Welsh Language Levels - Guidelines for Directors, Managers and Heads of Departments

A0

I can not speak Welsh at all.

I can not write Welsh at all.

A1

I can :

• interact in a simple way provided the other person is willing to speak slowly, repeat or rephrase things, as well as being willing to help me
• use basic expressions and phrases, e.g. introduce myself or another person,
• ask and answer questions on familiar topics e.g. ‘Where do you live?’.

I can :

• write a short simple message as an email or note, including the time, date and place.
• fill in forms with personal details, e.g. name, address and telephone number.

A2

I can:

• communicate in simple Welsh on familiar topics.
• contribute to very short social conversations, even though I can’t, usually, keep the conversation going myself.
• use a series of phrases to describe and answer questions on my family and other people, the weather.
• convey instructions or very simple telephone messages.

I can:

• write short simple notes and messages, connecting together simple phrases with simple connecting words such as 'and', 'but' and 'because'.
• write a very simple letter or email, e.g. thanking someone for doing something.

B1

I can:

• take advantage of a range of simple language to deal with most situations which are likely to arise in my work.
• understand the general meaning of emails and letters on topics of personal interest, as well as theoretical letters within the context of my work.
• enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events.
• offer advice on simple matters to clients within the context of my work.
• describe experiences and events, hopes and ambitions.
• give reasons and explanations for my opinions and plans concisely

I can:

• take fairly accurate notes in meetings or seminars where the subject is familiar and foreseeable.
• write letters or emails to describe events, experiences and impressions
• write memoranda or informal emails to convey information.

B2

I can :

• listen to, understand and contribute to discussions in meetings and seminars.
• take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts.
• clearly express an opinion.
• present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to work
• expand and support ideas with supplementary points and relevant examples.
• explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
• give a clear presentation on familiar topics.

I can:

• write short pieces of business correspondence, as a letter or email, on a wide range of topics related to my work or my field of interest, and this in standard Welsh without using a template (but using a spellchecker, dictionary, technical resources etc. when necessary).
• take notes or write reports, passing on information or giving reasons in support or against a particular point of view.

C1

I can :

• express myself fluently and unprompted.
• use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes, and contribute confidently to meetings and oral presentations.
• formulate ideas and opinions, and ensure that my contributions are relevant to others.
• respond appropriately to different cultural and social situations.
• present clear detailed descriptions of complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

I can: 

• write clear well-structured texts, expressing points of view at some length.
• write detailed explanations of complex subjects in the form of email, letter, essay or report, underlining the salient issues.
• write different types of texts in styles that are appropriate to the reader in mind.

C2

I can:

• understand reports and articles I come across in my work, including complex ideas expressed in complex language.
• take part effortlessly in any discussion.
• express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely.
• If I do have a problem I can revise and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.
• advise on complex, difficult and contentious matters such as financial or legal matters, to the extent that my specialised knowledge allows me
• present descriptions or arguments well, smoothly and clearly, in the appropriate register and context, and with a logical and effective structure which helps to draw the listeners’ attention to relevant points.

I can :

• take full and accurate notes and continue to take part in meetings and seminars.
• write well-structured and smoothly flowing texts in the appropriate register.
• write complex technical reports or articles which helps the recipients to notice significant points. 
• write reviews of professional and/or literary works.