White Belt ChecklistThe WHITE BELT is the basic level. The white belt student is working on communication while learning correct vocabulary and grammar.
If one can demonstrate yes to all of these questions, he or she can test to move up to a blue belt level. If the answer is no, we know what we have to work on.
Answer YES or NOT YET to the following questions.
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SPEAKING and LISTENINGCan I make simple sentences about everyday topics?
Do I know basic vocabulary for routine things (family, body parts and movements, around the house, animals, hobbies, directions, colors, entertainment, etc.)? Which verb tenses am I comfortable using?
Do I know how to talk about hypothetical things? (If… could/ would/ were/ went/ etc.) Could I order food in a café or restaurant? Can I ask basic questions to people in natural conversation? Could I give basic advice to somebody using proper modal verbs? Could I take a class/course in only my target language? Can I understand basic expressions in popular songs? READING and WRITINGDo I understand memes and general social media posts and cards in my target language?
Could I read and understand a weather report in my target language? Could I have a comfortable simple text message conversation in my target language to make plans or have a light chat? Am I able to write somebody a short note giving instruction, my opinion, or request? |
Blue Belt ChecklistThe BLUE BELT student must demonstrate that they could comfortably talk about everyday things without much hesitation or problem.
If one can demonstrate yes to all of these questions, he or she can test to move up to a purple belt level. If the answer is no, we know what we have to work on.
Answer YES or NOT YET to the following questions.
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SPEAKING and LISTENINGCan I consistently use basic tenses correctly without trouble and do I attempt to use more advanced grammar?
Do I have a solid vocabulary for routine things, and can I begin talking about non-routine things (different opinions about things, current events, hobbies, etc.)? Can I use my target language to introduce myself to people and make small talk? Which verb tenses am I comfortable using?
Am I beginning to use question tags in my conversations? Do I use prefixes and suffixes to make different forms of words? Do I know how to talk about hypothetical, past, or futurethings? Could I order food in a café or restaurant and specialize an order? Could I have an smooth conversation with somebody including appropriate questions about a topic I know about? Could I live in a foreign country and perform most or all foreseeable tasks? (go shopping, a doctor visit, open a bank account, join a club, car garage, etc.) READING and WRITINGDo I understand social media, newspaper articles, or blogs about what I’m interested in?
Am I making an effort to continue to learn new vocabulary and expressions each time I read? Could I have a comfortable simple text message conversation in my target language? Am I able to write an email to a person or a company about a routine matter? (inviting somebody somewhere, customer service, address your boss/teacher, etc.) |
Purple Belt ChecklistThe PURPLE BELT student can comfortably communicate smoothly in most normal life situations. The next step for the purple belt student is to start using phrasal verbs and other natural fixed expressions in their conversations and writings.
If one can demonstrate yes to all of these questions, he or she can test to move up to a brown belt level. If the answer is no, we know what we have to work on.
Answer YES or NOT YET to the following questions.
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SPEAKING and LISTENINGCan I consistently use white and blue belt tenses correctly without trouble?
Do I attempt to use more advanced grammar? Do I have sufficient vocabulary for routine things and non-routine things? (Able to have a comfortable conversation about most topics people would bring up.) Which verb tenses am I comfortable using?
Do I comfortably use a variety of phrasal verbs, idioms, collocations, and other fixed expressions in my conversations? Can I ask people questions to engage in or continue a conversation? Could I have an extended conversation with somebody about most average topics? Can I adequately describe or explain something clearly enough for somebody to follow? Can I watch a TV show or movie in my target language with subtitles in that language? READING and WRITINGCan I read articles on a variety of topics, and understand the general idea?
Am I aware of new collocations or other word groups when I see them? Could I write a letter or note to somebody talking about a vacation or an experience, or invite them to something? Could I call, chat with, or write an email to customer service about a product? |
Brown Belt ChecklistThe Brown Belt student can fluently be a part of most average conversation topics. This student is beginning to naturally use fixed expressions when they speak or write.
If one can demonstrate yes to all of these questions, he or she can test to move up to a black belt level. If the answer is no, we know what we have to work on.
Answer YES or NOT YET to the following questions.
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SPEAKING and LISTENINGCan I consistently use most verb tenses correctly without trouble in my speaking?
Do I continually try to build my vocabulary repertoire through reading or listening to a variety of sources? Do I make the target language my own by customizing fixed expressions to find my voice? Can I have an extended conversation about familiar or unfamiliar topics without the language being a barrier? Could I be an active member of a group conversation (as far as language goes)? Do I effectively use my voice to communicate a deeper message or a certain feeling? (pronunciation, intonation, voice inflection, etc.) Do I use question tags appropriately and effectively? Am I familiar with and do I use fluency builders appropriately in my conversations or monologues? (Actually, Honestly, In fact, As a matter of fact, Ya know, etc.) Can I give extended presentations about familiar topics or research new topics to present? Can I watch a TV show or movie in my target language without using subtitles? READING and WRITINGCan I read most news articles, blogs, journals, or other material without language being a barrier for understanding?
Am I aware of new collocations or other word groups when I see them? Could I perform any personal, academic, or professional writing task with the appropriate language for the occasion? |
Black Belt ChecklistWe never stop improving and growing. How far can you go? This is where you need consistent contact with your target language to stay sharp.
If one can demonstrate yes to all of these questions, he or she can test to move up to degrees to this level. If the answer is no, we know what we have to work on.
Answer YES or NOT YET to the following questions.
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SPEAKING and LISTENINGCan I use English in the same way as my native language with mostly content limitations?
Do I modify idioms or create new idioms or fixed phrases in a way that people understand my meaning? (ex. I’m more tired than panda after dinner.) Do I use language tools (intonation, idioms, vocabulary, etc.) to personalize my language to sound exactly how I want to sound including conversation and jokes. Can I appropriately register my language for formal and informal situations? READING and WRITINGCan I read or write about most topics with only limitations in the content?
Am I learning about new content in my target language? Can I perform all tasks in my target language with help for only very specialized words? Do I think in my target language? Can I spot my weaknesses to continue to improve? |