Performance Descriptors

At Level 1+, writing is reliant on high-frequency language. You can produce strings of related sentences rather than organized paragraphs, and longer texts may require confirmation of meaning. Simple structures and basic grammatical relations are often inaccurate. Imprecise vocabulary is common except for high-frequency words or set phrases. Frequent errors may impede communication. You can write on basic topics — personal background, simple work matters — but control of the language is not firm.

Example: “I work in office. My job is good. I like my boss. He is a nice man.”

At Level 2, you show greater control of simple structures and can combine and link sentences into organized paragraphs or connected prose. You can describe, narrate, state facts, compare and contrast, and give straightforward instructions. In writing, you can produce simple correspondence and routine workplace documents that are generally understandable. However, more complex structures are used inaccurately or avoided. Relationships between ideas may not always be clear. Vocabulary is appropriate for common topics but may be unusual, imprecise, or reliant on circumlocution. Errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation may sometimes distort meaning, although your performance is generally appropriate to the situation.

Example: “I have worked in the office for two years. My job is to manage the team and organize the meetings. I like this work because it is interesting. However, sometimes the pressure is high.”

At Level 2+, you can produce discourse beyond the paragraph level. You can organize and elaborate on ideas effectively, producing essay-length documents, although with limitations. Imprecise vocabulary and flawed use of more complex structures may interfere with efforts to elaborate on an argument or point of view. Weaknesses in cohesive features may limit clarity. You can discuss abstract concepts, but abstract linguistic formulations are inconsistent. Communication is usually appropriate to the situation and readily understandable.

Example: “I have worked in the office for two years, managing a team of five people. My responsibilities include organizing meetings, coordinating projects, and ensuring deadlines are met. Although the pressure is sometimes significant, I believe this experience has strengthened my leadership skills. I am committed to further developing my abilities in this role.”

At Level 3, you demonstrate extended, coherent discourse with clear development of ideas. You can produce essay-length argumentation, analysis, and extensive explanation, conveying abstract concepts accurately. Structural devices are flexible and elaborate. Meaning is conveyed correctly and effectively. Errors occur mainly in low-frequency or highly complex structures, do not disturb the reader, and rarely affect comprehension. Language use is appropriate to context, even if style or presentation remains non-native. This is beyond the scope of STANAG Level 2 training but represents professional-level competence.