Pronunciation - Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation are influenced by the first language or regional variation but only sometimes interfere with ease of understanding.

Structure - Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are used creatively and are usually well controlled.  Errors may occur, particularly in unusual or unexpected circumstances, but rarely interfere with meaning.

Vocabulary - Vocabulary range and accuracy are usually sufficient to communicate effectively on common, concrete, and work-related topics.  Can often paraphrase successfully when lacking vocabulary in unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Comprehension - Comprehension is mostly accurate on common, concrete, and work-related topics when the accent or variety used is sufficiently intelligible for an international community of users.  When the speaker is confronted with a linguistic or situational complication or an unexpected turn of events, comprehension may be slower or require clarification strategies.

Fluency - Produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo.  There may be occassional loss of fluency on transition from rehearsed or formulaic speech to spontaneous interaction, but this does not prevent effective communication.  Can make limited use of discourse markers or connectors.  Fillers are not distractions.

Interactions - Responses are usually immediate, appropriate, and informative.  Initiates and maintains exchanges even when dealing with an unexpected turn of events.  Deals adequately with apparent misunderstandings by checking, confirming, or clarifying.