Certificate in International English
Introduction
Certificate in International English caters to students who do not have English as their first language, and would like to improve their written and spoken command of the language. If you have been educated in a system where English was taught as a second or foreign language, with perhaps two or three hours of English lessons a week, this course is for you. It will also suit students who have learned English as a first language in an education system in which English was the medium of instruction, but still find difficulty in expressing themselves in speech and writing.
The Certificate in International English course is conducted at three levels - elementary, intermediate and advanced. At each level, we will work on the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. We will discuss the common grammatical structures that are used in spoken and written English, and the progression from sentence to paragraph to text in written English. You will learn how to use English in the different kinds of communicative situations you are likely to find yourself in. You will gain the skills and confidence needed to use English in every aspect of your life, at work and in social situations.
Course sessions are interesting, lively and informative. Discussion is encouraged and students are given opportunities to use English to express their opinions. They will also engage in role-plays, debates, skits and language games.
Prerequisites
Elementary You should be able to speak and understand simple English, as the course is conducted in English.
Intermediate The School's Certificate in International English at elementary level or its equivalent.
Advanced The School's Certificate in International English at intermediate level or its equivalent.
If you do not fulfil these prerequisites, you may enter the course through a placement test.Course Schedule and Fees
Details of course schedules and school fees are on our Course Schedule and School Fees page.
Elementary
The written part of the course covers basic English grammar. You will also write short essays. In the spoken part of the course, you will learn how to use English in common situations, such as greetings, asking for and giving information, and conducting telephone conversations. Language games and other learning activities are used to reinforce learning and encourage participation.
Intermediate
The written component consists of a revision of basic grammar and introduces more complex structures. At this stage, writing skills are emphasised. Exercises are set to help you understand the different aspects of written English, in addition to comprehension passages and essays. The spoken component continues its emphasis on how English is used in real life, this time in more involved communicative situations. You will learn to express your opinions and state arguments clearly, and these skills will be tested in class discussions and debates. Other learning activities are used as appropriate.
Advanced
The teaching of complex grammatical structures continues at this level. Newspaper and magazine articles are used as texts to encourage mature thinking in English. Higher-level reasoning skills are the focus of the spoken component of the course. Students will engage in class discussions, and make individual speeches on topical issues.
Assessments and Examinations
Your assessment for this course is based on attendance and participation in class, 8 major writing assignments, as well as mid-term and final examinations.
Your teacher will write a detailed course report, which will include your grades in listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as an evaluation of your progress in the class.
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate.