Language levels

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF COMPETENCES IN POLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT PARTICULAR LEVELS

ELEMENTARY LEVEL A1

A1 level test takers understand the most important content and intentions of very simple, short spoken and written texts, expressed directly as they relate to topics related to the basic and specific needs of everyday life. They can also use the language in typical communicative situations, acting in specific communicative roles. The test takers are able to conduct a simple conversation as long as the interlocutor speaks slowly, clearly and is ready to help. They can write down familiar words and phrases and write a short text about people and places. The test takers respect the differences between the official and unofficial varieties of the Polish language according to the situation. They know and apply some of the socio-cultural conventions in force in communication in Polish. The test takers show limited mastery of simple sentence structures and patterns – within the framework of the learned resource. There should be no deficiencies in the pronunciation, vocabulary, grammatical correctness and spelling significantly interfere with communication.

INITIAL LEVEL A2

A2 test takers understand the most important content and intentions of spoken and written texts in simple terms on topics related to everyday life, family life and leisure. They can also use the language in typical communicative situations, acting in specific communicative roles. They can deliver a simple monologue, participate in a conversation, and also keep it up if the interlocutor helps them in this. They can write a very simple text about themselves and about a family member, friend, favorite animal, place, past event or future plans. The test takers respect the differences between the official and unofficial varieties of the Polish language according to the situation.

They know and apply the basic socio-cultural conventions in force in communication in Polish. Deficiencies in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammatical correctness and spelling should not interfere with communication.

THRESHOLD LEVEL B1

B1 level exam candidates understand the most important content and intentions of spoken and written texts, expressed simply and clearly, as long as the topics of the texts relate to everyday life, family life, leisure, school, travel and work. They can use language in typical communicative situations, acting in specific communication roles. They can independently write, for example, an announcement, invitation, wishes, text on a general or popular topic, as well as on topics related to their own interests. They can describe events, talk about interests, experiences, dreams and plans, express and justify their opinion. Candidates can use the official and unofficial version of the Polish language according to the situation. They know and apply the most important socio-cultural conventions governing communication in Polish. Lack of candidates in terms of fluency, pronunciation and intonation, vocabulary, grammatical correctness, and spelling do not significantly interfere with communication.

AVERAGE GENERAL B2

Exam candidates at level B2 understand the most important content and intentions of spoken and written texts on general, concrete and abstract topics. They can use the language in a fluent and spontaneous way, allowing for free communication with native speakers of the language in various everyday situations, acting in specific communication roles. They can write longer texts on a variety of topics. They can express themselves on various topics, report events and participate in discussions. Candidates can use the official and unofficial version of the Polish language according to the situation. They know and apply most of the socio-cultural conventions in force in communication in Polish. Deficiencies in pronunciation and intonation, vocabulary, grammatical correctness and spelling do not affect the effectiveness of communication.

LEVEL OF EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY C1

Exam candidates at level C1 understand all non-specialized spoken and written texts as well as, without much difficulty, specialist texts related to their interests. They can use the language in a fluent and spontaneous way, allowing them to communicate freely with native speakers in all communicative situations, in a wide range of topics, acting in specific communication roles. They can write various types of texts on specific topics. They use language with precision, using a rich vocabulary, including phraseological and idiomatic expressions and all the syntactic structures of spoken and written language. Candidates can use the official and unofficial version of the Polish language according to the situation. They know and they apply almost all socio-cultural conventions in force in communication in Polish. Occasional errors may appear in the statements of the candidates. They should not affect the communicative value of the statement, and only, to a slight extent, may reduce its stylistic value.

ADVANCED LEVEL C2

C2 level exam candidates understand without difficulty all non-specialized written and spoken texts, as well as specialist texts related to their interests. They can use language fluently and effortlessly and can express themselves spontaneously in all communicative situations, acting in specific communication roles. They can conduct conversations with native speakers without difficulty and take part in discussions, fully and coherently referring to each issue, using their knowledge. They can write texts on general topics and create a variety of utility texts. Candidates can use the official and unofficial version of the Polish language according to the situation. They know and apply all socio-cultural conventions in force in communication in Polish. The candidates use the language precisely, distinguishing nuances of meaning and using phraseological and idiomatic expressions adequate to the context. They can make occasional errors in pronunciation and intonation, grammatical correctness and spelling.

Source: REGULATION OF THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND HIGHER EDUCATIO (February 26, 2016 on exams in Polish as a foreign language).