Proficiency I

This course provides practice in vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading, writing. It also includes familiarization with the ECPE format and preparation for the examination.

• The reading component typically consists of longer, adapted and authentic, texts as included in the selected textbooks used or in the additional teaching material designed by the Academic Team specifically for the needs of the course. Some of the topics covered include the environment, technology, science, society and civilization, art, culture, etc.
• The listening component typically consists of listening to a variety of TV/radio interviews, commentaries, conversations, lectures, and technical or scientific analyses, etc. Students will also practice exam-type listening activities for the ECPE.
• The writing component consists of writing descriptive and opinion essays, articles, proposals, etc.
• The speaking component typically consists of intonation and pronunciation practice, discussing topics, describing events, role-playing, dialogues, giving both sides of an argument, reaching a consensus, etc., and practice in the types of speaking activities found in the ECPE.
• The grammar component consists of the complete verb system and its subcases, inversion, the use of gerunds/infinitives and the subcases-exceptions to their use, direct and indirect speech, passive voice, causative form, conditionals and wishes, etc.
•  The vocabulary component consists of phrases, synonyms-antonyms, word building, expressions, idioms, proverbs, collocations, dependent prepositions, subtle conceptual nuances and variations, euphemism and sophisticated vocabulary associated with the topics under discussion, etc. Particular emphasis will be given to the vocabulary contained in the practice tests for the ECPE.