The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and ALG (Automatic Language Growth) are two widely recognized frameworks for language learning and assessment. In the context of Mandarin Chinese learning, the Can-do statements in CEFR and ALG can be particularly helpful for setting clear language goals and tracking progress.
Can-do statements are brief descriptions of what a learner can do at a certain level of language proficiency. They focus on practical language skills and abilities that can be observed and measured. By using Can-do statements, learners can identify their strengths and weaknesses in language learning, and teachers can design targeted learning activities to help learners achieve their language goals.
In CEFR, there are six proficiency levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced). Each level has a set of Can-do statements that describe what learners are expected to be able to do in terms of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For example, at the A1 level, a learner can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases to meet immediate needs.
ALG Mandarin Online courses are designed to provide learners with a strong linguistic foundation in Mandarin/Chinese. To achieve this goal, the courses follow the “Can do” statements developed by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). These statements are a set of guidelines that describe what language learners should be able to do at different levels of proficiency. By using these statements, ALG Mandarin Online ensures that learners are provided with comprehensible inputs that are appropriate for their level of knowledge. The courses aim to provide a clear structure that helps beginners understand and master the basics of Mandarin/Chinese, which in turn helps them build a solid foundation for further language development.
By using Can-do statements in Mandarin Chinese learning, learners can track their progress and set achievable goals for their language proficiency. Teachers can also use Can-do statements to design effective learning activities and assessments that align with the learners’ goals and abilities. Ultimately, Can-do statements can help learners and teachers work together towards a more effective and rewarding language learning experience.
| Listening/Speaking | Reading | Writing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | CAN advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions. | CAN understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts. | CAN write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy. |
| C1 | CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions. | CAN read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence. | CAN prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate. |
| B2 | CAN follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics. | CAN scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice. | CAN make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests. |
| B1 | 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 and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area. | CAN write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters. |
| A2 | CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context. | CAN understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters. | CAN complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information. |
| A1 | CAN understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic. | CAN understand basic notices, instructions or information. | CAN complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places. |
Chinese version for Can-Do Statements as followed:
| 聽力/口說 | 閱讀 | 寫作 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | CAN 可以對複雜或敏感的議題給予看法或談論，了解非正式場合的資訊，且有自信地使用客套、委婉的問題。 | CAN 可以理解有細節要點的複雜文本，可以是文件、回覆或報告。 | CAN 可以以良好且準確的表達寫信給任何對像，並在會議或研討會中進行完整的筆記。 |
| C1 | CAN 可以將自己領域的工作成果有效地在會議或研討會中進行呈現，或在隨意的會話中以抽像的表達維持相當程度的流暢度。 | CAN 可以快速閱讀、處理學術課程和媒體資訊，並理解非標準的回應。 | CAN 可以準備或草擬專業的回應，並在會議或文章中以正確的筆記進行溝通。 |
| B2 | CAN 可以跟上或談論熟悉的話題，並可以在大部分的話題中維特對話。 | CAN 可以瀏覽文本中的切身訊息，並理解指示裡的細節或建議。 | CAN 可以在某人說話時進行筆記或以在寫信進行非正式的要求。 |
| B1 | CAN 可以有限的方式下對抽像/文化事務上表達看法，或在已知的領域提供建議，同時了解指示或公告。 | CAN 可以理解日常訊息和文章，或者非日常訊息但是是熟悉的領域的。 | CAN 可以以良好且準確的表達寫信給任何對像，並在會議或研討會中進行完整的筆記。 |
| A2 | CAN 可以在熟悉的脈絡下表達簡單的意見或要求。 | CAN 理解已知的領域下直觀的訊息，例如：產品、指標、簡單教科書或報告上的日常事務。 | CAN 可以填寫表格，並書寫和個人相關的短信或明信片。 |
| A1 | CAN 可以理解基本的指示並在可預測的主題下參與面實際的會話。 | CAN 可以理解基本的提示、指示或訊息。 | CAN 可以完成基本的形式，記錄包含時間、日期、地點的筆記。 |