Click on any CLB level in the table below to view the descriptors for writing
Stage I: Basic Language Ability
CLB 1
I can…
- Fill in a short, simple greeting.
- To______, From______, Thank you.
- Copy words and numbers.
- Write simple personal information.
- Name:___________ Phone Number: _____________
- Write simple words to fill in blanks.
I write single words and a few memorized phrases. But, I have no control of grammar, and I have a lot of difficulty with spelling and punctuation.
I cannot communicate simple ideas in writing.
CLB 2
I can…
- Write a short, simple greeting.
- Happy Birthday! Good Luck!
- Copy basic, everyday information.
- Bob’s Auto Repair Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Write personal information on a very short simple form.
- Date of Birth: _____________ Occupation: ____________
- Answer a simple question in writing.
- Where do you live? I live in Canada..
I write single words, simple phrases and a few simple sentences. But, I have very little control of grammar, and I have a lot of difficulty with spelling and
punctuation. It is difficult for me to communicate simple ideas in writing.
CLB 3
I can…
- Write a very short message to my friend.
- Can we meet at 2:00pm? Please text me back.
- Copy a short recipe.
- Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer…
- Complete a simple form.
- Account Number: ______ Name of Bank:_______
- Write a few sentences about a person or place.
- I like my teacher. He is nice. He helps me.
I write simple sentences about personal familiar topics, and I am developing some control of simple grammar. But, I have trouble with word order and word forms,
and I have some difficulty communicating simple ideas in writing.
CLB 4
I can…
- Write a short personal message.
- Hi Anna. I have good news…
- Copy information about two different hotels.
- Wave Hotel: $149 per night Island Hotel: $179 per night
- Write a simple request.
- Please fix my fridge. It is broken. The food is not cold ...
- Write a short paragraph about a familiar topic.
- I came to Canada in July. The weather was hot ...
I can communicate a simple message on a personal familiar topic, and I have adequate control of simple grammar. But, I have some trouble with word order and word forms,
and this sometimes makes it hard for a reader to understand my meaning.
Stage II: Intermediate Language Ability
CLB 5
I can…
-
Write a short e-mail message to a friend
-
Take notes from a voicemail message for personal use
-
Fill out a basic application form
-
Write a paragraph for a class newsletter
I can write short communications on routine familiar topics, and I have good control of simple grammar. But, I have difficulty with complex grammar and make many
mistakes. My word forms and combinations are often awkward.
CLB 6
I can…
-
Write a message to a colleague to cancel plans
-
Take notes in class to share with my classmate
-
Write an e-mail to ask for a refund for a product that did not work
-
Write two paragraphs to describe a familiar sequence of events
I can write short communications on routine familiar topics, and am starting to develop some control of more complex grammar. But,
I still make mistakes and use awkward word combinations. I don't always use the right type of language for the situation.
CLB 7
I can…
-
Write an e-mail message to describe a successful project
-
Write a summary of a workplace safety meeting
-
Complete an incident report form
-
Write three paragraphs about a familiar topic
I can write moderately complex communications on routine familiar topics, and I have adequate control of some more complex grammar. My writing can usually be
understood, but it may seem unnatural or awkward, especially when I try to use idioms.
CLB 8
I can…
-
Write a-mail to a supervisor to explain about a disagreement
-
Record details of a recipe while watching a cooking show
-
Write a resume and cover letter
-
Write a short essay with opinions and supporting details
I can write moderately complex communications on routine familiar topics, and I have good control of some more complex grammar.
My writing can usually be understood, but it may seem unnatural or awkward, especially when I try to use idioms. Although,
I make some mistakes, it is seldom difficult for people to understand my writing. I have difficulty with longer, more demanding, or unfamiliar writing tasks.
Stage III: Advanced Language Ability
CLB 9
I can…
-
Write an email to a professor to explain my academic goals, request a review of my application, and ask for a reference
-
Write the minutes of a workplace meeting to share with a team
-
Write a report to update a supervisor on my work progress
-
Write an analysis of a movie’s themes and support my interpretation with examples
I have good control of complex grammar, and I am becoming more confident with demanding writing tasks. I can sometimes write about unfamiliar topics that may
require research. I still make some errors, and my tone and style are not always appropriate.
CLB 10
I can…
-
Write a formal letter of resignation to a committee
-
Write a summary of a conference presentation to share with colleagues who couldn’t attend
-
Write a proposal to recommend a new process or procedure
-
Write a research report for an academic course, including the purpose, research methods, and analysis of data
I am confident with a broader range of complex tasks, including writing about unfamiliar and abstract topics that may require research.
I still make occasional errors, and my tone and style are not always appropriate.
CLB 11
I can…
-
Write a formal letter to recommend a person for an apprenticeship
-
Write a literature review to synthesize complex information from multiple sources
-
Write a report to my client base on current industry trends, including facts and predictions
-
Write a report on findings from a pilot project, including charts and graphs to present the data
I am confident with a wide range of complex tasks, including writing about specialized topics that may require research.
I have flexibility of tone and style, although I still make a few minor errors.
CLB 12
I can…
-
Write a formal public tribute to honour someone's achievements
-
Edit the minutes of a meeting to ensure that the content is accurate and the style is appropriate
-
Write a policy or procedure manual for an organization
-
Write promotional materials for a product or service
I am a confident writer and can address a range of genres. I can write complex texts in technical or specialized situations.
I rarely make errors, and I can adjust tone and style to suit the task.