Descriptor Statements for Iowa’s Basic Skills Certification in Listening by CASAS Level

CASAS
Basic Skill Level & Standard Score Range

CASAS Listening Skill Level Descriptor Statements
A

>200(standard score range)

Individuals at this level can understand simplified conversation on everyday subjects containing frequently used words in context and very simple phrases, spoken slowly and repeated. They can respond to simple greetings and common social language, simple questions, instructions, warnings and requests (e.g., Be careful!) related to immediate needs, and questions about basic personal information. They frequently require assistance (rephrasing, explanation, demonstration) to understand even basic communication. They can understand on a limited basis language features such as negatives and question words that give clues to meaning.
B

201-220
(standard score range)

Individuals at this level can participate in limited conversations on familiar and some unfamiliar subjects spoken slowly and with some repetition, and can interpret some informal speech using colloquial language. They can understand learned phrases easily and short new phrases containing familiar vocabulary. They have limited ability to understand on the telephone. They can recognize the main idea and understand some supporting details expressed in everyday spoken language and brief informational messages on familiar topics. They can follow oral directions in familiar contexts, including simple multi-step directions.
C

221-235
(standard score range)

Individuals at this level generally can comprehend communication in most routine survival and social contexts. They can participate in conversations on a variety of everyday subjects, including some involving unfamiliar vocabulary, but may need repetition or rewording. They have some ability to understand telephone conversations on familiar topics. They can follow detailed spoken directions on familiar topics. They can understand the main idea and some details of informational communication on non-technical topics, simple discussions, and descriptive narrative in familiar contexts. They can recognize tone and degree of formality in speech in many situations.
D

236-245
(standard score range)