CCLB-specific editing notes:

• When referencing CCLB as “the Centre” always use capital “C”.
• When using CLB or NCLC in a text, do not add an “s” (CLBs/NCLCs) to indicate the plural form, the benchmarks are already plural.
• In English, when using the English as a Second Language or English as an Additional Language acronyms in a text, you should write both options together: EAL/ESL.
• In English, when using the initialism “CCLB” to refer to the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks, it should be preceded by the article “the”. Tip to help identify appropriate use of the article: If the full name of the organization would include “the”, the initialism will as well.

• • Examples of when to use the article “the”:
    • The CCLB conducted a comprehensive standard-setting study.
    • It was the CCLB that hosted the community forum last week.
    • The organization that provided the report was the CCLB.
  • Some exceptions may occur, for example:
    • It seems obvious, but without them, there would be no CCLB.
    • Happy anniversary again, CCLB!
• In English the four main skills of ESL are capitalized (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing). If, however, the words appear in reference to the action (of listening, speaking, reading or writing) or the ability in general, then they are not capitalized.

For example:

• • In general, learners at Stage 2 are listening to and comprehending moderately complex content.
  • This is similar for the other receptive skill, Reading, in which Stage 1 learners are reading and comprehending less complex content than those at Stage 2.
• In French, the four main skills of FSL are not capitalized unless they start the sentence (for a title for example).

For example:

• • La compréhension de l’oral est une habileté réceptive.
  • Expression écrite : niveau 8
• The words “benchmark(s)” and “niveau(x)” are sometimes capitalized, depending on the context. When referring to a title or an official name, the word is capitalized. When referring to the generic term meaning a point on a continuum, it is not capitalized.

For example:

• • When a learner is assigned a benchmark, for example, a Reading Benchmark, the number means that the learner’s reading ability coincides with descriptors for that benchmark.
  • Learners at Listening Benchmarks in Stage 1 of the CLB are able to listen to short simple passages and comprehend information that relates to personal needs.
  • Les Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens reposent sur des concepts et principes théoriques importants.
  • Ainsi, les utilisateurs ont accès aux douze niveaux d’une habileté donnée sous un même onglet.