CLBs

 Below is a brief summary of the Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Knowledge and strategies for speaking skill	Stage 1 (CLB 1-4)	Stage 2 (CLB 5-8)	Stage 3 (CLB 9-12)
Grammatical Knowledge	Basic grammar structures. Basic vocabulary and pronunciation.	Vocabulary to discuss personal and factual information, ideas, feelings. Fluency in moderately demanding conversation.	Understanding of a full range of grammatical and lexical structures. Intelligible and communicatively effective pronunciation.
Textual Knowledge	Beginning ability with connecting words and phrases.	Use cohesion links across utterances and discourse indicators (such as conjunctive adverbs and adverbials) signaling such meanings as contrast or illustrations. Use a combination of ideas and genres.	Ability to convey logical and functionally coherent messages.
Functional Knowledge	Beginning ability to express purpose through voice and body language. Basic conversation openings and closings.	Able to use interactional and interpersonal communication skills for conversation management.	Understanding of a full range of discourse formats. Ability to effectively use multiple genres.
Sociolinguistic Knowledge	Basic cultural references and information. Basic culturally appropriate verbal and non-verbal strategies.	Understanding of cultural norms and culturally determined behaviors. Collaborative skills for academic and work purposes. Appropriate verbal and non-verbal strategies for formality and respect.	Understanding of appropriate formal and informal conversation and presentation strategies. Appropriate use of interactional and interpersonal communication skills.
Strategic Competence	Beginning use of techniques and strategies to ensure understanding and learning.	Use of strategies to ensure understanding and effective communication in different situations.	Use of effective strategies to prevent communication difficulties. Use of metalinguistic knowledge to engage in various communication situations.