Circular No. 17/2015/TT-BGDĐT issued on the Vietnamese Language Competency Framework for Foreigners

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness

Number: 17/2015/TT-BGDĐT

Hanoi, September 1, 2015

DEPUTY MINISTER
DEPUTY MINISTER




Nguyễn Vinh Hiển

VLCF

CEFR

Secondary vocational

State

A2

Auditor

A3

2a

Level 3

Passenger cars up to 9 seats, trucks, special-purpose vehicles, tractors towing trailers, with gross vehicle weight under 3500 kg (non-professional)

Level 4

B2

Senior

Level 5

C1.

Level 6

C2.

Grades

General Description

Secondary vocational

State

Understand and use familiar linguistic structures; know how to use basic vocabulary to meet specific communication needs: introduce oneself and others; present information about oneself such as place of residence, family/friends, and other people. Able to communicate simply if the interlocutor speaks slowly, clearly, and is willing to help.

Auditor

Understand sentences and frequently used linguistic structures related to basic communication needs such as family information, personal information, shopping, asking directions, employment. Able to exchange information on simple, familiar daily topics, describe oneself and the surrounding environment, and issues related to essential needs.

2a

Level 3

Understand the main ideas of a standard, clear text or speech on familiar topics in work, school, entertainment. Able to handle most situations that occur when visiting places where Vietnamese is used; write simple texts related to familiar or personally interesting topics; describe experiences, events, wishes, and briefly explain reasons, opinions, and plans.

Level 4

Understand the main ideas of relatively complex texts on various topics, including exchanges with content within the field of expertise. Able to communicate fluently and naturally with Vietnamese speakers; write clear, detailed texts on various topics and express views on an issue, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of different options.

Senior

Level 5

Recognize and understand the implications of long texts with broad content ranges. Able to express fluently and spontaneously without difficulty in finding words; use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes, academic and professional purposes; write clearly, logically, and in detail about complex topics, demonstrating the ability to organize texts, use linking words and devices effectively.

Level 6

Easily understand almost all spoken and written texts. Able to summarize sources of spoken or written information, rearrange and present them logically; express very fluently and accurately, distinguishing subtle differences in meaning in complex situations.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Follow very slow speech with long pauses to process information.

Auditor

- Understand enough information to fulfill a specific request after listening to a clear and slow statement.

- Understand simple phrases and sentences related to areas such as basic personal and family information, shopping information, local geography, employment when the speaker expresses clearly and slowly.

Level 3

- Understand simple practical information about common topics related to daily life or specific work, general and detailed news in a clear presentation by a familiar voice.

- Understand the main points of clear speeches on familiar and commonly encountered issues in work, school, entertainment areas, including short and simple stories.

Level 4

- Listen and understand speeches, addresses using standard language, directly or broadcast on radio and television about common topics in personal, social, scientific, and educational training life. Only encounter difficulties when there is interference, noise around, incomplete text structure, or the use of idioms affecting listening comprehension.

- Understand the main points of speeches delivered in a common dialect with complex language, specific or abstract topics, including discussions within the learner's field of expertise.

- Follow speeches that expand beyond the main content and discussions on reasonable, familiar, well-structured topics.

Level 5

- Follow and understand long speeches on complex and abstract topics when the structure of the speech is unclear and the relationship between ideas is not explicit.

- Follow and understand natural, flexible conversations between Vietnamese people.

- Follow and understand abstract discussions or debates.

- Understand necessary information from announcements through mass media.

Level 6

- Follow and understand specialized lectures or presentations using many colloquial expressions with cultural elements or unfamiliar terms.

- Understand subtle, complex, or controversial issues (such as regulations, finance), even reaching the level of understanding of a specialist.

- Easily understand everything spoken at the speed of Vietnamese speakers.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Understand very short, extremely simple structured dialogues, spoken slowly and clearly about basic personal topics, school, and essential needs.

Auditor

Listen and identify the topic of a discussion spoken slowly and clearly.

Level 3

Understand the main points of extended dialogues spoken clearly in standard language.

Level 4

- Follow or participate in conversations between Vietnamese people.

- Be able to grasp most of what is heard, although there may still be difficulties in understanding all the details of some conversations or monologues when the speaker does not adjust their language appropriately.

- Follow and understand natural, flexible conversations or monologues of Vietnamese people.

Level 5

Easily follow complex discussions among Vietnamese people on difficult, abstract, unfamiliar topics.

Level 6

Understand most Vietnamese conversations, including those on specialized topics within their training.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

No requirement for following Vietnamese presentations.

