Adaptable English
Why is Learning English as a Second Language Important?
English is the world’s most popular second language and is spoken by about 1.35 billion people worldwide. This is about 17% of the world’s population. It’s the official language of 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities. English is also a major business language and the official language of many important institutions such as the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union.
The first major factor in the English language’s journey to become a universal language was the British Empire’s global colonial expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At its height, it was known as the “empire on which the sun never sets”. The latest, and perhaps the most pervasive factor, is the explosive expansion of the Internet. English is rapidly becoming the de facto language on the Internet. It now pervades nearly every facet of life worldwide. Thanks to the Internet, we can now claim that “the sun never sets on the English language!”
English is now mandatory in school curriculums around the world. 142 countries require English to be taught in their schools, with an additional 41 countries offering it as an elective. I’ve had hundreds of students living in other countries where English isn’t their primary language, and I’m quite sure I’ve never had a student who wasn’t required to learn English anyway, as part of their school’s core curriculum. It would be difficult to overstate how important learning English is to them and, perhaps even more so, to their parents. Chinese students don’t begin formal schooling until they’re 7 years old, yet I’ve had Chinese students as young as 5. Their parents are usually right there making sure they get their money’s worth (and rightfully so). By the time my students are in middle school, most can speak English quite fluently.
My adult English lessons are divided into 3 categories: General English, Business English, and Grammar. They are also divided into proficiency levels, using what is known as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Each lesson will closely approximate a level of English proficiency described in this framework.
General and Business English lessons comprise 2 30-minute sessions. Grammar lessons are 1 30-minute session.
Level A0: This level is perfect for absolute beginners who are taking their first steps in learning English. This level provides a gentle introduction to the language, focusing on basic vocabulary and grammar. It is ideal for students with no prior knowledge of English.
A1 (Beginner): At this level, you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer simple questions.
A2 (Elementary): At this level, you can understand and use frequently used expressions and phrases related to areas of everyday life. You can interact in simple and routine tasks, exchanging information on familiar topics. You can describe simple events and situations and express personal preferences.
B1 (Intermediate): At this level, you can understand the main points of clear, standard language on familiar topics and can interact with a degree of confidence in many situations. You can produce simple connected text on common topics. You can describe events and personal experiences, and you can express feelings.
B2 (Upper-Intermediate): At this level, you can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your fields of specialization. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, explain a viewpoint, and give the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
C1 (Advanced): At this level, you can understand a wide range of complex and demanding texts and recognize subtle differences in meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions. You can use language flexibly and effectively for both social and professional purposes. You can produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex subjects, showing precise control of language.
C2 (Proficient): You can understand virtually all spoken and written materials with ease. You can express yourself fluently and accurately, making even subtle shades of meaning explicit. You can use language effectively and confidently in complex social, professional, or academic situations.
I offer 4 levels of children’s lessons:
Level 0 is perfect for young learners just beginning their English learning journey. This level is equivalent to my adult level A0.
Level 1 is ideal for young learners who have a basic understanding of English and are ready to build on their foundation. Equivalent to my adult A0-A1 level, students will expand their vocabulary and start forming simple sentences.
Level 2 is designed for learners who have a basic understanding of English and are ready to progress to the next stage. Equivalent to my adult A1-A2 level, students will start forming more complex sentences and expand their vocabulary. Lessons in level 2 focus on everyday language, helping students communicate in familiar situations.
Level 3 is tailored for learners who are ready to advance from basic to intermediate English skills, corresponding to my adult A2 to low B1 level. At this level, students will refine their grammar, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their ability to communicate in more detailed and varied situations. Lessons focus on practical language use, with topics covering everyday life, work, and social interactions.
Anyone can register on my site. There is no cost or obligation whatsoever. Registering merely gives you access to my curriculum. If you make a purchase, you will then have access to my scheduling and payment programs. Registering for my site also gives you the ability to come back at any time and freely peruse my offerings. I will periodically add new lessons and possibly delete others. Your registration information is strictly protected and confidential. It will never be shared.