English as a Second Language Report Comments for Cambridge Stages 7-9
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 7-9: 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
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Extending E
Strengths
- During discussions, [Name] notices when a speaker changes from formal to informal language and explains why the change suits the situation.
- Speaking in English, [Name] takes an active part in conversations, gives reasons for [his/her/their] opinions and invites others to share theirs.
Next step
- Reporting what others have said, using reported speech such as "The speaker said that...", would deepen [Name]'s control of English grammar.
Secure S
Strengths
- Giving short presentations, [Name] speaks clearly in English, organises the main points well and answers questions from the class.
- Writing for a clear purpose, such as telling a story or giving information, [Name] chooses suitable words and generally keeps to the task.
Next step
- Explaining purpose with "so that" and "in order to" will help [Name] give fuller reasons in writing.
Developing D
Strengths
- When presenting to the class, [Name] speaks in English with the help of notes and is working on pausing between ideas so that listeners can follow.
- When others speak clearly and not too fast, [Name] picks out familiar words and key information, and is developing [his/her/their] wider listening skills.
Next step
- Practising the present perfect, such as "I have finished", with a model sentence will help [Name] talk about recent events.
Beginning B
Strengths
- Working from a model text, [Name] is beginning to change one or two words to make a sentence of [his/her/their] own in English.
- In reading activities, [Name] matches pictures to simple English words with help from the teacher or a partner.
Next step
- Practising "I am", "you are" and "it is" with picture cards will help [Name] use the verb "to be" in simple sentences.
Support at home
- If you visit a local library, choosing picture books or simple stories together lets your child find books in English to enjoy.
How to write English as a second language comments for Stages 7-9
- In Stages 7-9, describe longer and more accurate language: following the detail of an argument, justifying a point of view, or using modal verbs and conditionals. Target the one that would make the biggest difference.
- Comment on formal and informal language in speaking and writing, and on whether the student corrects their own errors. A next step such as rereading a draft for one common error is specific.
- Keep the comment on what the student can do in English. If your school reports a CEFR level or a test result, it belongs elsewhere on the report, not in the sentence.
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
- English, Stages 7-9
- English as a Second Language, Stages 1-3
- English as a Second Language, Stages 4-6
- Mathematics, Stages 7-9
- Science, Stages 7-9
- Global Perspectives, Stages 7-9
- Computing, Stages 7-9
- Art & Design, Stages 7-9
- Music, Stages 7-9
- Physical Education, Stages 7-9
- Opening and closing sentences
- All Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary skills and grade bands
- For the same report: EAL / ESL Report Comments, Ages 5-18, ATL Skills Report Card Comments, Grades K-5 and ATL Skills and Learner Profile Report Comments, Ages 11-16
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How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Cambridge International Education. "Cambridge" is used only to describe the curricula these comments are written for.