Auditor

Begin to understand part of the main content of short and simple speeches.

Level 3

- Follow and understand the main content of short, simple speeches on familiar topics in common dialects, clearly expressed.

- Follow and understand lectures or discussions on familiar topics or within their own field of expertise when presented simply with clear structure.

Level 4

Follow the main contents of lectures, dialogues, reports presenting academic professional content using relatively complex language.

Level 5

Follow relatively easily most lectures and discussions.

Level 6

Follow specialized lectures and presentations with many technical terms or unfamiliar vocabulary.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Understand and follow short, simple instructions spoken slowly and carefully.

Auditor

- Grasp the main points in clear, short, simple announcements.

- Understand simple instructions (for example, walking or driving directions from X to Y).

Level 3

- Understand and follow simple technical information (for example, operating instructions for common devices).

- Understand detailed instructions (such as traffic guidelines).

Level 4

Understand announcements about specific or abstract matters spoken in common dialect at normal speed.

Level 5

- Understand specific information from public announcements with background noise (such as at train stations, airports).

- Understand complex technical information such as operational instructions, technical specifications of familiar products and services.

Level 6

Understand most of the content of announcements and instructions, including those within their trained specialty.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

No requirement for listening to radio, television, recorded audio.

Auditor

Understand and grasp necessary information from short recordings, handle daily information (such as weather, events); predict content when dialogue is spoken slowly and clearly.

Level 3

- Understand the main points of news programs on radio and television programs like current affairs, interviews, documentaries with clear content expressed in simple language.

- Grasp the main points in radio and television programs on familiar topics, expressed relatively slowly and clearly.

Level 4

- Understand recordings broadcast in common dialect about common social, occupational, or academic issues, determine the content, viewpoint, and attitude of the speaker.

- Understand most radio speeches, most recordings broadcast in common dialect, and determine the speaker's attitude.

Level 5

Understand chains of broadcasts, including some non-standard speech; determine details, including attitudes and relationships between speakers.

Level 6

Understand most content broadcast on radio and television, including content within their trained specialty.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Speak simply at a slow pace, still needing to repeat and correct. Ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond with simple narrative sentences within very familiar contexts and topics (such as oneself, family, school).

Auditor

- Speak easily and acceptably in specific contexts and short conversations, with assistance if needed.

- Have the ability to manage common exchanges without excessive effort.

- Have the ability to ask and answer questions, exchange opinions and information on familiar daily topics.

- Speak simply in work.

- Handle very short exchanges, but rarely understand enough to maintain a conversation in their own way.

Level 3

- Speak confidently about familiar and unfamiliar issues related to interests, studies, and work.

- Exchange, verify, and confirm information, handle infrequent situations, and explain the reasons for problems.

- Express thoughts on abstract topics and cultural themes (such as films, books, music).

- Use simple language to handle unexpected situations in daily life.

- Participate in conversations about familiar topics without prior preparation, express personal opinions and interests (family, hobbies, work, travel, and current events).

Level 4

- Speak fluently and effectively on various general, academic, professional, or entertainment topics.

- Speak relatively smoothly, coherently, and naturally, with good control over grammar, showing few signs of being limited in what they want to say.

Level 5

- Speak fluently and naturally, encountering almost no difficulties.

- Utilize a large vocabulary and complex grammatical structures well enough to avoid having to circumlocute or speak at length unnecessarily.

Level 6

- Use linguistic structures effectively, understand the levels of meaning of idioms and proverbs.

- Speak very easily and change speaking style naturally when monologuing, including specialized content from training.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Able to describe someone, where they live, and their work.

Auditor

- Able to describe family, living conditions, educational level, current job, and the most recent previous job.

- Able to describe daily activities such as describing people, places, and jobs.

- Able to describe plans, daily habits, past activities, hobbies, and personal experiences.

Level 3

- Describe familiar topics in areas of interest simply.

- Describe a short story with familiar content in simple terms.

- Narrate fairly detailed personal experiences, book contents, film narratives, and emotions.

- Speak about dreams, hopes, real or imaginary events.

Level 4

Describe clearly and in detail related or interesting topics using relatively difficult structures.

Level 5

- Describe clearly and in detail complex topics.

- Describe and narrate meticulously, integrating small topics and specific ideas into appropriate content.

Level 6

Have the ability to describe all experiences clearly, naturally, and fluently, making it easy for listeners to understand and remember.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

No requirement for discussion skills.

Auditor

- Identify the topic of a discussion spoken slowly and clearly that one participates in.

- Fulfill and respond to offers.

- Express agreement and disagreement with others.

