Learner profiles

To pass ISE at CEFR proficiency levels B2, C1, and C2, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they can:

ISE II (CEFR B2)

understand the main ideas of complex spoken and written English on both concrete and abstract topics
use active and passive vocabularies sufficient to cover a wide range of subjects, including technical topics within his or her field of specialisation
interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers of English quite possible without strain for either party — language production is spontaneous and natural
explain his or her viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options
read, respond to and write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects

ISE III (CEFR C1)

express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly
express themselves using a wide range of complex language structures, vocabulary and functions
use a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms
use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes
recognise and appreciate different registers and degrees of formality
read and respond to a wide range of demanding, longer texts
produce clear, well-structured, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects, underlining the relevant salient
issues, expanding and supporting points of view with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples

ISE IV (CEFR C2)*

express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely differentiating finer shades of meaning, even in more complex situations
exploit a comprehensive and reliable mastery of a very wide range of complex language structures, vocabulary and functions
express themselves using idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms
use language effortlessly and appropriately for social, academic and professional purposes
control the direction of a spoken interaction and maintain its flow with ease, relating skilfully to the contributions of the listener
understand the main points, arguments, inferences,
changes in register and emphasis in complex and sometimes unstructured speech, even when delivered at fast native speed
read and respond to virtually all forms of the written language including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning
write clear, smoothly flowing complex texts on a wide range of subjects in an appropriate style and with an effective logical structure

*Note that the exam format for IV (C2) is different.