Band descriptors — 5.5 to 9.0
5.5
Low Intermediate

Fluency & Coherence

Some hesitation and repetition; struggles with flow of ideas.

Stops to search for words; ideas are unclear or disjointed.

Lexical Resource

Basic vocabulary with limited range; frequent errors.

Uses simple words repeatedly and makes word choice mistakes.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Frequent errors; uses basic structures only.

Mostly simple sentences, many grammar errors.

Pronunciation

May be difficult to understand; basic pronunciation only.

Mispronounces common words; listener needs effort to understand.
6.0
Intermediate

Fluency & Coherence

Speaks with some hesitation but can maintain flow.

Pauses occasionally; connects ideas but may repeat.

Lexical Resource

Fairly good range but with some repetition or inaccuracies.

Uses a mix of common and uncommon words with some mistakes.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Attempts complex structures with mixed success.

Some complex sentences, noticeable grammar errors.

Pronunciation

Generally clear; some mispronunciations.

Intelligible but not always natural.
6.5
Upper Intermediate

Fluency & Coherence

Good control but some minor hesitation.

Can speak continuously but may pause briefly.

Lexical Resource

Shows flexibility but occasional errors occur.

Can paraphrase and vary vocabulary with few mistakes.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Mix of simple and complex grammar, generally accurate.

Uses different sentence types with occasional slips.

Pronunciation

Mostly clear and natural.

Stress and rhythm are mostly appropriate.
7.0
Good User

Fluency & Coherence

Speaks at length with only occasional hesitation; ideas well connected.

Rarely pauses; expresses ideas smoothly.

Lexical Resource

Uses a wide range of vocabulary naturally and effectively.

Can express meaning clearly and paraphrase well.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Uses complex grammar with few errors.

Makes occasional minor grammar errors.

Pronunciation

Clear pronunciation; occasional lapses don't affect understanding.

Easy to understand; some accent but not distracting.
8.0
Very Good User

Fluency & Coherence

Speaks with complete fluency; ideas flow naturally and effortlessly.

No hesitation; connects ideas perfectly.

Lexical Resource

Uses idiomatic and colloquial expressions precisely; extensive vocabulary.

Uses natural idioms and a broad vocabulary flawlessly.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Rare grammatical errors; wide and flexible use of complex structures.

Almost no errors, demonstrates mastery of grammar.

Pronunciation

Near-native pronunciation; clear and natural intonation and rhythm.

Pronunciation largely indistinguishable from a native speaker.
9.0
Expert User

Fluency & Coherence

Fully fluent, effortless, and spontaneous at a native speaker level.

Speaks perfectly with natural flow and clarity.

Lexical Resource

Uses vocabulary precisely and naturally in all contexts; idiomatic language used expertly.

Uses vocabulary at a native speaker level with perfect accuracy.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Mastery of complex grammatical structures with no errors.

Grammar is completely flawless.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation indistinguishable from a native speaker; excellent control of intonation.

Perfect native-like pronunciation and rhythm.