- Discuss daily practical issues simply when spoken directly, slowly, and clearly.

- Discuss tasks to be done and arrange them to meet those requirements.

Level 3

- Present thoughts clearly, support views with arguments and suitable examples.

- Present thoughts on abstract or cultural topics (such as music, films).

- Explain the reason for a problem.

- Provide brief comments on other people's viewpoints.

- Express beliefs, opinions, agreements, and disagreements politely.

Level 4

- Present opinions accurately, argue and respond appropriately.

- Actively participate in familiar context discussions, present opinions, evaluate, and propose.

Level 5

Have the ability to explain and defend opinions in discussions persuasively through explanations, arguments, and opinions to serve social relations, academic, and professional purposes.

Level 6

Have the ability to explain and defend opinions in discussions persuasively through relevant explanations, arguments, and opinions.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Present short prepared segments (for example: introductions, proposals, simple requests).

Auditor

- Briefly present prepared information on a familiar daily topic, providing short reasons and explanations for views, plans, and actions.

- Answer direct questions, sometimes ask for clarification, and the audience supports responses.

Level 3

- Clearly present simple prepared presentations on familiar or personally interesting topics, so the audience can easily follow; key points are explained reasonably accurately.

- Answer questions about the presentation, though sometimes need to ask for clarification when not understood.

Level 4

- Clearly present prepared presentations, provide reasons supporting or opposing a specific view, and outline advantages and disadvantages of different choices.

- Answer questions smoothly, naturally, without stress after presenting, and also not cause stress to the audience.

- Present complex presentations emphasizing key points with clear illustrative details.

Level 5

- Clearly present scientifically organized presentations on complex topics; expand and reinforce personal opinions with relevant arguments and examples.

- Control emotions well while speaking, express naturally, and rarely need to make efforts.

Level 6

Speak very fluently and accurately, distinguish subtle differences in meaning in complex situations, including specialized content from training.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

- Communicate at a basic level, with slow speech speed, often requiring the interlocutor to repeat or rephrase.

- Ask and answer simple questions, give and respond to simple commands in areas of interest and on familiar topics.

Auditor

- Possesses the ability to communicate on simple matters, exchange straightforward and direct information about familiar topics related to work and daily life but cannot maintain a conversation in their own way.

- Possesses the ability to engage in short conversations easily in defined communication situations without having to make excessive efforts.

Level 3

- Possesses the ability to use simple language to resolve most situations that typically arise while traveling.

- Possesses the ability to initiate a conversation on a familiar topic without prior preparation, express personal views, and exchange information on familiar topics in daily life.

- Communicates relatively confidently about familiar or unfamiliar issues related to their field of expertise or areas of interest.

- Exchanges, checks, confirms information and handles infrequent situations.

- Expresses thoughts on cultural topics with abstract elements such as films, music.

Level 4

- Communicates fairly fluently and naturally with Vietnamese people.

- Explains important content through personal experiences, clearly states and defends viewpoints using relevant arguments and evidence.

- Uses language proficiently, accurately, and effectively on general topics, entertainment, profession, and education; ideas are clearly linked.

- Communicates naturally, uses grammar structures well, and does not encounter difficulties in expressing appropriately for the context.

Level 5

- Communicates smoothly and naturally with Vietnamese people without having to make excessive efforts.

- Mastered a wide vocabulary, easily handles complex linguistic situations without having to search for ways to express or avoid questions.

Level 6

- Uses idioms, colloquial expressions, and understands figurative meanings.

- Uses linguistic means of expression to convey accurate and appropriate nuances of meaning.

- Expresses very fluently and accurately complex contents, including those within specialized training fields.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

- Knows how to introduce oneself and greet in basic communication.

- Knows how to exchange simple information with interlocutors in common conversations.

Auditor

- Handles short social communications but cannot maintain a conversation in their own way.

- Uses polite and simple greetings commonly used every day.

- Makes and responds to invitations, requests, apologies, and thanks.

- States what they like and dislike.

- Participates in short conversations in familiar situations about topics of interest.

Level 3

- Participates in conversations about familiar topics without prior preparation, sometimes still having difficulty in precisely expressing what they want to say.

- Conducts daily, direct conversations although occasionally needs to ask again specific words and phrases.

- Expresses emotions and reacts to emotions such as surprise, joy, sadness, concern, and indifference.

Level 4

- Participates in conversations about most general topics clearly, even when there is noise or interference.

- Maintains relationships with Vietnamese people without unintentionally causing discomfort.

- Expresses levels of emotion, highlights personal events and experiences.

