CEF Upper-Intermediate Plus

Level B2+

I can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, even in a noisy environment.
I can understand in detail what is said to me in standard spoken language, even with an element of background noise.
I can keep up with an animated discussion between native speakers.
I can follow lectures and presentations in my field, even if the organisation and language are both complex.
I can understand in detail TV documentaries, interviews, talk shows, plays and films in standard language.
I can understand announcements, instructions, telephone messages etc. even when they are spoken fast, provided they are in standard dialect.

I have a broad active reading vocabulary, which means I can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes.
I can quickly scan through long and complex texts on topics of interest to locate relevant details.
I can understand in detail texts within my field of interest or speciality.
I can understand specialised articles outside my own field if I can occasionally check with a dictionary.
I can understand lengthy, complex instructions, (e.g. for formal procedures in an academic, professional or health context) including details on conditions and warnings, as long as I can reread difficult sections.
I can read novels and short stories with little use of a dictionary, after I have got used to the writer’s style.
I can understand correspondence relating to my personal and professional interests with occasional use of a dictionary.

I can converse spontaneously without much sign of restricting what I say. I can reformulate ideas in different ways to ensure people understand exactly what I mean.
I can keep up with a discussion and express my ideas and opinions clearly, precisely and convincingly, even in formal meetings.
I can understand and exchange complex information and advice relating to fields with which I have some familiarity.
I can carry out an effective, fluent interview, departing spontaneously from prepared questions, following up and probing interesting replies.
I can help to negotiate a solution to a dispute, for example financial responsibility for damage in a rented flat.
I can use the telephone for a variety of purposes, including establishing contact with people I do not know, though I may need to ask for clarification if the accent is unfamiliar.

I can give clear, well-developed, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my interests, expanding and supporting my ideas.
I can develop an argument systematically, highlighting significant points and including supporting detail where necessary.
I can give a clear, well-structured presentation, with highlighting of significant points and can answer questions about the content.
When giving a presentation, I can depart spontaneously from my prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members of the audience
I can summarise information and arguments from a variety of sources, highlighting significant points.

I can use a range of language to express abstract ideas as well as topical subjects, correcting most of my mistakes in the process.
I can write clear, detailed descriptions of real or imaginary events and experiences.
I can write a paper developing my argument with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.
I can write letters conveying degrees of emotion and highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences and commenting on my correspondent’s news and views.

I can intervene appropriately in discussion, using a variety of expressions to do so.
I can help the development of a discussion by giving feedback, follow up what people say and relating my contribution to theirs
I can overcome gaps in vocabulary with paraphrase and alternative expression.
I can monitor my speech and writing to correct slips and mistakes that I make.

I can express myself clearly and without much sign of having to restrict what I want to say. I can reformulate ideas in different ways to ensure people understand exactly what I mean.
I can focus my attention effectively on how I formulate things, in addition to expressing the message.
I can use a variety of linking words efficiently to mark clearly the relationships between ideas.
I can maintain good grammatical control. I may sometimes make mistakes but I can correct them afterwards.
I can communicate fluently and spontaneously, even when talking at length about complex subjects.
I can choose different ways of saying things, depending on the person I am talking to and the context concerned.