Self-Rating Checklist:
Define Language Needs

Most of us have always left these important steps to someone else – we expect The Teacher to define language needs, then test us so he'll know how we're doing. When we try to learn on our own, we skip these tasks entirely because we’re too busy figuring out how we’re going to learn from the resources at hand – TV, newspaper, books, friends, tapes or CDs.

This section offers four handy guides you can use to both define language needs and evaluate your progress. If you are feeling bold, go directly to the page you think approximates your ability – beginner, intermediate, advanced, or distinguished. But at some point, we encourage everyone to take a look at the tips below so you get the most out of your efforts.

Tips and Tricks

Decide what skills are most important to you. Is it speaking and listening? Reading and writing? All four? Once you decide this, you can focus your time and energy on the skills most important to you.

Decide what content is most important. Do you need to get around when you travel? Get you through your daily work? Do you have to understand or convey complex instructions in another language? Or do you simply want to communicate with new family members? Focus on what is important to you.

Rate yourself now – and as you learn. Well-defined goals give you a built-in roadmap to rate your progress. We have made this self-testing easier by including a few typical tasks at each level. Figure out where you are now: this helps you start at the right point. Then regularly measure your progress against your goals. Be sure to revise your goals as you become more proficient and add specific capabilities you want to learn.

Think in terms of skill clusters. For example, just knowing how to say “hello” and “goodbye” is not enough to show mastery of greetings and leave-takings (See Beginner, Level 1). In English, we would expect a variation or two, such as “hi,” “howdy,” or “what’s up,” plus “so long,” “see ya later,” or “bye-bye.” Strive to master the broad concepts for the skills you seek. Don’t be satisfied memorizing narrow definitions.

Be specific about the goals and objectives you set for yourself. Go beyond a goal such as, “I want to be able to talk to my grandchildren.” Go for something tangible as well, such as “I want to be able to tell my grandson at least three hilarious family stories about his mother.”

Set timelines for meeting each objective. We all need a kick in the rear now and then. Realistic timelines keep you moving.

Reward yourself when you meet each objective. Take five minutes off. Or two hours. Brag – a little bit. Eat a chocolate éclair or sip a cappuccino – whatever keeps you motivated.


Feeling bold? Jump right in!

We’ve put together four simple checklists that will help you define your language needs and rate your progress.

If you are a Beginning Language Learner, click here.

Are you an Intermediate Language Learner? You’re on a roll! Click here.

An Advanced Language Learner? Congratulations! Click here.

Have you risen to the Distinguished Level? Don’t stop now! Click here.


Wondering where these checklists came from? We didn’t dream them up out of thin air. To check the rating scale’s pedigree, click here.



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