Appendix D: The ALTE Can Do statements

the Can Do statements. It seems likely that the reason for this is that Table 2
represents the end product of an extended process of selection, analysis and
renement. The result of this process is that each level description is a composite of
carefully selected typical elements, making it easier for respondents at a given level to
recognise the level which best describes them. This produces a more coherent pattern
of responses, which in turn produces a longer scale. This is in contrast to the present
form of the Can Dos, which are still short, atomic statements which have not yet been
grouped into such rounded, holistic descriptions of levels.
Group effects (differential item function) are evident in the fact that certain
respondent groups (i.e. respondents to the Social and Tourist, Work or Study forms of
the questionnaire) are found to discriminate levels considerably more nely on certain
of the scales used as anchors, for reasons which have been difcult to identify.
None of these effects are unexpected when using a Rasch modelling approach to
scale equating. They indicate that a systematic, qualitative review of the texts of the
individual statements themselves remains a necessary and important stage in arriving
at a nal equating of the scales.

Levels of proficiency in the ALTE Framework

At the time of writing the ALTE Framework is a ve-level system. The validation
described above conrms that these correspond broadly to levels A2 to C2 of the CE
Framework. Work on dening a further initial level (Breakthrough) is in progress, and
the Can Do project is contributing to the characterisation of this level. Thus the
relation of the two Frameworks can be seen as follows:

Council of A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Europe
Levels

ALTE ALTE ALTE ALTE ALTE ALTE ALTE

Levels Breakthrough Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Level

The salient features of each ALTE level are as follows:

ALTE Level 5 (Good User): the capacity to deal with material which is academic or
cognitively demanding, and to use language to good effect, at a level of performance
which may in certain respects be more advanced than that of an average native
speaker.
Example: CAN scan texts for relevant information, and grasp main topic of text, reading almost
as quickly as a native speaker.

ALTE Level 4 (Competent User): an ability to communicate with the emphasis on how well
it is done, in terms of appropriacy, sensitivity and the capacity to deal with unfamiliar
topics.

249
Appendix D: The ALTE Can Do statements

Example: CAN deal with hostile questioning condently. CAN get and hold onto his/her turn to
speak.

ALTE Level 3 (Independent User): the capacity to achieve most goals and express oneself on
a range of topics.
Example: CAN show visitors round and give a detailed description of a place.

ALTE Level 2 (Threshold User): an ability to express oneself in a limited way in familiar
situations and to deal in a general way with non-routine information.
Example: CAN ask to open an account at a bank, provided that the procedure is straightforward.

ALTE Level 1 (Waystage User): an ability to deal with simple, straightforward information
and begin to express oneself in familiar contexts.
Example: CAN take part in a routine conversation on simple predictable topics.

ALTE Breakthrough Level: a basic ability to communicate and exchange information in a

simple way.
Example: CAN ask simple questions about a menu and understand simple answers.

References

Alderson, J. C. 1991: Bands and scores. In: Alderson, J.C. and North, B. (eds.): Language testing in the
1990s. London: British Council / Macmillan, Developments in ELT, 7186.
North, B. 1996/2000: The development of a common framework scale of language prociency. PhD thesis,
Thames Valley University. Reprinted 2000, New York, Peter Lang.
ALTE Handbook of language examinations and examination systems (available from ALTE Secretariat at
UCLES).

For further information about the ALTE project, please contact Marianne Hirtzel at
Hirtzel.m@ucles.org.uk

Neil Jones, Marianne Hirtzel, University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, March 2000

250
Document D1 ALTE skill level summaries

ALTE Level Listening/Speaking Reading Writing

ALTE Level 5 CAN advise on or talk about complex or CAN understand documents, CAN write letters on any subject and full
sensitive issues, understanding correspondence and reports, including notes of meetings or seminars with good
colloquial references and dealing the ner points of complex texts. expression and accuracy.
condently with hostile questions.

ALTE Level 4 CAN contribute effectively to meetings
and seminars within own area of work
or keep up a casual conversation with a
good degree of uency, coping with
abstract expressions.
CAN read quickly enough to cope with CAN prepare/draft professional
an academic course, to read the media correspondence, take reasonably accurate
for information or to understand non- notes in meetings or write an essay which
standard correspondence. shows an ability to communicate.

ALTE Level 3 CAN follow or give a talk on a familiar CAN scan texts for relevant information, CAN make notes while someone is talking
topic or keep up a conversation on a and understand detailed instructions or or write a letter including non-standard
fairly wide range of topics. advice. requests.

ALTE Level 2 CAN express opinions on abstract/
cultural matters in a limited way or
offer advice within a known area, and
understand instructions or public
announcements.
CAN understand routine information CAN write letters or make notes on
and articles, and the general meaning familiar or predictable matters.
of non-routine information within a
familiar area.

ALTE Level 1 CAN express simple opinions or CAN understand straightforward CAN complete forms and write short
requirements in a familiar context. information within a known area, such simple letters or postcards related to
as on products and signs and simple personal information.
textbooks or reports on familiar matters.

