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Why take a language course abroad?
The speed at which you are able to learn a level is accelerated greatly in a full immersion environment experienced both in and outside classroom on a language course abroad.
What Level am I?
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Beginner
I have no knowledge or understanding of the language, other than perhaps a few key words and expressions. I have no real idea about the grammar, and have a very limited vocabulary.
Elementary
I have some knowledge of the language, which I would like to consolidate and extend. I can introduce myself and can describe the immediate world around me. I can produce simple sentences and can formulate and respond to simple questions. I have come across different grammatical structures, but am not confident of using them. I have a limited ability to communicate and find it difficult to understand the spoken language.
I can understand and use simple structures fairly consistently, and can ask and respond to a wide range of simple questions. I have a reasonable idea of how the tense system works, and have an active vocabulary of around 700 words. I can express myself in familiar contexts, although I still make quite a lot of mistakes.
I have a good understanding of simple structures, but lack accuracy and do not feel at ease with them just yet. I need to consolidate what I know and I am also ready to learn new and more complex forms. I can express myself in most common situations and hold conversations on a range of topics.
I have a good grasp of all the essential structures and can use them with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Although I have some language gaps and make some errors, I can communicate effectively and appropriately in most situations, including on unfamiliar topics. I am ready to learn more complex forms and more advanced vocabulary.
Advanced
I have a good understanding and knowledge of a wide range of language structures and functions, although I may continue to make minor errors from time to time. I have considerable passive knowledge, but need to expand my active usage. I am ready to learn different ways of expressing ideas, work on the subtle nuances of the language, and expand the range of what I can say and write.
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The Cactus Language Learning Pathway
The Language Learning Pathway has been written by Cactus, and is based on Common European Framework specifications. The idea here is to provide you with a clear description of the language skills you will achieve by the end of each level.
Beginner A1.1
By the end of this course you will be able to understand and use:
- Functional vocabulary - familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases; introduce yourself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and routines; understand basic instructions; cardinal numbers; colours;
- Grammar - present tenses in spoken and written form, to describe your personal interests; write basic sentences, including date and time and place; recognise different parts of speech and word order;
- Pronunciation - individual and blended key sounds and have an idea of regular speech patterns;
- Cultural awareness - the social norms and customs of the target language, understand how to study the language independently (e.g. online, self-study language centres, study groups, etc); understand your learning style.
Elementary A2
By the end of this course you will be able to understand and use:
- Functional vocabulary - in familiar and routine matters; understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to familiar areas, (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment);
- Grammar -different grammatical structures (past, present and future); describe in simple terms aspects your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need; talk about ideas and plans;
- Pronunciation - appropriate intonation to express yourself accurately in social conversational interactions;
- Cultural awareness - common idiomatic expressions of the target language.
Lower Intermediate B1
By the end of this course you will be able to understand and use:
- Functional vocabulary - to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken; understand the main points on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc; conduct conversations on topics that you are unprepared for;
- Grammar - more complex grammatical structures to express aspect and modality; produce connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest; describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans;
- Pronunciation - the appropriate intonation in social and business conversational interactions;
- Cultural awareness - some colloquialisms of the target language.
Intermediate B2
By the end of this course you will be able to understand and use:
- Functional vocabulary - with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party; understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in my field of specialisation; understand the main ideas expressed on television and radio;
- Grammar - more complex grammatical structures; 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;
- Pronunciation - strategies to negotiate and clarify your meaning;
- Cultural awareness - some idioms and colloquialisms of the target language.
Examination: First Certificate in English (FCE)
Upper Intermediate C1
By the end of this course you will be able to understand and use:
- Functional vocabulary - use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices; understand nearly everything you hear, see or read on television or the radio;
- Grammar - a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; be familiar with complex tenses, aspects and modality;
- Pronunciation - expressions to communicate fluently and spontaneously without unnatural pauses and hesitation;
- Cultural awareness - most idiomatic expressions of the target language.
Examination: Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Advanced C2
By the end of this course you will be able to understand and use:
- Functional vocabulary - understand virtually everything heard or read; write texts in an appropriate style; understand literary and specialised texts;
- Grammar - information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing and summarising arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; understand study skills and strategies needed to improve your language level;
- Pronunciation - identify and understand different dialects and regional differences in the target language; identify linguistic differences between my level of the target language and a native speaker; express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations; minimal accent;
- Cultural awareness - the social, political and business etiquette of the target language.
Examination: Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
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