INTENSIVE ENGLISH
Intensive English Language - B1
A B1 level of English would be sufficient for interactions with English speakers on familiar topics. In the workplace, people at a B1 level of English are able to read simple reports on familiar topics and write simple e-mails on subjects in their field. However, a B1 level is not adequate to function fully in the workplace in English. According to the official CEFR(Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) guidelines, someone at the B1 level in English:
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Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
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Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
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Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
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Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B1 level English skills in detail
The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller chunks for teaching purposes. This more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the B1 level in English will be able to do all the things that a student in level A2 can do, and in addition he will be able to:
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discuss your personal and professional hopes and dreams for the future.
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arrange a job interview and interview for a job in your area of expertise.
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talk about your television viewing habits and favorite programs.
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describe your education and your plans for future training.
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talk about your favorite music and music trends and plan a night out to listen to live music.
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talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and give and get advice about healthy habits.
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talk about relationships and dating, including meeting people through social media.
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go to a restaurant, order food, engage in polite dinner conversation and pay for your food.
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participate in negotiations in your area of expertise, if you have help understanding some points.
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discuss workplace safety issues, report an injury and explain rules and regulations.
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discuss polite behavior and respond appropriately to impolite behavior.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can expect to reach the B1 level in English with 400 hours of cumulative instruction.
Intensive English Language - B2
A B2 level of English would allow you to function in the workplace in English, and indeed, many non-native English speakers in international workplaces have this level of English. A person working in English at a B2 level will, however, lack nuance particularly outside his own field. He may also miss some of the subtleties and implied meanings in conversation. According to the official CEFR(Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) guidelines, someone at the B2 level in English:
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Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.
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Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
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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.
B2 level English skills in detail
The official can-do statements are broken down into smaller pieces for teaching purposes. This more detailed skill breakdown can help you assess your own English level, or help a teacher assess a student’s level. For example, a student at the B2 level in English will be able to do all the things that a student in level B1 can do, and in addition he will be able to:
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participate in meetings in your area of expertise, if you have help understanding some points.
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discuss gender issues as they relate to perceptions of rudeness and cultural norms.
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talk about your personal finances and give advice to friends and colleagues about their finances.
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talk about your personal and professional lifestyle, including a description of your life at work.
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explain your education, experience, strengths and weaknesses, and discuss your career path.
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talk about mental processes and how you can use them to improve your effectiveness on the job.
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talk about what you like to read and make recommendations about good things to read.
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use appropriate language in social situations, including praising and expressing sympathy.
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discuss leadership qualities and talk about leaders whom you admire.
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deal with relatively complex awkward situations that arise in social and business contexts.
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discuss common political situations and the behavior of politicians.
Although progress will depend on the type of course and the individual student, students can expect to reach the B2 level in English with 600 hours of cumulative instruction.