Reading - High Proficiency

Global Performance Descriptor

Learner can follow main ideas, key words and important details in an authentic two to three-page text on a familiar topic, but within an only partially predictable context.
May read popular newspaper and magazine articles and popular easy fiction as well as academic and business materials.
Can extract relevant points, but often requires clarification of idioms and of various cultural references.
Can locate and integrate several specific pieces of information in visually complex texts (e.g., tables, directories) or across paragraphs or sections of text.
Text can be on abstract, conceptual or technical topics, containing facts, attitudes and opinions. Inference may be required to identify the writer's bias and the purpose/function of text.
Learner reads in English for information, to learn the language, to develop reading skills.
Uses a unilingual dictionary when reading for precision vocabulary building.

Text is one page, five to 10 paragraphs long and is related to personal experience or familiar context.
Text is legible, easy to read; is in print or neat handwriting.
Instructions are clear and explicit, but not always presented step by step.
Pictures may accompany text.
Context is relevant, but not always familiar and predictable.
Text has clear organization.
Text content is relevant (e.g., commercials/advertising features, business/form letters, brochures.)
Informational text is eight to 15 paragraphs long with clear organization in print or electronic form.
Pictures often accompany text.
Language is both concrete and abstract, conceptual and technical.
Text types: news articles, stories, short articles, reports, editorials, opinion essays.