Can Do Statements

Pre A1 Starters

The learner CAN

• …understand simple sentences.
• …respond to simple questions.
• …follow very short stories in simple language.
• …understand and follow simple instruction.
• …understand some very simple descriptions of everyday objects.
• …recognize and write the letters of the English alphabet.
• …spell her/his name and simple words.
• …name some familiar people and things.
• …understand some very short conversations.
• …copy words, phrases and short sentences.

A1 Movers

The learner CAN

• …agree/disagree with someone.
• … ask someone how they are and what they like doing and answer similar
questions.
• … give simple descriptions of objects, pictures and actions.
• … answer questions about school activities.
• … understand simple written sentences.
• … write simple sentences giving personal details.
• … understand simple stories with the help of pictures.
• … write short sentences about what they like or dislike.
• … understand simple signs and notices.
• … tell a very simple story with the help of pictures.

A2 Flyers

The learner CAN

• …understand instructions given in more than one sentence.
• … understand simple conversations on everyday topics.
• … ask basic questions about everyday topics.
• … talk briefly about things they have done.
• … understand short texts, even if they do not know every word
• … understand simple written descriptions
• … write simple descriptions of objects and people
• … link sentences with connectors (and, because, then)
• … write short simple stories using pictures
• … tell a story using pictures or their own ideas.

Taken from Cambridge English Qualifications - Young Learners

Common Reference Levels: assessment grid (A1)

Listening
• Students can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning
themselves, their family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak
slowly and clearly
Reading
• Students can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for
example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
Speaking
• Students can interact in a simple way by repeating or rephrase things at a slower
rate of speech getting help to formulate what they are trying to say.
• Students can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on
very familiar topics.
• Students can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where they live and
people they know.
Writing
• Students can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday
greetings.
• Students can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering their names,
nationality and address on a hotel registration form.

Common Reference Levels: assessment grid (A2)

Listening
• Students can understand phrases and the highest frequency of vocabulary related
to areas of most immediate personal relevance
• Students catch the point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Reading
• Students can read simple texts.
• Students find specific predictable information in everyday material such as
advertisements, menus, timetables.
• Students understand personal letters.
Speaking
• Students communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct
exchange of information on familiar topics and activities.
• Students handle short social exchanges, even if they don’t understand enough to
keep the conversation for themselves.
• Students use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms their
family and other people, their living conditions and educational environment.
Writing
• Students write short, simple notes and messages.
• Students are able to write a simple personal letter, for example, thanking
someone for something.
Adapted from Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment.