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Self-assessment checklist (adapted from the Swiss Version of the Eurpoean Language Portfolio) These checklists are based on the common reference levels elaborated in the Common European Framework (http://www.goethe.de/z/50/commeuro/ ) and on the reference levels for German as a Foreign Language elaborated in Profile deutsch (http://www.goethe.de/z/52/profile.htm)

The Swiss ELP (European Language Portfolio) explains that the checklists can be used in two ways: (i) to review one's overall proficciency in a particular language prior to updating one's language passport at the beggining or end of an extended period of learning; and (ii) to monitor one's learning progress, perhaps in relation to a particular skill or skills.

The checkists can be used to plan the individual course of learning and to identify appropriate language goals.

The Cornell University German Studeies Language Portfolio is based on extensive revisions of the curriculum and reflects the very unique circumstances and conditions under which students at Cornell University engage in their foreign language studies. It is a work in progress and an adaptation of both the Framework and Profile to suit the needs and qualities of Cornell students. As such it only proves how flexible and valuable a tool the European Framework for Languages is.

LISTENING A2:

I can understand simple sentences, frequently used structures, and vocabulary dealing with everyday matters, provided standard German is used.



I can understand texts on familiar topics of personal relevance that are spoken clearly in standard German.



LISTENING B1:

I can understand a wide variety of texts on topics dealing with everyday matters.



I can find main points in longer spoken texts on familiar topics, provided they are in standard German.



I can generally follow the main points of discussion on familiar topics, provided speech is clearly articulated in standard German.



I can follow the gist of a discussion on recent events.



READING A2:

I can understand certain information in longer texts of interest to me.



I can understand the plot of a clearly structured story and recognize the most important events.



READING B1:

I can guess the meaning of unknown words from the context, if the topic is familiar.



I can understand the description of events, emotions, and wishes in shorter texts well enough to respond.



I can identify the main conclusions in clearly signalled argumentative texts.



SPOKEN PRODUCTION A2:

I can give a simple description of people, living or working conditions, daily routine, likes/dislikes etc.



I can narrate an event chronologically using words such as zuerst, dann, danach, and schlieBlich.



SPOKEN PRODUCTION B1:

I can fairly fluently sustain a description of different fields of interests, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.



I can express myself and be understood, but may have to pause to plan and correct what I am saying - especially when I speak freely for longer periods.



I can talk about experiences and events with reasonable percision and describe my own reactions, opinions, and feelings.



I can narrate a moderately complex story.



I can summarize the plot of a book or film.



I can present and support my point of view.



WRITING B1:

I have adequate vocabulary to write about familiar topics.



I can combine diverse elements to write a coherent story.



I can write coherent texts, such as summaries with commentary.



I can describe my dreams, feelings, and goals.



I can explain and justify opinions, plans, and actions.



I can write about experiences and events with reasonable precision and describe my own reactions, opinions, and feelings.



I can report on the most important details of an unforeseen event (e.q., missing a flight or reporting an accident).



SPOKEN INTERACTION FROM ANOTHER LANGUAGE INTO GERMAN A2:

I can communicate to a German speaker information spoken in another language with the occasional help of my German-speaking interlocutor.



I can communicate important information from texts written in another language on familiar topics to a German speaker in German with the help of a dictionary, although I may have to pause to search for a word or expression.



SPOKEN INTERACTION FROM ANOTHER LANGUAGE INTO GERMAN B1:

I can communicate important information from texts written or spoken in another language on topics of personal or current interest with some circumlocutions. At times, I may have to simplify the information or rely on the help of my German-speaking interlocutor.



I can communicate important information from statements on everyday topics that are spoken slowly and in standard German to others in the language we share.



SPOKEN INTERACTION FROM GERMAN INTO COMMON LANGUAGE B1:

I can communicate important information from written German texts on everyday topics to others in the language we share, although I may have to use a dictionary.



I can communicate important information and opinions from clearly structured, longer, written texts in German that are of personal or current interest to others in the language we share, although I may have to use a dictionary.



SPOKEN INTERACTION FROM GERMAN INTO COMMON LANGUAGE B1:

I can communicate simple written instructions and regulations to others in the language we share.



These descriptors were developed for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the Portfolio in the Swiss National Science Foundation project: Schneider, Gunther & North, Brian (2000): Fremdsprachen können - was heisst das? Chur/Zurich, Ruegger.