General English Course for CEFR B2 Level
Duration: 25–32 Weeks
Weekly Hours: 15–20 (flexible)
Target Level: CEFR B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Course Objectives (Aligned with CEFR B2)
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics.
- Interact fluently and spontaneously with native speakers without significant strain.
- Produce clear, detailed texts on a range of subjects, explaining viewpoints and arguments.
Course Content
Weeks 1–10: Language Refinement (Core B2 Skills)
Grammar
- Past perfect continuous, passive voice, and relative clauses.
- Reported speech, hypothetical structures, and conditionals.
Vocabulary
- Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrasal verbs.
- Specialized vocabulary (e.g., work, education, travel, and hobbies).
Speaking
- Describing experiences and events.
- Expressing opinions, agreements, and disagreements.
- Practicing fluency through role-playing and discussions.
Listening
- Understanding the gist and details of lectures, interviews, and podcasts.
- Recognizing tone and intent in conversations.
Reading
- Skimming/scanning techniques for articles, essays, and reports.
- Interpreting opinions and arguments in written texts.
Writing
- Structuring essays and reports.
- Writing emails, reviews, and formal letters.
Weeks 11–20: Advanced Development
Grammar
- Emphasis on advanced sentence structures (e.g., inversion, cleft sentences).
- Refining accuracy in tense usage and modal verbs.
Vocabulary
- Collocations, word formation, and context-specific phrases.
- Advanced linking words (e.g., however, despite, whereas).
Speaking
- Fluency-building activities like debates and presentations.
- Practicing language for negotiations and problem-solving.
Listening
- Comprehending implied meanings in longer conversations.
- Analyzing accents and colloquial expressions.
Reading
- Critical analysis of news articles and opinion pieces.
- Understanding longer narratives and technical descriptions.
Writing
- Composing well-structured argumentative and opinion essays.
- Refining coherence and cohesion in writing.
Weeks 21–25/32: Real-World Applications and Test Prep
Grammar
- Polishing grammatical accuracy and complex structures.
Vocabulary
- Domain-specific vocabulary for students’ interests or professions.
Speaking
- Simulating real-life scenarios: interviews, presentations, and public speaking.
Listening
- Understanding fast-paced dialogues and lectures.
Reading
- Extracting detailed information from research papers and articles.
Writing
- Writing CVs, cover letters, and summaries for academic or professional purposes.
Optional Test Prep
- Focus on IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge B2 First test strategies.
Learning Activities
- Interactive Sessions: Group discussions, debates, and role-play.
- Task-Based Learning: Completing real-life tasks (e.g., booking tickets, preparing presentations).
- Project Work: Collaborative research and presentations.
- Cultural Exposure: Watching English movies and attending cultural events.
Assessments
- Weekly Tasks: Vocabulary and grammar quizzes, speaking exercises.
- Midterm Tests: Speaking, writing, and comprehension tasks.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive evaluation aligned with B2 descriptors.
Materials and Resources
- Books:
- English File Upper-Intermediate (Oxford)
- Cambridge English Complete B2 First
- Online Platforms:
- Moodle, BBC Learning English, and Quizlet.
- Supplementary Resources:
- TED Talks, news articles (BBC, The Guardian), and podcasts.