Level 5

Uses language flexibly and effectively for social purposes, including emotional expressions, joking.

Level 6

Uses language flexibly, comfortably, and effectively about personal and social life, including expressing emotions, hinting, circumlocution, joking.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

- Conducts simple transactions regarding goods and services.

- Uses numbers to transact prices, quantities, costs, time.

Auditor

- Requests daily provision of goods and services such as transportation, accommodation, food, shopping.

- Possesses the ability to obtain basic information about goods and services at stores, post offices, banks.

- Possesses the ability to request provision and understand information related to numbers, volume, price for goods and services.

- Handles situations related to accommodation, food, entertainment, and shopping when traveling.

Level 3

- Handles most situations arising during travel, organizing trips (such as booking, dealing with relevant authorities).

- Handles unusual situations at stores, post offices, banks (such as returns or complaints about products).

- Explains a problem that arises and clarifies the cause so that service providers or customers must yield.

Level 4

- Possesses the ability to negotiate common matters (such as buying unsuitable train or bus tickets, postponing tickets, compensating for damage to housing, accidents, liability for compensation).

- Possesses the ability to persuade to satisfy all parties involved.

- Explains arising problems and requires service providers or customers to yield.

Level 5

Recognizes and understands the implications of purchasing and service transactions. Possesses the ability to express fluently, immediately, without difficulty in finding words; uses language flexibly and effectively in purchasing and service transactions.

Level 6

Easily conducts transactions and purchases in most complex situations.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Answers simple direct questions in interviews spoken very slowly, clearly, and directly about personal information without idioms.

Auditor

- Possesses the ability to respond to interviews and affirm their views in a simple manner.

- Possesses the ability to make interviewers understand and exchange opinions, information on familiar topics, sometimes still need to repeat questions or have to express more clearly.

Level 3

- Provides specific necessary information in an interview or consultation (for example, describing symptoms when examined) but with limited accuracy.

- Interviews others (prepared beforehand), checks and confirms information, although sometimes has to ask the speaker to repeat.

- Has some new ideas, different ideas in an interview/consultation (for example, introducing a new topic) but depends heavily on the dialogue partner.

- Possess the ability to use a pre-prepared questionnaire to easily conduct a structured interview.

Level 4

- Conduct a fluent and effective interview/exchange, starting naturally with prepared questions and continuing with creative responses.

- Propose ideas, expand and develop topics during an interview if supported or encouraged by the interviewer.

Level 5

Fully participate in an interview, either as the questioner or the interviewee; expand and develop arguments smoothly without needing support; handle Vietnamese tone expressions well.

Level 6

Keep up with long dialogues, participate naturally as the interviewer or interviewee, speak fluently on trained specialized contents.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

- Pronounce relatively clearly, relatively correctly the tones in short words/sentences at a very slow speed.

- Use very short, isolated sentences, mainly simple structures learned, although still make high degree tone mistakes when pronouncing and hesitate when expressing.

Auditor

- Pronounce clearly, relatively correctly the tones when using short sentences, but sometimes the interlocutor still has to ask for repetition.

- Have the ability to make the interlocutor understand oneself by adding small details despite hesitating, cutting short ideas and having difficulty finding ways to express again.

Level 3

- Pronounce clearly, correctly the tones, distinguish difficult consonants such as: g, t, th, kh, ng and double vowels, mute sounds, syllables, although sometimes the voice is still not natural and occasionally mispronounces.

- Express understandable long sentences, although sometimes still make pronunciation/vocabulary/structure errors.

Level 4

- Pronounce clearly, correctly the pitch, relatively natural intonation.

- Communicate easily and relatively fluently, even when speaking long and complex passages.

Level 5

- Have the ability to change natural intonation similar to Vietnamese to express subtle nuances of meaning.

- Express oneself fluently and naturally, almost without difficulty, except for some topics with difficult concepts.

Level 6

- Although still have a foreign accent, can change intonation, express subtle nuances of meaning like Vietnamese.

- Express oneself naturally, continuously, without hesitation, except when choosing words, examples, or the most suitable explanation.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

- Use a few relatively simple grammatical structures learned.

- Use groups of words, the simplest polite expressions daily (such as greetings, introductions, invitations, thanks, apologies).

Auditor

- Use many simple grammatical structures learned.

- Use some polite expressions using words xin, vâng, dạ, ạ.

- Use some appropriate expressions related to daily topics.

- Have the ability to communicate appropriately in simple situations in family, classroom, ordinary work.

