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CLB based CELBAN Speaking and Listening Score Cards
Discover how the CLB-based CELBAN Speaking and Listening Score Cards evaluate essential language skills, including textual coherence, effective word choice, grammatical accuracy, strategic communication, and context adaptability for Canadian language benchmarks
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Understanding Listening and Speaking Levels in CELBAN and CLB: A Guide for Learners
Listening and speaking in English, especially in professional or academic settings, require specific skills that vary depending on your goals. The CELBAN and CLB are tools used to assess these levels, particularly for those in healthcare professions. Understanding the difference between the score levels can help you target your learning and improve your communication skills more effectively.
CELBAN and CLB Listening and Speaking Levels Explained
The CELBAN and CLB levels range from basic to advanced, with each level representing a step up in listening comprehension, verbal communication skills, and strategic competence. Understanding these levels can help you improve your ability to communicate effectively in both professional and everyday situations.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect at different levels:
Level 0-4 (Basic Proficiency): At this stage, your listening and speaking skills focus on understanding and using simple sentence structures, basic vocabulary, and recognizing key words in conversations. You may be able to participate in basic exchanges, respond to straightforward questions, and follow simple instructions. However, there might be frequent misunderstandings, and your ability to express complex ideas or engage in longer conversations is limited.
Level 4-8 (Intermediate Proficiency): Listening and speaking at this level become more complex. You can understand and participate in conversations on familiar topics, use varied sentence structures, and express more detailed information. You might be able to discuss ideas, describe processes, and share opinions with greater clarity, though errors in pronunciation, grammar, and fluency may still occur. The focus is on expanding your ability to communicate effectively in more diverse situations.
Level 9-12 (Advanced Proficiency): At the higher levels, your listening and speaking skills demonstrate a strong command over complex conversations, sophisticated vocabulary, and the ability to understand and express nuanced ideas. You can engage in in-depth discussions, debate points of view, compare and contrast ideas, and respond appropriately in a wide range of professional and social contexts. Errors are minimal, and your communication is generally fluid, coherent, and well-organized.
Why Understanding These Levels Matters
Knowing where you stand in terms of listening and speaking proficiency allows you to tailor your learning to address specific weaknesses. By understanding the characteristics of each level, you can see the progression required to move from one stage to the next, helping you to set clear, achievable goals in your language learning journey.
As you go through the descriptions of each level, pay close attention to the elements that change—such as the complexity of conversations, the ability to follow and participate in discussions, and the range of vocabulary and expressions used. By understanding these differences, you can better prepare for exams like the CELBAN or work towards achieving higher CLB levels—and even the IELTS—ultimately improving your professional and everyday communication skills.
Definitions
Textual Knowledge
Definition:
This means knowing how to share information clearly in different situations. It involves explaining things well and making sure your ideas make sense to others, even when the situation is a bit tricky or new.
Word Choice
Definition:
This involves picking the right words to say what you mean. It includes using both simple and complex words and sometimes using phrases that have special meanings, like idioms or sayings.
Grammatical Knowledge
Definition:
This is about using correct grammar in your speaking and writing. It means using different sentence structures properly and speaking in a way that sounds smooth and clear, with good pronunciation and rhythm.
Strategic Competencies
Definition:
This means being able to change how you speak based on who you are talking to and what you are talking about. It involves finding the best way to get your point across and making sure your message is understood.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
Definition:
This is about knowing how to talk with different people in various situations. It includes understanding when to use formal or informal language and how to communicate well in person, online, or over the phone.
Level 0 to 2 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Limited skill-level in contexts related to immediate needs
Textual Knowledge & Emotional Intelligence
At this stage, I am able to:
Occasionally express my likes, dislikes, and needs.
Word Choice
At this stage, I am able to:
Use basic, everyday words and phrases.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Rarely use correct grammar.
Strategic Competencies
At this stage, I am able to;
Sometimes discuss myself and my needs.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Speak in person, online, or by phone.
The situation is informal.
Level 3 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Limited skill-levels for daily life activities
Textual Knowledge & Emotional Intelligence
At this stage, I can:
Express my preferences, dislikes, and needs.
Word Choice
At this stage, I can:
Use simple, everyday words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this stage, I can:
Occasionally use correct grammar.
Strategic Competencies
At this stage, I can:
Discuss personal details and what I require.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this stage, I can:
Communicate in person, online, or over the phone.
The situation is casual.
Level 4 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Adequate skill-levels for daily life activities
Textual Knowledge & Emotional Intelligence
At this stage, I can:
Share my likes, dislikes, and feelings.
Provide basic descriptions of things, situations, and people I know.
Tell a brief, straightforward story about a personal experience.
Word Choice
At this stage, I can:
Use everyday words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this stage, I can:
Speak with basic control of simple grammar.
Strategic Competencies
At this stage, I can:
Share information about a topic that is very familiar to me.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this stage, I can:
Communicate in person, online, or over the phone.
The situation is informal.
Level 5 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Acquiring an ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge & Emotional Intelligence
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Express my feelings and preferences.
