5

Complete and precise understanding of even the most complex written language. Passive vocabulary practically equal to that of an educated native speaker or comparable.

4 ½

Understands all but the most complex language in detail. Very obscure language requires occasional use of the dictionary.

4

Understands all ordinary language in detail. Very occasional misinterpretation of subtleties in tone and vocabulary.

3 ½

Understands the essentials in all ordinary letters and reports. Low frequency idioms and unusual words require use of a dictionary. Complex language causes some difficulty.

3

Understands the essentials in ordinary language  but misses some details. Any more complex language requires extensive use of a dictionary.

2 1/2

Understands simple language although not in detail. Understands the general sense of new items in the popular press. With the extensive help of a dictionary understands reports and business letters in outline.

2

Can understand the gist of simple narrative  prose within a familiar context, but often misinterprets details.

1 1/2

Can understand simple written dialogues. Has great difficulty in understanding simple narrative.

1

Can only understand very simple texts in dialogue form and with great effort and concentration. Has great difficulty in understanding even the most elementary sentences.

½

Has difficulty in understanding more than a few simple words ("look", "door", etc.). Cannot follow even the simplest sentence.

0

No understanding of even the most simple words or phrases.