Level 3

- Use vocabulary and basic grammar relatively accurately but still encounter difficulties when trying to express complex thoughts or unfamiliar topics and situations.

- Communicate in many common situations, using appropriate language.

- Use relatively accurately polite expressions and appropriate responses to daily communication situations at school and workplace.

Level 4

- Use good vocabulary, relatively complex grammatical structures in communication; but sometimes still need help choosing appropriate words.

- Express oneself confidently, clearly, and politely using formal and informal language, appropriate to the communication situation.

Level 5

- Use accurately, confidently, and effectively pronunciation, wide vocabulary, complex grammatical structures in communication; however, sometimes still have to stop sentences, change ideas, and find other ways to express.

- Recognize many idiomatic or colloquial expressions, feel changes in communication style; however, sometimes still have to ask for details, especially when hearing unfamiliar voices, fast speed.

Level 6

- Use accurately, appropriately, and effectively pronunciation, very wide vocabulary, many difficult grammatical structures in communication in a natural Vietnamese speaking style.

- Use expressions through idioms or colloquial styles and distinguish levels of meaning.

- Feel the linguistic-social and cultural-social impacts of Vietnamese.

- Understand and grasp cultural-social and linguistic-cultural differences of Vietnamese.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Understand very short and simple texts about familiar topics such as oneself, family, school, friends.

Auditor

Understand short and simple texts about familiar, specific issues; able to use frequently encountered words in work or daily life.

Level 3

Read and understand texts containing clear information about topics related to one's major and areas of interest.

Level 4

Read relatively independently, adjust reading methods and speed according to different types of texts and reading purposes, as well as selectively use appropriate references. Have a large active vocabulary serving the reading process, but still encounter difficulties with infrequently appearing idioms.

Level 5

Understand the details of long, complex texts, including those outside one's field of expertise, provided that difficult sections can be reread.

Level 6

- Understand, select, and critically evaluate most types of texts, including complex structured and content texts, literary works, and other genres.

- Understand various long and complex texts, perceive the difference between literal and figurative meanings, various writing styles.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Recognize personal names, familiar words, basic phrases on simple notes often encountered in daily communication situations.

Auditor

- Find specific, predictable information in simple commonly encountered texts such as advertisements, menus, reference lists, and schedules.

- Identify specific information in lists and find the required information (for example, finding the phone number of a particular service in a directory).

- Understand common symbols, signs, and announcements in public places (such as on streets, in restaurants, bus stations, train stations) or at work (for example, directional signs, guidance signs, danger warning signs).

Level 3

Recognize and understand relevant information in daily used documents such as letters, advertisements, and short texts.

Level 4

Determine main information and conclusions in clear argumentative texts without necessarily being detailed.

Level 5

Understand news articles and reports related to current issues where the author clearly expresses a stance or specific viewpoint.

Level 6

Understand various long and complex texts. Possess the ability to extract information and arguments from content within their field of expertise.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

- Understand simple messages on postcards.

- Follow simple directions correctly (for example, from point X to point Y).

Auditor

- Understand basic types of letters and electronic documents (inquiry letters, orders, confirmation letters) on familiar topics.

- Understand short, simple personal letters.

- Understand regulations expressed in simple language (for example, safety rules).

- Understand simple instructions for using everyday devices (such as public telephones).

Level 3

- Understand descriptions of events, emotions, and greetings in personal letters sufficiently to respond appropriately to the writer.

- Read and understand clear and coherent usage instructions for a specific device.

Level 4

- Read letters related to one's interests and easily grasp the essential meaning.

- Understand long and complex guides in one's field of expertise, including details about conditions and warnings, provided that difficult sections are read again.

Level 5

- Understand letters and transactional documents written in Vietnamese, although sometimes a dictionary may be needed.

- Clearly understand long and complex guides on new machines or processes (including those outside one's field of expertise), though difficult sections still need to be reread.

Level 6

Easily understand most letters and transactional documents, including those within one's field of expertise.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Write short phrases and sentences about oneself, family, school, and workplace.

Auditor

Write simple propositions connected by conjunctions such as: and, but, because.

Level 3

Write simple paragraphs or essays on familiar topics or areas of interest in a logical sequence.

Level 4

Write detailed and clear essays on familiar topics across different areas of interest, synthesizing, evaluating information, and arguing from multiple sources.

Level 5

Write detailed and clear essays with a tight structure on complex topics, highlighting important points, expanding and reinforcing viewpoints with specific evidence and examples, and concluding with a suitable conclusion.

Level 6

Write logically structured and tightly organized essays on various complex topics, making it easy for readers to identify key points.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Write simple phrases and sentences about oneself and imaginary people about where they live and what they do.

