English Language

“A new language is a new life”

Course Description: The training provides the learner with the opportunity to acquire language skills that enable them to function independently in an authentic language environment, gain additional access to various sources of knowledge, develop the ability to think independently and analyze through reading, and communicate in the target language. The learner gains confidence for further successful study of English and other foreign languages, learns to express their thoughts in writing, and becomes capable of independently developing their language skills. The initial language proficiency level is determined by a test before the start of the course.

Teacher: Olga Teterev – English philologist (Master’s degree), Estonian School of Diplomacy, professional translator, andragogue level 6. Total teaching experience — 12 years.

Learning Objectives

• To master the English language at the level necessary for private and professional communication;
• To acquire reading skills, understand, and interpret various texts;
• The learner can communicate in English in everyday life, while traveling, etc.;
• Receiving and transmitting information;
• Communication skills (e.g., formulating a statement, request, suggestion, warning);
• Must be able to prepare a professional description (CV - resume);
• Must be able to use English clearly both orally and in writing.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes, Criteria, and Methods

The purpose of assessing the learning process in this curriculum is to provide the student with feedback on their learning success and information on achieving the specific learning outcomes defined in the modules; to support learning motivation and positive self-esteem, and to correct learning tasks. The learner has the right to receive information about the assessment procedure and grades. The curriculum stipulates that the acquisition of knowledge and skills is assessed. The volume of knowledge and skills, correctness, accuracy, logical presentation, independence of application, and completion of practical work are evaluated.

The following skills are assessed during the learning process:

• Reading texts, translation, pronunciation;
• Performing dialogues and poems;
• Vocabulary acquisition;
• Language skills and grammar.

Process grades for various skills are summed up. Grades may also be based on comprehensive tests. The student proves the acquisition of knowledge and skills through written or practical work, oral presentations, and practical exercises.

At the beginning, middle, and end of the course, the teacher checks the students’ language level and provides feedback on their progress.

• Grade “5” (very good) 90 – 100% of points answered correctly
• Grade “4” (good) 70 – 89% of points answered correctly
• Grade “3” (satisfactory) 50 – 69% of points answered correctly
• Grade “2” (incomplete) 25 – 49% of points answered correctly
• Grade “1” (poor) 0 – 24% of points answered correctly.

Upon completion of the courses, the student receives a certificate of completion. To graduate, students take an internal school language exam corresponding to the level of the language studied: A1, A2, B1, B2. The student has completed the training after fully finishing this course. To receive a certificate, the exam result must be at least 60% of correctly scored points.

STUDY PROGRAMS AND OUTCOMES BY LEVELS

A1 (study program)

Reading and Listening

• The learner understands familiar words and phrases related to themselves, their family, and immediate surroundings if people speak slowly and clearly;
• Understands familiar names, words, and very simple sentences, for example on signs, posters, or in catalogs.

Speaking Skills

• Can communicate in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly;
• Can repeat what was said if necessary or rephrase a simple text;
• Can ask and answer simple questions;
• Can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where they live and people they know.

Writing

• Can write a short and simple message (e.g., a holiday greeting card);
• Can fill in forms (e.g., a hotel registration form, applications, etc.).

Bonus: All students of our courses participate for free in English speaking clubs hosted by native speakers from the USA, UK, and Canada.

A2 (study program)

Reading and Listening

• The learner understands phrases and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment);
• Understands the main point of short, clear, simple messages and announcements;
• Can read very short, simple texts;
• Can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus, and timetables, and can understand short simple personal letters.

Speaking Skills

• Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics;
• Can handle very short social exchanges, even though they can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going themselves;
• Can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms their family and other people, living conditions, educational background, and present or most recent job.

Writing

• Can take notes and write short, simple personal letters (e.g., a thank-you letter).

Bonus: All students of our courses participate for free in English speaking clubs hosted by native speakers from the USA, UK, and Canada.

B1 (study program)

Reading and Listening

• Understands the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.;
• Understands the main points of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest;
• Understands texts that consist mainly of high-frequency everyday or job-related language;
• Understands the description of events, feelings, and wishes in personal letters.

Speaking Skills

• Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken;
• Can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest, or pertinent to everyday life;
• Can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions;
• Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Writing

• Can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest;
• Can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

Bonus: All students of our courses participate for free in English speaking clubs hosted by native speakers from the USA, UK, and Canada.

B2 (study program)

Reading and Listening

• Understands extended speech and lectures and follows even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar;
• Understands most TV news and current affairs programs, and understands the majority of films in standard dialect;
• Can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints;
• Can understand contemporary literary prose.

Speaking Skills

• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party;
• Can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining their views;
• Can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest;
• Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Writing

• Can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to their interests;
• Can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view;
• Can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.

Bonus: All students of our courses participate for free in English speaking clubs hosted by native speakers from the USA, UK, and Canada.

Address: In-person training at Vabaduse väljak 2, Tallinn; online training via Zoom
Contact: + 372 54 555 888, jutukaspapagoi@gmail.com