FOR NLSC USE ONLY
NATIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICE CORPS (NLSC)
CONTROL NUMBER
GLOBAL SKILLS SELF-ASSESSMENT
SECTION 4 WRITING
LANGUAGE:
INSTRUCTIONS: Read and consider the following six descriptions of writing proficiency (numbered 0 through 5, including 1+ through 4+). Afterwards, decide which
description most accurately represents your overall writing proficiency in the language named above. If your language proficiency is substantially better than one level but
not consistently as good as the next higher level, select the appropriate “plus” level.
(X one)
NO
I have no functional writing ability.
PROFICIENCY
0
I can handle limited everyday needs by writing simple statements and questions on very familiar topics. For
ELEMENTARY
example, I can write down simple phone messages, excuses, notes to service people and simple notes to friends.
1
PROFICIENCY
My vocabulary is very limited, and I make a lot of grammatical errors, but someone who is used to dealing with a
nonnative writer can understand most of my simple ideas.
1+
I can handle routine social correspondence and write basic documentation on matters that address most limited
LIMITED
work requirements. I can produce simple written texts about a very limited number of current events or daily
2
WORKING
situations. I am able to control most common formats and punctuation conventions, and people usually understand
PROFICIENCY
what I write even if they are not accustomed to nonnative writing.
2+
I can produce effective writing in most formal and informal written exchanges on practical, social and professional
GENERAL
topics. The types of writing I can produce competently include reports, summaries, and short library research papers
3
PROFESSIONAL
on current events, on particular areas of interest or on special fields. I can use complex sentences appropriately, and
PROFICIENCY
I control most common grammatical structures. As a result, I am also able to connect different ideas in clear ways.
3+
I can produce written language precisely and accurately in a variety of prose styles pertinent to professional and
ADVANCED
educational needs. I am comfortable enough with grammar and writing conventions to be able to tailor what I write to
PROFESSIONAL
4
suit particular audiences and to express subtleties and nuances. I can produce clear and well-organized prose using
PROFICIENCY
a variety of organizational patterns and cohesive devices such as ellipses, parallelisms, and subordination. I can
write on all topics normally pertinent to professional and educational needs and on social issues of a general nature.
4+
My writing proficiency is equal to that of a well educated native. I can write and edit informal and formal
EDUCATED
correspondence, official reports and documents, and professional/educational articles. I can produce or edit different
5
NATIVE
genres of writing including legal, technical, educational and literary writing. I can write expressively and imaginatively
PROFICIENCY
without any pattern of errors.
DD FORM 2934, JAN 2016
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