The ITACE evaluates participants within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The ITACE for Lecturers only awards participants a C1-certificate. This is the level required by the Flemish government for lecturers using English as the medium of instruction.
A C1-level language user has the following skills:
General linguistic range
- Can select an appropriate formulation from a broad range of language to express themselves clearly, without having to restrict what they want to say.
Overall listening comprehension
- Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond their own field, though they may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.
- Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts.
- Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.
Overall reading comprehension
- Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, not limited to their own area of speciality, provided they can reread difficult sections.
Vocabulary control and range
- Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions; little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies.
- Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, with only occasional minor slips, but no significant vocabulary errors.
Grammatical accuracy and range
- Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy. Occasional non-systematic errors and minor flaws may occur, but these are rare or the speaker may self-correct by rephrasing.
- Shows correct use of sentences that are varied in length and structure.
Pronunciation
- Can vary intonation and place sentence stress correctly.
- Pronunciation may include minor lapses. L1-accent might still be perceptible, but has no effect on intelligibility.
Spoken fluency
- Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.
Spelling and punctuation
- Punctuation is consistent and helpful, even in more complex sentences, although occasional slips may occur.
- Spelling is accurate, apart from occasional errors in less frequent words.
Coherence and cohesion
- Can communicate clearly and smoothly in a well-structured manner, showing mostly correct use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
- Can use a variety of linking words, although some minor flaws may occur (choice of linking words, formal or informal, correct usage).
Source: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf
A more elaborate description of the different levels can be found on the CEFR website and in the online brochure.
Participants seeking to obtain a certificate for a CEFR-level other than C1 can take the ITACE for Students.