Can-Do Statements (Interpersonal Communication)

Interpersonal Communication

Active oral or written communication in which the participants negotiate meaning to make sure that their message is understood

 

Think about your own second language abilities and read through these statements. If you can do tasks similar to those listed, select "Yes." Otherwise, select "No" and continue the self-assessment. Because this quiz covers from Novice-Low to Advanced-High, you will probably reach a point where you stop saying "Yes." That is to be expected, so don't worry and simply finish the quiz.

 

I can ask and answer simple questions about texts, graphs, or pictures. For example, I can do things like:

• ask about and identify familiar things in a picture from a story.
• ask about and identify important information about the weather using a map.
• ask and respond to simple questions about dates, times, places, and events on schedules, posters, and tickets.
• respond to simple questions based on graphs or visuals that provide information containing numbers or statistics.

I can make plans with others. For example, I can do things like:

• accept or reject an invitation to do something or go somewhere.
• invite and make plans with someone to do something or go somewhere.
• exchange information about where to go, such as to the store, the movie theatre, a concert, a restaurant, the lab, or when to meet.

I can use the language to meet my basic needs in familiar situations. For example, I can do things like:

• ask for help at school, work, or in the community.
• make a reservation.
• arrange for transportation, such as by train, bus, taxi, or a ride with friends.

I can use my language to handle tasks related to my personal needs. For example, I can do things like:

• request services, such as repair for a phone, computer, or car.
• schedule an appointment.
• inquire about membership in an organization or club.

I can exchange information related to areas of mutual interest. For example, I can do things like:

• ask for and provide information about specific events.
• ask for and provide information about a hobby or lifestyle, such as bicycling, vegetarianism, video games, or sports.
• ask for and provide descriptions of places I know and also places I would like to visit.
• talk about my family history.
• talk about jobs and career plans.

I can use my language to do a task that requires multiple steps. For example, I can do things like:

• give the basic rules of a game or sport and answer questions about them.
• ask for, follow, and give instructions for preparing food.
• ask for and follow directions to get from one place to another.

I can use my language to handle a situation that may have a complication. For example, I can do things like:

• arrange for a make-up exam or reschedule an appointment.
• return an item I have purchased to a store.
• plan an outing with a group of friends.

I can participate in conversations on a wide variety of topics that go beyond my everyday life. For example, I can do things like:

• explain work, school, or governmental policies and answer questions about them.
• discuss what is currently going on in another community or country.

I can compare and contrast life in different locations and in different times. For example, I can do things like:

• explain how life has changed since I was a child and respond to questions on the topic.
• compare different jobs and study programs in a conversation with a peer.
• explain how technology has changed our lives while discussing the topics with another.

I can resolve an unexpected complication that arises in a familiar situation. For example, I can do things like:

• rearrange my itinerary, such as flights, pick-up times, and appointments when I experience travel delays.
• tell a friend how I’m going to replace an item that I borrowed and broke/lost.
• explain why I was late to class or absent from work and arrange to make up the lost time

I can handle a complication or unexpected turn of events. For example, I can do things like:

• return or exchange a purchase when a vendor makes a mistake or parts are missing.
• clear up a major personal, school, or work place misunderstanding.
• explain an injury or illness and manage to get help.