Auditor

- Write simple phrases or sentences about oneself, family, living conditions, current studies, and recent work.

- Write a brief fictional biography.

Level 3

- Describe familiar topics in one's area of interest in detail and clearly.

- Write simple essays describing experiences, feelings, and reactions.

- Describe a recent event or trip (real or imagined).

- Write to narrate a story.

Level 4

- Describe events or experiences, real or imagined, clearly and in detail, showing logical connections between ideas according to genre conventions.

- Describe topics of interest in detail and clearly.

- Write a review of a film, book, or play.

Level 5

Write creative descriptive essays with a tight structure, natural style, and appropriate tone for the reader.

Level 6

- Write clear and coherent accounts of experiences and stories with rich and engaging ideas, suitable for the chosen genre.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Not yet required to write reports and essays in Vietnamese.

Auditor

Not yet required to write reports and essays in Vietnamese.

Level 3

- Write short and simple essays on topics of interest.

- Summarize reports and present opinions on familiar daily issues based on practical information or accumulated knowledge.

- Write short reports in standard format providing factual information and reasons for recommendations made in the report.

Level 4

- Write essays or reports where arguments are systematically developed, presenting main points and appropriate illustrations.

- Evaluate different opinions and solutions to a problem.

- Write argumentative essays or reports supporting or opposing a viewpoint, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of proposed solutions.

- Synthesize information and arguments from multiple sources.

Level 5

- Write clear and structured essays on complex topics, emphasizing key points relevant to the topic.

- Have the ability to develop and reinforce one's viewpoint in certain sections with specific opinions, reasons, and evidence.

Level 6

- Write reports and essays with a reasonable and effective structure, helping readers see important arguments.

- Clearly and coherently write complex reports, articles, or essays on a topic, or provide sharp evaluations of proposals, or comment on literary works.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Present or provide personal information in writing.

Auditor

Write short notes and fill out forms on topics of interest.

Level 3

- Convey specific or abstract information, opinions, check information, and reasonably explain issues.

- Able to write letters, personal notes as required, or convey simple information directly related to important points.

Level 4

Effectively communicate information and present one's own and others' viewpoints in writing.

Level 5

Clearly, accurately, and flexibly express oneself to the recipient of the information.

Level 6

Write coherently and accurately, distinguishing subtle differences in meaning within specialized content from training.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Write and respond to a postcard.

Auditor

Write a simple personal letter to thank or apologize.

Level 3

- Write a detailed personal letter describing experiences, emotions, events.

- Write transactional letters providing personal information, expressing thoughts on work-related, study-related, and cultural, music, film topics.

Level 4

Write transactional letters to express emotions, attitudes, personal opinions, and respond and comment on the recipient's views.

Level 5

Clearly and accurately express oneself in personal letters, using flexible and effective language (showing degrees of emotion, hinting, joking).

Level 6

Coherently and accurately write transactional letters, distinguishing subtle differences in meaning within transactions, including those related to specialized training.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Write and fill in numbers, dates, names, nationality, address, age, date of birth (such as filling out a Vietnamese entry form or hotel registration form).

Auditor

- Write short, simple messages.

- Write short, simple notes related to areas of interest.

Level 3

- Write simple notifications with content related to friends, service staff, teachers, and people met daily, clarifying key points in the notification.

- Write notifications requesting or explaining a specific issue.

Level 4

Record and write clear, detailed notifications on various topics, presenting one's viewpoint on an issue, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of options when choosing.

Level 5

Record and write clear, detailed notifications on complex topics, demonstrating the ability to organize text, effectively use vocabulary and linking devices in text.

Level 6

Easily record and write various types of notifications. Summarize spoken or written sources, logically arrange and present them; express fluently and accurately, distinguishing subtle differences in meaning in complex information, including specialized fields from training.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Copy single words or short texts presented in standard print.

Auditor

- Select and rewrite important words, phrases, or short sentences in a moderate paragraph based on personal ability and experience.

- Copy short texts presented in print or handwritten form.

Level 3

- Gather short information from several sources and summarize it for others.

- Simply restate short paragraphs while maintaining the original narrative structure and sequence of events.

Level 4

- Summarize real or fictional texts, discuss opposing views and main topics.

- Summarize excerpts from newspapers, interviews, or summarize opinions in relevant argumentative materials.

- Summarize the plot or sequence of events in a movie or play.

Level 5

Summarize long and difficult texts.

Level 6

Summarize information from different sources, conclude and write a coherent, logical presentation.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Basic knowledge of methods to express personal information and specific needs.

