English as a Second Language Report Comments for Cambridge Stages 4-6

English as a Second Language covers listening (main points and detail), speaking (communicating meaning, pronunciation, questions, conversations and short presentations), reading (main points, detail and working out unfamiliar words), writing (planning, sentences and paragraphs, spelling and punctuation) and use of English (grammar and vocabulary in speech and writing).

Below are 13 sample sentences for Stages 4-6: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Extending / Secure / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 440 English as a second language sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Extending · Secure · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Extending E

Strengths

Using connectives (joining words such as "because" and "so"), [Name] writes longer sentences that explain reasons and results.
When using English, [Name] spots a grammar rule in one example and applies it correctly to new sentences of [his/her/their] own.

Next step

Working out the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the sentence around it, then explaining which words gave the clue before checking a dictionary, would deepen [Name]'s reading.

Secure S

Strengths

Retelling stories in English, [Name] usually keeps events in the right order and uses words such as "first", "then" and "finally".
When speaking English, [Name] pronounces familiar words clearly and often notices and corrects [his/her/their] own pronunciation mistakes.

Next step

Preparing a short talk with three key points on a card will help [Name] speak for longer in English.

Developing D

Strengths

[Name] writes short messages in English, such as a note to a classmate, with some support to organise [his/her/their] ideas.
With reminders, [Name] uses capital letters and full stops in [his/her/their] English writing and is learning to check them at the end.

Next step

Practising a short conversation, such as asking for directions, from a model dialogue will help [Name] speak more smoothly.

Beginning B

Strengths

When the class listens to a story, [Name] follows the pictures and is starting to recognise some key words that are repeated.
With a visual timetable and spoken cues, [Name] is beginning to recognise English words for familiar school activities.

Next step

Practising short answers with an adult in role play, such as "Yes, please" and "No, thank you", will help [Name] reply politely in English.

Support at home

Writing a short shopping list or a card together gives your child a chance to practise spelling everyday English words.

How to write English as a second language comments for Stages 4-6

Pick one area for the strength and another for the next step: for example, understanding the main points of a story, then giving an opinion with a reason. A list of all five areas makes the comment hard to act on.
Name grammar targets precisely, such as past tense verbs, comparatives or connectives like 'because' and 'so', and suggest a short routine, such as checking each sentence for one feature.
Reading comments can mention working out unfamiliar words from pictures or context. A next step such as keeping a personal word list is easy for a family to support.

Watch out: Avoid comparing the student with speakers of English as a first language or guessing at a home language. Describe what the student can do in listening, speaking, reading, writing and use of English, and the support that helps.

The four levels describe how independently and securely the student shows what has been taught, never a grade or a test result. Extending suits accurate, independent work applied to unfamiliar tasks, with reasons explained; Secure suits accurate work in familiar tasks with occasional support; Developing suits learning shown sometimes, or with a model, word bank or worked example; Beginning names what is starting to show and the support that helps. Show the level through the work rather than writing the level word.

What English as a Second Language covers

Strands and skills covered for English as a second language:

Listening: understanding main points and detail in talk, instructions, stories and recordings
Speaking: communicating meaning, pronunciation, asking and answering questions, taking part in conversations and presentations
Reading: understanding main points and detail, working out unfamiliar words, reading for pleasure
Writing: planning and writing texts, spelling, punctuation, organisation and appropriate language
Use of English: grammar and vocabulary used accurately in speech and writing

More Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary comments

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.

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