some very basic letters or e-mails, for example, asking for something, or asking to pass a message on. I can also understand short pieces of texts or very simple books, for example, books for children.

Writing

I can write a short note to a friend or colleague, asking for something, thanking them or explaining something, for example, absence from work. I can also write a short text about a familiar topic, for example, personal experience, or work-related experience.

Level 3 – Intermediate

Speaking

I can hold an extended conversation with a fluent speaker on a familiar topic, for example, interests or work. I can express a view and exchange information on a range of topics to do with everyday life, for example, hobbies, travel or immediate work-related topics.

Listening

I understand information being given about common or everyday topics, or when things to do with work are being discussed, for example, in conversation, or in small group meetings. I usually understand the main message and details, provided people speak clearly, for example, when announcements are made or when listening to news bulletins.

Reading 

I can understand straightforward short articles on everyday topics of interest, or to do with work. I can guess what words mean from the context, when the topic is familiar. I understand most e- mails and work-related documents.

Writing

I can write a letter on most topics, asking for things, giving explanations, describing experiences, inviting people, or organising an event. I can write fairly accurately on most familiar topics, for example, related to interests or work-related.

Level 4 – Advanced

Speaking

I can talk confidently with fluent speakers on familiar topics related to everyday life or work. I can express views, engage in discussion, and speak at length about general topics, for example, in a meeting, or in a one-to-one situation.

Listening

I usually follow most conversations or discussions, even on topics I’m not familiar with. I understand most TV and radio programmes intended for first language Welsh speakers, unless the speaker has a strong, unfamiliar accent.

Reading 

I understand most correspondence, and scan through long texts to find details. I understand most newspaper articles and reports aimed at first language Welsh speakers, with the aid of a dictionary. I can understand novels and other texts, provided they are not written in a very formal or very colloquial style.

Writing

I can write a short article, review or report on a variety of subjects of a general nature, or which are work-related, with fairly accurate grammar. I can also write detailed and well-structured texts, which are appropriate for the reader. I respond accurately to most types of correspondence from colleagues or external contacts.

Level 5 – Proficiency

Speaking

I express myself fully and precisely, even when discussing complex issues. I adapt my language style according to the audience, for example, when speaking in a formal context or talking to friends. I can speak at length about a complex issue, present arguments and lead discussions.

Listening

I can easily follow all conversations and discussions between others, on all sorts of topics. I understand all kinds of spoken Welsh, including lectures or complex discussions.

Reading 

I can read and understand almost all written Welsh texts with ease, with only occasional references to a dictionary. I can read long texts, for example, reports, articles, to find relevant details and understand almost all styles of writing, for example, formal or informal.

Writing

I can write extended texts, reports, articles, minutes or other types of writing in a style appropriate to the reader. I can write in formal or informal Welsh as necessary. I can write with a high degree of grammatical accuracy on a wide range of topics.