ALTE Break- CAN understand basic instructions or CAN understand basic notices, CAN complete basic forms, and write
through Level take part in a basic factual conversation instructions or information. notes including times, dates and places.
on a predictable topic.
Document D2 ALTE social and tourist statements summary

ALTE Level Listening/Speaking Reading Writing

ALTE Level 5 CAN talk about complex or sensitive CAN (when looking for accommodation) CAN write letters on any subject with
issues without awkwardness. understand a tenancy agreement in good expression and accuracy.
detail, for example technical details and
the main legal implications.

ALTE Level 4 CAN keep up conversations of a casual CAN understand complex opinions/ CAN write letters on most subjects. Such
nature for an extended period of time arguments as expressed in serious difculties as the reader may experience
and discuss abstract/cultural topics with newspapers. are likely to be at the level of vocabulary.
a good degree of uency and range of
expression.

ALTE Level 3 CAN keep up a conversation on a fairly
wide range of topics, such as personal
and professional experiences, events
currently in the news.
CAN understand detailed information,
for example a wide range of culinary
terms on a restaurant menu, and terms
and abbreviations in accommodation
advertisements.
CAN write to a hotel to ask about the
availability of services, for example
facilities for the disabled or the provision
of a special diet.

ALTE Level 2 CAN express opinions on abstract/ CAN understand factual articles in CAN write letters on a limited range of
cultural matters in a limited way and newspapers, routine letters from hotels predictable topics related to personal
pick up nuances of meaning/opinion. and letters expressing personal opinions. experience and express opinions in
predictable language.

ALTE Level 1 CAN express likes and dislikes in CAN understand straightforward CAN complete most forms related to
familiar contexts using simple language information, for example labels on food, personal information.
such as I (dont) like . . . standard menus, road signs and
messages on automatic cash machines.

ALTE Break- CAN ask simple questions of a factual
through Level nature and understand answers
expressed in simple language.
CAN understand simple notices and CAN leave a very simple message for a
information, for example in airports, host family or write short simple thank
on store guides and on menus. you notes.
CAN understand simple instructions on
medicines and simple directions to
places.
 Appendix D: The ALTE Can Do statements

Document D3 ALTE social and tourist statements

Overview of concerns and activities covered
CONCERN ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENT LANGUAGE SKILL
REQUIRED
Day-to-Day Survival 1. Shopping Self-service shops Listening/Speaking
Counter service shops Reading
Market place
2. Eating Out Restaurants Listening/Speaking
Self-service (fast food)
Reading
3. Hotel-type Hotels, B & B, etc. Listening/Speaking
3. accommodation Reading, Writing
(form lling)
4. Renting temporary Agency, private landlord Listening/Speaking
3. accommodation (at, Reading, Writing
3. room, house) (form lling)
5. Settling into Host families Listening/Speaking
3. accommodation Reading, Writing (letters)
6. Using nancial and Banks, bureaux de Listening/Speaking
3. postal services change, post ofces Reading, Writing
Health Getting/staying well Chemists Listening/Speaking
Doctors Reading
Hospital
Dentists
Travel Arriving in a country Airport/port Listening/Speaking
Touring Railway/bus station Reading, Writing (form
Getting/giving Street, garage, etc. lling)
directions Travel agency
Hiring Rental rms (car, boat,
etc.)
Emergencies Dealing with Public places Listening/Speaking
emergency situations Private places, e.g. hotel Reading
(accident, illness, room
crime, car breakdown, Hospital
etc.) Police station
Sightseeing Getting information Tourist ofce Listening/Speaking
Going on tours Travel agency Reading
Showing people around Tourist sights
(monuments, etc.)
Towns/cities
Schools/colleges/
universities
Socialising Casual meeting/ Discos, parties, schools, Listening/Speaking
getting on with hotels, campsites,
people restaurants, etc.
Entertaining Home, away from home
The Media/Cultural Watching TV, lms, Home, car, cinema, Listening/Reading
events plays etc. theatre,
Listening to the radio Son et Lumire, etc.
Reading newspapers/
magazines
Personal contacts Writing letters, Home, away from home Listening/Speaking
(at a distance) postcards, etc. (telephone) Reading,
Writing

