Threshold 1990 is a statement of language learning objectives which sets out how a learner should be able to use English in order to operate independently in everyday communication (at a broadly intermediate level). It specifies what communication learners should be expected to achieve in a range of everyday situations, and sets out the topics, functions and notions, and their lexical and grammatical exponents. Further specifications include sociocultural competence, learning to learn, pronunciation and intonation.

Originally published by the Council of Europe, this edition has been fully corrected, redesigned and typeset to make it clearer and more accessible. Publication by CUP will bring the work to a much wider international audience than hitherto. This document is of interest and practical use to all those concerned with constructing language teaching syllabuses, course design, materials writing, language planning, and evaluation and assessment.