Levels of Language Proficiency
There are six levels. Choose from the following to learn more about the levels.
Level I
This course is designed for individuals who wish to learn to speak the language of choice, but who have never or rarely been exposed to the language, or for those who once studied the language, but have forgotten the basics. The focus is on learning to communicate in everyday situations. The instructor provides guidance on grammar, idioms and vocabulary and you participate in role-playing and simulated events where you ask and respond to questions and express your viewpoint. New grammar and vocabulary are presented and practiced in a variety of activities geared to motivate you to speak in class and to communicate as much as possible.
Skill Set
You are not yet able in spoken language to give, in full, complete sentences, your name, address, and phone number.
Learner Outcomes
You will be able to understand and use an expanded range of grammar, syntax, vocabulary in speaking the language in everyday situations.
Level II
This course is for those who have completed an introductory-level course that includes basic grammar and conversation or have equivalent knowledge in the selected language. The focus on speaking for relating past, present and future events continues as your grammar base is broadened and your vocabulary is expanded.
You continue to improve your basic communication skills, including grammar, sentence structures and expressions of politeness by exploring and using the language of choice in real-life situations through active class participation.
Skill Set
You are not yet ready in spoken language to communicate simple directions such as how to go from your home to your workplace.
Learner Outcomes
You will be able to understand and use an extended range of grammar, syntax, vocabulary in speaking the language in everyday situations.
Level III
This course is for those who have had a solid, systematic introduction to the language of choice and who wish to develop more spoken fluency in everyday communications such as suggesting, recommending, giving your opinion and convincingly defending your point of view. More advanced grammar structures in the past, present and future are taught to enable you to handle more complex everyday situations.
Skill Set
You are comfortable, in spoken language, giving directions such as how to go from your home to your workplace.
Learner Outcomes
You will have the ability to express original thought using spoken language and an expanded vocabulary while adhering to social and cultural etiquette in communications.
Level IV
This course gives students practice in engaging in conversation in a variety of common everyday situations.
Skill Set
You are able to relate to events in the past, present and future.
Learner Outcomes
You will achieve real functionality in communications.
Level V
In this course, you learn additional grammatical structures and expand your sophisticated level of articulation of personal observations, reactions and opinions in spoken communications. Particular attention is given to the idiomatic use of the language and the cultural context in which it is used. In straightforward situations you are able to persuade, negotiate and elaborate on specific reasons for your views on all fronts.
Skill Set
You are comfortable expressing your opinion in spoken language. For instance, you are able to explain what you think is the biggest social ill in your community and suggest how to solve it.
Learner Outcomes
You will have reinforced proficiency and expanded sophistication of language use for both work and private communications based on a thorough command of grammar, syntax and vocabulary.
Level VI
In this course, you are given the opportunity to refine and perfect your mastery of everyday spoken communications through extensive practice. Attention is given to expanding and developing major communications such that you are able to express professional or complex ideas comprehensively and with little hesitation. In spoken communication activities, you present complex ideas that can be followed easily and that are supported with substantiation or details that can be easily grasped.
Skill Set
You are comfortable expressing your thoughts, for example, as to why the arts and culture are important.
Learner Outcomes
You will have the ability to use the language to express complex, original thought with a sophisticated command of vocabulary, grammar and syntax. You will have the ability to engage with nuanced, subtle expression in both work-related and personal communications.