Auditor

- Basic vocabulary to handle known daily situations, although sometimes the writer must adjust the message content and find words.

- Briefly express simple daily needs such as personal information, habits, desires, preferences, news exchange.

- Use simple sentences, short phrases, learned expressions, or communication patterns to describe oneself, others, work, a place, a possession.

Level 3

- Sufficient vocabulary to describe unexpected situations.

- Sufficient vocabulary to clearly explain and express thoughts about key points of abstract or cultural topics like music, film.

- Sufficient vocabulary to express personal desires, though sometimes still feel insecure or verbose due to limited vocabulary on topics like family, hobbies, passion, work, travel, current events.

Level 4

- Clearly and coherently express oneself.

- Sufficient vocabulary to express opinions and arguments clearly.

- Ability to use some complex sentence structures.

Level 5

Wide vocabulary to clearly express oneself; comfortably choose words to present appropriately.

Level 6

- Ability to use language broadly, consistently control vocabulary to accurately express thoughts; emphasize, distinguish, and eliminate obscure elements.

- The writer's expression is diverse and rich.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Basic vocabulary consisting of individual words and phrases in specific situations.

Auditor

- Sufficient vocabulary to conduct daily communications on topics and in familiar situations.

- Possess sufficient vocabulary to express basic communication needs and to handle the simplest requirements.

Level 3

Possess sufficient vocabulary to express topics related to oneself, although still verbose, such as family, habits, preferences, work, daily life, and ongoing events.

Level 4

- Possess a relatively wide vocabulary to express most professional contents and general topics.

- Have the ability to flexibly substitute words to avoid repetition, but due to limited vocabulary, expressions are still verbose and not coherent.

Level 5

- Possess a broad vocabulary to overcome verbose expressions caused by lack of appropriate words or using alternative expressions.

- Understand idioms and proverbs.

Level 6

- Master a very extensive vocabulary, including idioms and proverbs.

- Recognize expressive meanings and implied meanings.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Limited ability to control vocabulary.

Auditor

Possess the ability to control a moderate amount of vocabulary, sufficient to express specific daily needs.

Level 3

Possess good control over vocabulary at the elementary level, but may still make significant errors when expressing complex thoughts or new, unfamiliar topics and situations.

Level 4

Achieve a fairly high level of accurate word usage. Although some expressions may cause misunderstandings due to incorrect word choice, it does not hinder communication.

Level 5

Possess good control over vocabulary, occasionally with minor deficiencies but without serious errors in word usage.

Level 6

Always use vocabulary accurately and appropriately.

Bracket

Specific Description

State

Limitedly use certain grammatical structures and simple sentence types learned.

Auditor

Correctly use some simple grammatical structures but consistently make basic errors. However, the writer still attempts to convey their intended message.

Level 3

- Communicate quite accurately in familiar contexts.

- Generally, have good control over grammar, though significantly influenced by the native language. May still make errors, but can clearly convey intended messages.

- Accurately use common sentence types related to familiar situations.

Level 4

- Good control over grammar, occasionally making small errors in sentence structure, but rarely occurring and often able to self-correct upon review.

- Not make errors leading to misunderstanding.

Level 5

Always maintain high grammatical accuracy, rarely making errors; if present, they are difficult to detect.

Level 6

Consistently maintain control over complex linguistic structures in all situations.

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Specific Description

State

- Copy short familiar words and phrases, such as signs or simple instructions, names of daily items, shop names, and frequently used phrases.

- Able to correctly spell addresses, nationality, and other personal information.

Auditor

- Copy short sentences on daily topics (e.g., directions, rental accommodation guidance).

- Spell short words correctly after hearing them spoken, not necessarily perfectly.

Level 3

Write comprehensible paragraphs from start to finish, with spelling, punctuation, and paragraphing sufficiently accurate for easy reader comprehension.

Level 4

Write coherent, comprehensible paragraphs with standard structure and segmentation. However, spelling and punctuation are not absolutely perfect, still influenced by the native language.

Level 5

- Paragraphing, segmentation, and punctuation consistent and reasonable.

- Spell correctly but occasionally make minor errors due to lack of concentration.

Level 6

Write without spelling errors.

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Reading Skills

Writing Skills

Interaction Skills

Listening

Reading

Speaking

Abbreviation

Speaking

Abbreviation

State

Recognize familiar words and groups of words about oneself, family, and surrounding environment when the speaker speaks slowly and clearly.

- Identify familiar words, groups of words, and simple sentences related to oneself, family, and close surroundings.