Describe everyday objects, situations, and people I am familiar with.
Share a straightforward story about a personal experience.
Word Choice
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Use basic, commonly used words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Speak with reasonable control over simple grammar.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Provide information on a topic that I know well.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Communicate in person, online, or via phone.
The situation can be informal or slightly formal.
Level 6 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Developing abilities at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge & Emotional Intelligence
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Support my opinions and feelings with clear reasons.
Provide factual information.
Word Choice
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Use everyday words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Speak with control over basic grammar.
Generally maintain clear rhythm, pronunciation, and intonation.
Occasionally make self-corrections, repeat phrases, or have minor pauses.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate stage, I can:
Adapt my speaking style to fit familiar situations.
Deliver accurate information during conversations.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this stage, I can:
Communicate in person, online, or by phone.
The situation is informal or slightly formal.
Level 7 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Adequate abilities at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Present both concrete and some abstract information with moderately detailed reasons.
Word Choice
At this intermediate level, I can:
Use common and more specific vocabulary to convey meaning.
Incorporate some figures of speech and idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Manage simple grammatical structures effectively.
Speak clearly with an understandable rhythm, pronunciation, and intonation.
Make very few self-corrections, repetitions, or inappropriate pauses.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate level, I can:
Adapt my speaking style and tone to fit familiar audiences and situations.
Effectively communicate my intended meaning.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Communicate in person, online, or by phone.
The situation can be either formal or informal.
Level 8 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Good ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Present both concrete and some abstract information, supported by moderately detailed explanations.
Word Choice
At this intermediate level, I can:
Use common words and some specialized terms to convey meaning.
Employ figures of speech and idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Manage complex grammatical structures with some control.
Speak clearly with consistently fluent rhythm, pronunciation, and intonation.
Make very few self-corrections, repetitions, or awkward pauses.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate level, I can:
Adapt my speaking style and tone to suit various audiences and contexts.
Effectively communicate my intended message.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Engage in conversation face-to-face, online, or by phone.
The situation can be either formal or informal.
Level 9 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Effective skill and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Present information and back up my ideas with moderately detailed reasoning.
Word Choice
At this advanced level, I can:
Use both common and context-specific vocabulary.
Incorporate some figures of speech and idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Handle complex grammatical structures with some control.
Speak clearly with mostly smooth rhythm, pronunciation, and intonation.
Strategic Competencies
At this advanced level, I can:
Adapt my speaking style and tone to suit a variety of audiences and contexts.
Effectively communicate my ideas.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Engage in conversations with peers or authority figures.
Speak face-to-face, online, or by phone.
The situation can be either formal or informal.
Level 10 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Highly effective skill and ability at work and in the community
Textrual Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Communicate effectively in moderately challenging, non-routine scenarios.
Present information and develop ideas with clear explanations or justifications.
Word Choice
At this advanced level, I can:
Use a variety of both concrete and abstract language.
Employ some figures of speech and idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Manage a wide range of complex grammatical structures with good control.
Speak clearly with generally smooth rhythm, pronunciation, and intonation.
Strategic Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Adapt my speaking style and tone to suit a wide range of audiences and contexts.
Effectively communicate my ideas to others.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Engage in conversations with peers or authority figures.
Speak face-to-face, online, or by phone.
The situation can be either formal or informal.
Level 11 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Advanced skill and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Handle communication in complex, non-routine contexts for various objectives.
Deliver information and develop concepts with accurate and detailed explanations.
Word Choice
At this advanced level, I can:
Employ a wide range of both tangible and abstract language.
Incorporate various figures of speech and idiomatic expressions.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Exhibit strong control over a variety of intricate and diverse grammatical forms.
Speak clearly with a smooth rhythm, precise pronunciation, and natural intonation.
Strategic Competencies
At this advanced level, I can:
Adjust my language to fit different contexts, goals, and relationships with listeners.
Effectively convey my thoughts and ideas to others.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this advanced level, I can:
Engage in discussions with peers or authoritative figures.
Communicate face-to-face, online, or over the phone.
The context can be either formal or informal.
Level 12 CELBAN, CLB, Speaking and Listening Score Card
Advanced expertise and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this highly advanced level, I can:
Navigate intricate, non-routine scenarios for various goals, intentions, and aims.
Deliver information and elaborate on ideas with detailed, complex, and clear descriptions.
Word Choice
At this highly advanced level, I can:
Use an extensive range of both specific and abstract language.
Incorporate a wide variety of idiomatic expressions, figures of speech, and medical collocations.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this highly advanced level, I can:
Demonstrate excellent command over a diverse set of complex grammatical structures.
Speak clearly with smooth rhythm, accurate pronunciation, and natural intonation.
Strategic Competencies
At this highly advanced level, I can:
Adjust my language appropriately for different contexts, objectives, and audience relationships.
Effectively convey my ideas to others during communication.
Context & Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
At this highly advanced level, I can:
I interact with peers or authority figures.
I communicate face-to-face, online, or via telephone.
The context can be either formal or informal.
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