5 - Initial Competence at Reading Texts of Medium Complexity

General description:

Learner understands purpose and general idea of texts in prose and non-prose.
Able to read some authentic 2-3 paragraph texts within a mostly familiar, mostly predictable context of daily life and experience. Language is mostly concrete, factual and literal but vocabulary items on abstract ideas become more frequent.
Often requires re-reading and clarification, although there are no unfamiliar cultural references.
Tolerates ambiguity, e.g. some unknown words, phrases, idioms; occasionally successfully reconstructs the "missing element" without a dictionary from the context but most unfamiliar words are usually impossible to guess - the learner still uses a bilingual dictionary regularly.
Reads in English mostly for information, to learn more language and to develop reading skills but may begin to read simplified articles and stories for pleasure.
Can find specific, detailed information in text, in charts and schedules (e.g. transit timetables) by scanning.
Can read silently for meaning, without visible or audible vocalization efforts; reads slowly.