ALC’s General English Proficiency courses are designed to improve the student’s four primary linguistic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The courses focus on allowing students to achieve English comprehension and production fluency at a pace that is both comfortable yet challenging. Course content includes extensive instruction of vocabulary and grammar, as well as pronunciation and understanding of American culture.
ALC’s General English Proficiency Courses span 6 levels:
ABILITY UPON COMPLETION: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
ABILITY UPON COMPLETION: Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
ABILITY UPON COMPLETION: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
ABILITY UPON COMPLETION: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
ABILITY UPON COMPLETION: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
ABILITY UPON COMPLETION: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Levels A0-B2 consists of 33 hours of instruction and 3 course assessments over 5 weeks. C1-C2 Levels consist of 40 hours of instruction, each level builds upon the skills covered in the previous course.
All new students are required to take the English Proficiency Assessment to determine their appropriate starting level.
English Language Courses for All
At ALC we very much believe in students taking a full and active part in the lessons. There won’t be a moment when you are not directly involved. Over the last thirty years we have developed a curriculum that ensures while you are in the classroom you are:
- Using English in real-life situations where you are learning by doing,
- Utilizing grammar and vocabulary within a natural topic or theme,
- Practicing English in formal and informal discussions and activities,
- Improving your thinking time (the time it takes you to listen, understand and reply in English) making it quicker for you to respond,
- Activating and building upon your strengths in a dynamic and motivating setting,
- Getting attention and feedback on how to improve your weaker areas.
Native English Speaking Teachers (American, British, Canadian, Australian)
Our teachers are hired because they are certified, qualified and experienced professional. ALC teachers create a relaxed and informal classroom environment to deliver constant support, feedback and care. This focus on support and encouragement will build your confidence as you advance towards fluency.
Course Materials
The main course material that we use is the American Headway series and the American Interchange series for each level. The book has been put together by some of the foremost experts in the field of ESL and is published by Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press.
Course Completion
Students’ progress is continually evaluated throughout the course and a final grade is based on Quizzes, class participation, attendance and homework on projects. Students must pass one level in order to progress to the next level. At the end of the course, a certificate of completion is issued to students who pass.
GE course module
