Adaptable English
Why is Learning English as a Second Language Important?
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
I will periodically add new lessons and may edit or delete existing ones.
To schedule a lesson, you must first register. There is no charge or obligation for registering; it merely gives you access to the scheduling page to schedule a lesson. Registering will allow you to generate a login. You only need to log in to schedule a lesson on subsequent visits. Your registration information is protected and confidential. It will never be shared with anyone for any reason. Registrations may be deleted following prolonged inactivity.
English is the world’s most popular second language and is spoken by about 1.5 billion people worldwide. This is about 20% 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.Â
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 its de facto language. 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 curricula 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 primary school until they’re 6 to 7 years old, yet I’ve had Chinese students as young as 4. By the time they reach 15 years of age, most can speak English quite fluently.
                                               A WORD ABOUT ZHONGKAO & GAOKAO
The Zhongkao is an exam taken by students in China who are graduating from junior high school, usually at age 15. Performance on the Zhongkao exam is considered crucial as it largely shapes a student’s future trajectory, particularly in terms of access to higher education. It determines whether they gain admission to academic (college preparatory) high schools or are directed toward vocational schools or other non-academic paths. The exam is considered a pivotal event in a student’s life, as only about half of the students are admitted to regular high schools, creating intense pressure on both students and families. Because of this sorting process at such an early age, this exam is seen as being nearly as important as (and some say even more important than) the Gaokao (college entrance exam). The Gaokao is China’s college entrance exam and takes 2 to 3 days to complete. It is, in a word, grueling.
English plays a significant role in both exams. Though its weighting can vary, it’s compulsory and contributes substantially to the overall score on both exams. I am well aware of the importance of these exams in a student’s life, and I will do everything that I can to encourage the success of any of my students who are preparing for either test. This includes providing lessons and teaching specifically tailored to meet the individual student’s needs. I can provide lessons focused on specific applications of English in areas such as business, education, science, technology, history, geography, and demography. Send me an email describing your specific needs. I will provide a prompt reply, and we can work on your individualized plan together!
Lessons can be purchased from China by using either WeChat Pay or Alipay.
                                                NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS
My more advanced lessons, particularly Levels C1 & C2 in my General and Business English sections, and level B2-C1 in my Grammar courses, are suitable for native English speakers needing help with some of the finer points of proper English that many of us struggle with at times.
I also offer coaching for those desiring help with writing a resume or CV.