253
Document D4 ALTE work statements summary
ALTE Level Listening/Speaking
ALTE Level 5 CAN advise on/handle complex delicate
or contentious issues, such as legal or
nancial matters, to the extent that
he/she has the necessary specialist
knowledge.
ALTE Level 4 CAN contribute effectively to meetings
and seminars within own area of work
and argue for or against a case.
ALTE Level 3 CAN take and pass on most messages
that are likely to require attention
during a normal working day.
ALTE Level 2 CAN offer advice to clients within own
job area on simple matters.
ALTE Level 1 CAN state simple requirements within
own job area, such as I want to order
25 of . . .
ALTE Break- CAN take and pass on simple messages
through Level of a routine kind, such as Friday
meeting 10 a.m.
Reading
CAN understand reports and articles
likely to be encountered during his/her
work, including complex ideas
expressed in complex language.
CAN understand correspondence
expressed in non-standard language.
CAN understand most correspondence,
reports and factual product literature
he/she is likely to come across.
CAN understand the general meaning
of non-routine letters and theoretical
articles within own work area.
CAN understand most short reports or
manuals of a predictable nature within
his/her own area of expertise, provided
enough time is given.
CAN understand short reports or
product descriptions on familiar
matters, if these are expressed in simple please?
language and the contents are
predictable.
Writing
CAN make full and accurate notes and
continue to participate in a meeting or
seminar.
CAN handle a wide range of routine and
non-routine situations in which
professional services are requested from
colleagues or external contacts.
CAN deal with all routine requests for
goods or services.
CAN make reasonably accurate notes at a
meeting or seminar where the subject
matter is familiar and predictable.
CAN write a short, comprehensible note
of request to a colleague or a known
contact in another company.
CAN write a simple routine request to a
colleague, such as Can I have 20X
 Appendix D: The ALTE Can Do statements

Document D5 ALTE WORK statements

Overview of concerns and activities covered

CONCERN ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENT LANGUAGE SKILL

REQUIRED

Work-related 1. Requesting work- Workplace (ofce, Listening/Speaking

services related services factory, etc.) Writing
2. Providing work- Workplace (ofce, Listening/Speaking
related services factory, etc.) Writing
customers home

Meetings and Participating in Workplace (ofce, Listening/Speaking

seminars meetings and seminars factory, etc.), Writing (notes)
conference centre

Formal presentations Following and giving a Conference centre, Listening/Speaking

and demonstrations presentation or exhibition centre, Writing (notes)
demonstration factory, laboratory etc.

Correspondence Understanding and Workplace (ofce, Reading

writing faxes, letters, factory, etc.) Writing
memos, e-mail, etc. Reading

Reports Understanding and Workplace (ofce, Reading

writing reports (of factory, etc.) Writing
substantial length and
formality)

Publicly available Getting relevant Workplace (ofce, Reading

information information (from e.g. factory, etc.), home
product literature,
professional/trade
journals, advertise-
ments, web sites etc.)

Instructions and Understanding notices Workplace (ofce, Reading

guidelines (e.g. safety.) factory, etc.) Writing
Understanding and
writing instructions (in,
for example,
installation, operation
and maintenance
manuals)

Telephone Making outgoing calls Ofce, home, hotel Listening/Speaking /

Receiving incoming room, etc. Writing (notes)
calls (inc. taking
messages/writing notes)

255
Document D6 ALTE study statements summary

ALTE Level Listening/Speaking Reading Writing

ALTE Level 5 CAN understand jokes, colloquial asides CAN access all sources of information CAN make accurate and complete notes
and cultural allusions. quickly and reliably. during the course of a lecture, seminar or
tutorial.

ALTE Level 4 CAN follow abstract argumentation, for CAN read quickly enough to cope with CAN write an essay which shows ability to
example the balancing of alternatives the demands of an academic course. communicate, giving few difculties for
and the drawing of a conclusion. the reader.

ALTE Level 3 CAN give a clear presentation on a CAN scan tests for relevant information CAN make simple notes that will be of
familiar topic, and answer predictable and grasp main point of text. reasonable use for essay or revision
or factual questions. purposes.

ALTE Level 2 CAN understand instructions on classes CAN understand basic instructions and CAN write down some information at a
and assignments given by a teacher or messages, for example computer library lecture, if this is more or less dictated.
lecturer. catalogues, with some help.

ALTE Level 1 CAN express simple opinions using CAN understand the general meaning CAN write a very short simple narrative
expressions such as I dont agree. of a simplied textbook or article, or description, such as My last holiday.
reading very slowly.

ALTE Break- CAN understand basic instructions on CAN read basic notices and instructions. CAN copy times, dates and places from
through Level class times, dates and room numbers, notices on classroom board or notice
and on assignments to be carried out. board.
 Appendix D: The ALTE Can Do statements

Document D7 ALTE STUDY statements

Overview of concerns and activities

CONCERN ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENT LANGUAGE SKILL

REQUIRED

Lectures, talks, 1. Following a lecture, Lecture hall, classroom, Listening/Speaking

presentations and talk, presentation or laboratory, etc. Writing (notes)
demonstrations demonstration
2. Giving a lecture talk,
presentation or
demonstration

Seminars and Participating in Classroom, study Listening/Speaking

tutorials seminars and tutorials Writing (notes)

Textbooks, articles, Gathering information Study, library, etc. Reading

etc. Writing (notes)

Essays Writing essays Study, library, Writing

examination room, etc.

Accounts Writing up accounts Study, laboratory Writing

(e.g. of an experiment)

Reference skills Accessing information Library, resource Reading

(e.g. from a computer centre, etc. Writing (notes)
base, library,
dictionary, etc.)

Management of Making arrangements, Lecture hall, classroom Listening/Speaking

study e.g. with college staff study, etc. Reading
on deadlines for work Writing
to be handed in

257