Canadian Language Benchmarks 2000 (CLB) Posters
The CLB poster project is a key element of the Manitoba CLB implementation
plan. The initial focus of CLB implementation in Manitoba was familiarization of
the CLB among Adult EAL programs and teachers. The secondary focus of the plan
was to support Adult EAL learners in understanding the CLB levels in order for
them to mark their own progress, articulate goals and understand the Manitoba
Adult EAL system. The CLB posters are one way of meeting that need. It is
anticipated that the posters will be displayed in Adult EAL classrooms or common
areas for EAL learners.
There are eight 22 x 34 inch CLB wall posters (one for each level from 1-8).
Each poster outlines tasks that represent the four skills at each benchmark
level. The posters have been distributed to government-funded Adult EAL
programs. There are several full sets of posters available for borrowing from
the ALT Branch resource collection. The posters will also be available from the
Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (www.language.ca).
Text-only versions are available on this web site under the Quick links.
Description of the Posters
Each poster describes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for the
level. The centre photo as well as the bottom line of photos shows people doing
tasks that can represent the described language skills.
The language of the posters is clear and simple. Students at each level
should be able to read and understand the description with a minimum of help
from their instructors. At CLB 1 and 2, for example, the poster may offer
samples of the language used at these levels.
Speaking 1:
I can greet people:
Hello!
How are you?
I’m fine, thank you.
Listening 2:
Can you show me some ID?
Please write your name on the line.
Go upstairs to Room B5.
Could you repeat that please?
Otherwise, the poster describes the task, and the teacher can provide the
examples that are most appropriate to the group.
Reading 2:
I can read words that I see often.
I can read a simple greeting card.
I can read a simple form.
I can read the amount of a bill.
At higher levels, the posters describe the general nature of a broader
variety of tasks. This leaves the instructor even more freedom to provide
specific examples appropriate to the learning focus of the students.
Reading 6:
I can scan an extended chart or schedule for specific information.
I can compare information from different texts.
When I see a new word, I can sometimes guess its meaning from the context.
Writing 8:
I can extract key information and relevant detail from a page-long text or
10-15 minute oral presentation and write an outline or a one-paragraph
summary.
I can fill out complex forms.
I can write an effective resume and cover letter.
Suggestions for Classroom Use
In a CLB 5 classroom, it might be appropriate to hang posters of CLB 4, 5,
and 6 so that students get a sense of their own progress. It will also help them
to understand that, while the group is focusing mainly on the skills outlined at
CLB 5, some students may possess skills at CLB 6. Some may also need to do more
work on specific tasks at CLB 4.
Single pages for individual students’ use can be printed in different
formats. The text-only version allows the instructor to choose the format they
prefer and even to adapt the content of the messages to some extent.
Checklist - By adding check boxes to the tasks, students can check
skills off as they master them. The sheets then provide appropriate
self-evaluation tools for portfolio assessments. A word of caution: students may
have the impression that doing the task once allows them to check it off. They
should be able to repeat the task at different times and in different
situations. In addition, students will need to be familiar with the performance
conditions and criteria of each level. Teachers will have to consult the CLB
2000 for that information.
Guiding Boxes - Short messages at the bottom of each page can offer
encouragement or guidance to students about their levels. Here is an example:
When I can do all of these
things, I am ready to start Level 4 Reading
Examples - The descriptions of tasks may seem meaningless to the
students without examples for clarification. Including examples on the posters
was not feasible. Concrete examples of the tasks can be added to make the list
more consistent with individual and class goals and objectives. Examples of
tasks at each level and for each skill are found in the Canadian Language
Benchmarks 2000. The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (www.language.ca) offers The Canadian Language Benchmarks 2000: Additional Sample
Task Ideas that has an extensive listing of additional sample task ideas for
Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing Benchmarks.
Canadian Language Benchmarks 2000
posters text version (Word document 108KB)
CLB 2000 Level 1
CLB 2000 Level 2
CLB 2000 Level 3
CLB 2000 Level 4
CLB 2000 Level 5
CLB 2000 Level 6
CLB 2000 Level 7
CLB 2000 Level 8
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