- Understand short advertisements and notices.

Use simple phrases and sentences to talk about familiar topics, such as oneself, family, school.

Write simple phrases or sentences.

Ask and answer simple questions about familiar topics like oneself, family, school when others speak slowly, clearly, and sometimes repeat to help express what is wanted.

- Write simple, brief postcards.

- Fill out forms with personal information (e.g., name, nationality, address on hotel room reservation form).

Auditor

- Understand commonly used groups of words and phrases about direct-related topics such as family, shopping, residence, occupation.

- Understand the main idea in short, simple, and clear announcements.

- Understand common words and phrases about areas directly related to oneself (e.g., basic information about oneself and family, shopping, local geography, employment).

- Understand the main idea of short, clear, and simple texts.

Use learned phrases and sentences to simply describe one's family and others; living conditions, current or recent study and work experiences.

Write simple phrases or sentences connected by conjunctions such as: and, but, because.

- Communicate in simple daily situations about oneself, family, school, place of residence.

- Carry out simple, familiar conversations but cannot sustain a conversation.

- Write simple, brief messages within essential ranges and needs.

- Write a very simple personal letter (e.g., thank-you letter).

Level 3

- Understand the main idea of standard, clear speeches about familiar issues in work, school, entertainment, including short, simple stories.

- Understand the main idea of radio or television programs about current issues or topics of interest when the speech is relatively slow and clear.

- Understand the main points of clear standard texts about familiar topics from work, study.

- Understand events, emotions, and aspirations through personal exchange letters.

- Simply connect groups of words to recount a story, event, dream, and hope.

- Provide reasons to explain one's viewpoint and plans.

- Narrate a simple story about a book or film and express one's thoughts.

Write a simple composition with structure on a familiar or personal interest topic.

Communicate without preparation on daily familiar topics related to personal interests, life, or regular information (e.g., family, hobbies, work, travel, and current events).

- Write a composition with a simple structure on familiar or personal interest topics.

- Write a letter describing experiences or feelings.

Level 4

- Understand long speeches or lectures, follow and comprehend complex arguments on topics of interest or familiarity.

- Understand most news programs on television and films using standard language.

- Understand articles and reports related to current issues where the writer expresses their views.

- Understand contemporary literary writings.

- Present clearly and in detail on various topics related to areas of interest.

- Explain a viewpoint on a current issue and point out the strengths and weaknesses of different options.

- Write about different issues of personal interest.

- Write an essay or report conveying information or providing reasons for supporting or opposing a specific viewpoint.

- Communicate relatively fluently and naturally with Vietnamese people.

- Actively participate in discussions on familiar topics, explain and defend one's viewpoint.

Write a letter expressing the importance of an event or experience to oneself.

Level 5

- Understand long speeches even when the speech structure is not clear.

- Watch television programs and films without much effort.

- Understand long texts, complex literary works, and appreciate writing styles.

- Understand long writings on specialized or technical guidance even if they are not related to one's field.

Present clearly and in detail on complex topics encompassing multiple subtopics, delve into specific issues, and draw appropriate conclusions.

- Write an essay expressing clearly with a coherent structure, presenting a viewpoint within a certain length.

- Write a letter, essay, or report on complex topics highlighting societal concerns.

- Choose an appropriate style suitable for the reader.

- Express oneself smoothly and naturally without difficulty in finding ways to express ideas.

- Use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.

- Provide accurate and skillful opinions and guide conversations with others.

Write a response with clear, accurate, flexible, and effective expression, suitable style.

Level 6

Fully understand all types of spoken discourse whether heard directly or through media, even at natural Vietnamese speaking speed, but require some time to get accustomed to the accent.

- Critically understand and analyze most types of texts, including abstract and structurally and linguistically complex texts, as well as literary and non-literary works.

- Understand various long and complex texts, appreciate subtle differences in writing styles, implied meanings, and explicit meanings.

Describe or discuss clearly and fluently in a style appropriate to the context, logically structured, and effective, making listeners interested and remember important points.

- Write a clear and coherent essay with an appropriate style.

- Write a letter, report, or article on complex topics presented logically, helping readers recognize and remember important points.

- Write summaries and critiques of works in one's specialty as well as literary works.

- Participate in any dialogue or discussion; have no difficulty with idioms or colloquial language.

- Express oneself fluently and convey subtle nuances accurately. If encountering difficulties, can skillfully and smoothly express differently, to the extent that interlocutors hardly notice it.

Achieve interactive writing proficiency with the ability to distinguish subtle differences in meaning in complex situations including specialized content from training.