The Benchmarks

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) describe language skills and competencies. There are 12 levels, from very basic to very advanced. We use them as a guide for teaching and assessing a learner's progress. The CLBPT and BTC-NCLC are tests used to assess language skills for placement into language classes.

Below is a brief summary of language skills at each Canadian Language Benchmark. See language.ca for full explanations.

Benchmark 1 learners can:

• greet people and give some information

• write the alphabet, numbers, name and address

• read a short sentence with the help of a picture

Benchmark 2 learners can:

• answer greetings

• ask for help

• understand more instructions

• write complete sentences about themselves and their families

• read very simple instructions

Benchmark 3 learners can:

• say a few simple sentences about familiar, everyday topics

• read words they know in a new context

• sound out words in English

• write a short note or message

Benchmark 4 learners can:

• introduce two people to each other

• use past tense with common verbs

• read a simple story of 2-3 paragraphs

• use a bilingual dictionary

• spell and punctuate whole sentences with few errors

Benchmark 5 learners can:

• join in conversations on familiar topics

• have longer sentences (but sometimes hesitate or pause)

• have a mostly concrete vocabulary

• understand main ideas, some details and some inferred meanings

• write sentences with good control of simple structures and choose language and content appropriate to the occasion

Benchmark 6 learners can:

• participate in small group discussions

• express an opinion

• ask for clarification

• explain a process or sequence of events

• write a detailed description or comparison of people, places, routines

• take a phone message with 5-7 details

• take notes from a short presentation

Benchmark 7 learners can:

• talk comfortably about almost any topic

• speak formally or informally on topics involving decision-making

• sound fluent when they speak

• read for information both concrete and abstract

• begin to read for pleasure

• write a report comparing two products or describing a process

• write routine business letters

• summarize longer text

Benchmark 8 learners can:

• speak on familiar topics at both concrete and abstract levels for 15-20 minutes

• provide descriptions, opinions, explanations

• use an expanded inventory of concrete, idiomatic and conceptual language

• read popular newspapers, magazine articles, popular easy fiction, as well as academic and business materials

• demonstrate good control over common sentence patterns

• write an effective resume and cover letter

Benchmark 9 learners can:

• participate in business meetings, discussions, debates, etc.

• understand a broad range of general interest topics and technical topics in my field

• write a coherent essay or report of 3-5 typed pages

• use paragraphs

Benchmark 10 learners can:

• understand 30-60 minute complex discussions, meetings, presentations

• actively participate in meetings, debates, discussions

• provide counsel, assess basic needs, evaluate detailed information

• write effectively for most academic and business tasks and for most audiences