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Canadian Language Benchmark 4

Reading: Basic Level

Global Performance Descriptor

• Learner is able to read a simple two- to three-paragraph passage within a mostly familiar, predictable context of daily life and experience: simple narrative, biographical or descriptive prose, set of simple instructions, plain language news items, classified ads, sales promotion coupons and flyers.
• Can locate, compare and contrast one or more specific pieces of information in larger texts.
• Is able to use low-level inference and to tolerate some ambiguity (e.g., when guessing the meaning of the unknown words in the text).
• Uses a bilingual dictionary almost constantly.
• Reads in English for information, to learn the language and to develop reading skills.
• Can read silently for meaning, with little visible or audible vocalization efforts, but reads slowly.

Performance Conditions

• Text length: two or three paragraphs.
• Language is mostly concrete, factual and literal, with some abstract vocabulary items.
• Most words are familiar to the learner.
• Instructions are common everyday instructions without pictures.
• Prose passages (narrative, biographical or descriptive) can be related to personal experience. News items are in plain language, with few idioms.
• Context is often familiar and partly predictable; pictures occasionally accompany text.
• Handwritten text is legible, in print-like handwriting.

Competency Outcomes and Standards