Vocabulary
They can use a wide range of words to explain cause and effect. For example: “If you lift the ramp higher, the car will roll down faster.”
They can join in discussions about an event or activity using topic-specific words. For example: “The volcano erupted and covered the village in ash. The lava was very hot. Would you have run or stayed to watch?”
They can use words related to time and measurement in their speech. For example: “Tomorrow morning we’ll bake a cake. It needs to cook for half an hour, so we’ll have it ready before lunch.”
Attention, listening and understanding
They can clearly show when they haven’t understood and ask for specific information they need. For example: “I’m not sure how to spell ‘beautiful.’ Can you show me the word again?”
They can listen carefully, identify the important points, and make relevant comments. For example: “We need to find out what games children played in the past. I can ask my mum, my uncle, and my neighbour, and then see what’s different from now.”
They can understand not only the information that is clearly stated but also the meaning that is implied. For example: “The story says the children were wearing coats and that they went to get their umbrellas, so I can infer that it was raining.”
Sentence building and grammar
They can speak clearly, fluently, and accurately when talking about events that have happened, are happening, or will happen.
They can use complex sentences and grammar effectively to clarify, summarise, explain choices, and plan. For example: “We chose to build the tower this way because it’s stronger at the bottom. I will stack the big blocks first, Amirah will add the medium ones, and Liam will put the small ones on top so it doesn’t fall.”
Storytelling and narrative
They can tell stories that are well-organised and have a clear plot, including an exciting event and resolution.
They can add expression to their voices to make the storytelling exciting and lively.
They can add details or leave things out depending on what the listener already knows.
Conversations and social interaction
They can understand the rules of conversation, such as when to talk and when to listen.
They can talk with a range of people and keep the conversation moving by adding useful comments or asking questions.
They can use language in different ways to help make friends, for example by giving compliments, offering criticism, asking for clarification, or negotiating.