Learning outcomes

This course unit aims to ensure mastery of at least the B1+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the five required skills. By the end of this course unit, students should be able to master the following aspects:

  • Reading comprehension (B1+): Students will be able to understand long texts related to their field, infer the meaning of unknown words from context, search for information in long texts, and grasp the flow and conclusions of an argument without necessarily understanding every detail.
  • Listening comprehension (B1+): Students will be able to follow the main points of a long discussion in the target language, understand simple technical information, and comprehend information contained in most recorded or broadcasted materials if they are familiar with the topic and the language is clearly articulated.
  • Speaking without interaction (B1+): Students will be able to recount an event by providing necessary details for understanding, describe their feelings and reactions, explain a problem and suggest solutions, develop a sufficiently clear argument, check through questions if they have been understood, or present and explain a concept, original idea, or anecdote to the class.
  • Speaking in interaction (B1+): Students will be able to engage in a conversation on a familiar topic, express personal opinions, communicate with a certain degree of confidence on familiar subjects related to their interests and field of study, and express their thoughts on an abstract or cultural subject.
  • Writing (B1+): Students will be able to write simple texts on a variety of subjects related to their field, report experiences by describing their feelings and reactions in a simple text, tell a story, write very brief reports that convey common factual information, take notes during a simple presentation, write a short argumentative text on a familiar topic, and communicate information in the context of a professional email.

Goals

The priority is to ensure that by the end of the first year, each student has achieved a confirmed B1+ level in all skills.

The final objectives that all students must achieve by the end of the year are as follows:

  • Reception: The student will be able to search for information in written and audiovisual sources and identify (and understand) relevant information (the essential vs. the unnecessary, a piece of data, an interpretation/elaboration of data, or an argument) in order to form an opinion or answer questions.
  • Oral production: The student will be able to understand their interlocutor, clearly express and justify their point of view, as well as react to and position themselves in relation to their interlocutor's viewpoints on one or more familiar topics, using clear, articulate, and fluent speech, along with correct pronunciation. The student will also be able to clearly present and explain a concept, original idea, anecdote, etc., using clear, articulate, and fluent speech, and correct pronunciation.
  • Written production: Based on prior preparation, the student will be able to organize information and express their point of view in a multi-paragraph text on a familiar subject, using clear and well-structured writing that reflects their thinking. The student will also be able to write a clear and structured professional email, following the conventions presented during the course and using appropriate formal expressions for this type of communication.

Content

At the beginning of the program, students will take a diagnostic test via the WebCampus platform. This test will assess certain skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar) to evaluate the student's CEFR level. The results will help the teaching team organize coherent work groups and direct some students to the beginner English course or an advanced group.

  • The beginner English course is an optional A1-A2 level class designed to provide extra support to students who need it. Details about the organization of this course will be shared on the WebCampus page 'ENSTARTER.'
  • The two advanced English groups are for students who have already achieved a good level of English and wish to continue advancing their skills.
  • The main English course is for all students (including those taking beginner classes). The goal is for students to reach the B1+ level in all skills. Details about groups, schedules, teachers, and materials will be provided on the WebCampus page for the course.

Whether a student is placed in an advanced group or takes the beginner English course in addition to the main course, the exam will be the same for all students.

Exercices

Preparation exercises must be completed prior to each class.

In addition to the preparations required before attending class, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation points will need to be studied independently.

Further exercises and additional resources will also be made available on the WebCampus platform, including grammar exercises, pronunciation drills, and learning tools for vocabulary study.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods are based on four principles:

  1. Interactive Constructivism: Encourages learners' autonomy and initiative, as well as an active approach through task completion and dialogue.
  2. Adherence to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): Defines precise performance descriptors for language activities and divides communication competence into three components: linguistic, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic.
  3. Differentiation of Learning Paths: To accommodate class heterogeneity and individual needs, competency groups will be created following a diagnostic test at the beginning of the year.
  4. Balance Between Distance Learning and In-Person Activities: The English course will alternate between in-person class hours and distance work. Online activities will be defined based on their relevance, while in-person hours will be dedicated to activities where the teacher's presence is essential.

Assessment method

1) Continuous Assessment (30%)

  • December test: grammar/vocabulary + writing a formal email (20%)
  • Group mini-presentation in the second semester (10%)

Students who score below 10/20 on the December test will not be allowed to retake this part in June, as the overall grade can still be improved in the second semester.

2) Written Exam in the June Session (40%)

  • Listening and/or reading comprehension exercises based on both familiar and unfamiliar material related to the themes covered in the first semester
  • Questions on vocabulary and grammar covered in class and studied independently throughout the year
  • Writing an opinion essay
  • Revising a professional email

3) Oral Exam in the June Session (30%)

  • Pronunciation of a list of words from the course notes, and the vocabulary book (EVU) + reading a passage from a video seen in class or independently
  • Interaction in pairs, based on questions related to themes discussed throughout the year

August/September Session

If the student’s overall average does not reach 10/20 in June, they will be required to retake the failed parts during the August/September session. This could include the written exam, oral exam, or the Q1 test. The new score will automatically replace the previous one, whether it is better or worse.

The principle of an automatic fail (9/20) will be applied in two specific cases:

  • If the student achieves an overall average of 10/20 or higher but fails significantly (a score below 8/20) in either the written or oral exam.
  • If the student achieves an overall average of 10/20 or higher but fails (a score below 10/20) in both the written and oral exams.

Regarding the mini-presentation, the grade received cannot be improved and will be carried over as is to the second session.

For the August/September session, if any evaluation scoring below 10/20 in June (except the mini-presentation) is not retaken in August/September, the grade for that evaluation will not be retained, and a 0 will be assigned for that part.

Note: Successful completion of this course does not lead to CEFR certification.

Sources, references and any support material

WebCampus Page: ECDLB190 - English 1 (B1+ Level)

Course Notes: ECDLB190 - English I

Vocabulary Book: Stuart Redman, English Vocabulary in Use – Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press (2017) (mandatory)

Grammar Book: Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press (2012) (recommended)

Language of instruction

French