ENGLISH LANGUAGE
The CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an internationally recognized standard for describing language ability. It provides a clear, consistent method of assessing and teaching English proficiency, divided into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Each level outlines specific learning objectives in four key areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.
At the Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies (KIFLAPS), our CEFRL-aligned English courses are designed to help students achieve their language goals through a structured curriculum. Our courses use high-quality materials and experienced instructors to ensure the best learning experience.
The duration for each level is tailored to fit various study plans:
- Regular: 6 months
- Intensive: 3 months
- Super-Intensive: 2 months
- Accelerated: 1 month
The course materials include comprehensive coursebooks, audio CDs, flashcards, and online exercises, all designed to enhance the learning process in the four key areas of language acquisition. Through this structured approach, students will develop a solid foundation in English, allowing them to communicate effectively and confidently in various contexts.
KIFLAPS is committed to providing an immersive and supportive learning environment that meets international standards, ensuring our students are well-prepared for their personal, academic, and professional endeavors.
English Language Course Outline: A1 Level (Beginner)
Duration:
- Regular Study Plan: 6 months
- Intensive Study Plan: 3 months
- Accelerated Study Plan: 1.5 months
Course Description:
The A1 level of the CEFRL framework is designed for absolute beginners in the English language. This level focuses on the basics of English, providing a strong foundation for further study. The course aims to help students develop basic communication skills for everyday situations.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at satisfying concrete needs.
- Introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have.
- Interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Course Content:
Speaking:
- Basic greetings and introductions
- Simple conversations about personal information
- Asking and answering questions about daily activities
- Expressing likes and dislikes
Listening:
- Understanding basic instructions and commands
- Comprehending simple questions and answers in conversation
- Recognizing familiar words and basic phrases concerning themselves, their family, and immediate concrete surroundings
Reading:
- Recognizing common signs and notices in public places
- Reading short, simple texts such as personal letters, postcards, and advertisements
- Understanding basic instructions and simple, brief messages
Writing:
- Writing short, simple messages and notes
- Filling in forms with personal details
- Composing simple sentences about themselves and their surroundings
Course Materials:
- Coursebook: “English for Beginners” (A1 Level)
- Supplementary Materials: Audio CDs, flashcards, and online exercises
Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Regular quizzes and oral tests
- Final Examination: A written and oral exam to evaluate overall proficiency
Teaching Methods:
- Interactive classroom activities
- Role-playing and simulation exercises
- Audio-visual aids
- Group discussions and pair work
English Language Course Outline: A2 Level (Elementary)
Duration:
- Regular Study Plan: 6 months
- Intensive Study Plan: 3 months
- Accelerated Study Plan: 1.5 months
Course Description:
The A2 level of the CEFRL framework is designed for elementary-level students of English. This level builds upon the foundation laid in the A1 level, focusing on expanding vocabulary and improving communication skills in everyday situations.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
- Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- Describe, in simple terms, aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
Course Content:
Speaking:
- Describing daily routines and past events
- Expressing preferences and making simple requests
- Discussing familiar topics such as hobbies and interests
- Giving simple directions and instructions
Listening:
- Understanding the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar matters
- Following simple instructions and directions
- Comprehending the main idea in short, simple messages and announcements
Reading:
- Understanding short, simple texts on familiar topics
- Reading for specific information in everyday materials such as menus, timetables, and signs
- Understanding simple personal letters and emails
Writing:
- Writing short, simple notes and messages
- Completing forms with personal details
- Writing short, simple descriptions of events, experiences, and likes/dislikes
Course Materials:
- Coursebook: “English for Everyday Life” (A2 Level)
- Supplementary Materials: Audio recordings, worksheets, and online resources
Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Regular quizzes and written assignments
- Final Examination: A comprehensive test covering all skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Teaching Methods:
- Pair and group activities to promote speaking practice
- Vocabulary-building exercises
- Role-playing for real-life scenarios
- Listening to authentic materials such as songs, interviews, and short films
English Language Course Outline: B1 Level (Intermediate)
Duration:
- Regular Study Plan: 6 months
- Intensive Study Plan: 3 months
- Accelerated Study Plan: 1.5 months
Course Description:
The B1 level of the CEFRL framework is designed for intermediate-level students of English. This level focuses on enhancing communication skills in both personal and professional contexts, expanding vocabulary, and improving grammatical accuracy.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where English is spoken.
- Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Course Content:
Speaking:
- Expressing opinions and giving reasons
- Participating in discussions on familiar topics
- Narrating personal experiences and events
- Making suggestions and giving advice
Listening:
- Understanding the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics
- Following extended speech and lectures, including some technical information
- Understanding TV programs, movies, and news reports
Reading:
- Understanding the main points of articles and reports on familiar topics
- Reading contemporary literary prose
- Understanding the main ideas of specialized texts in an area of expertise
Writing:
- Writing clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
- Expressing viewpoints in a letter, email, or essay
- Writing summaries and reviews of books, films, etc.
Course Materials:
- Coursebook: “English for Everyday Communication” (B1 Level)
- Supplementary Materials: Audio recordings, reading passages, and online resources
Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Regular quizzes, presentations, and written assignments
- Final Examination: Comprehensive test covering all skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Teaching Methods:
- Discussions and debates on various topics
- Role-plays simulating real-life situations
- Listening to authentic materials such as interviews, podcasts, and TED talks
- Writing exercises focusing on different text types (narrative, descriptive, argumentative)
English Language Course Outline: B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)
Duration:
- Regular Study Plan: 6 months
- Intensive Study Plan: 3 months
- Accelerated Study Plan: 1.5 months
Course Description:
The B2 level of the CEFRL framework is designed for upper-intermediate students of English. This level focuses on developing more advanced language skills for professional and academic contexts, including complex grammar structures and nuanced vocabulary.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.
- Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
- Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Course Content:
Speaking:
- Discussing a wide range of topics, including abstract ideas
- Giving presentations and participating in debates
- Expressing opinions and supporting arguments
Listening:
- Understanding extended speech even when it is not clearly structured
- Understanding TV programs, movies, and lectures
- Extracting specific information from different types of audio recordings
Reading:
- Understanding articles and reports likely to be encountered in academic and professional settings
- Reading contemporary literary prose
- Understanding specialized articles and longer technical instructions
Writing:
- Writing clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
- Expressing viewpoints in a letter, email, or essay
- Summarizing and evaluating complex texts
Course Materials:
- Coursebook: “Advanced English Grammar and Vocabulary” (B2 Level)
- Supplementary Materials: Audio recordings, reading passages, and online resources
Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Regular quizzes, presentations, and written assignments
- Final Examination: Comprehensive test covering all skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Teaching Methods:
- Group discussions and debates on various topics
- Analysis of authentic materials such as TED talks and academic articles
- Writing exercises focusing on different text types (argumentative, persuasive, informative)
- Vocabulary and grammar exercises to enhance language proficiency
English Language Course Outline: C1 Level (Advanced)
Duration:
- Regular Study Plan: 6 months
- Intensive Study Plan: 3 months
- Accelerated Study Plan: 1.5 months
Course Description:
The C1 level of the CEFRL framework is designed for advanced students of English. This level focuses on developing sophisticated language skills for professional and academic contexts, including complex grammar structures and nuanced vocabulary.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts
- Express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions
- Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes
- Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices
Course Content:
Speaking:
- Engaging in discussions on abstract and complex topics
- Delivering presentations and speeches
- Participating in meetings and negotiations
Listening:
- Understanding extended speech and lectures
- Understanding implicit meaning and nuances in conversations and presentations
- Understanding a wide range of TV and radio programs and films
Reading:
- Understanding long and complex literary and non-literary texts
- Understanding specialized articles and academic texts
- Reading and summarizing professional documents and reports
Writing:
- Writing clear, well-structured, and detailed texts on complex subjects
- Expressing viewpoints in formal letters, reports, and essays
- Summarizing and analyzing complex texts
Course Materials:
- Coursebook: “Mastering Advanced English” (C1 Level)
- Supplementary Materials: Authentic materials such as academic articles, TED talks, and documentaries
Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Regular essays, presentations, and projects
- Final Examination: Comprehensive test covering all skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Teaching Methods:
- Debates and discussions on complex and controversial topics
- Analysis of advanced academic and professional texts
- Writing exercises focusing on different genres (academic papers, reports, formal letters)
- Extensive reading and listening activities to broaden vocabulary and improve comprehension
English Language Course Outline: C2 Level (Proficient)
Duration:
- Regular Study Plan: 6 months
- Intensive Study Plan: 3 months
- Accelerated Study Plan: 1.5 months
Course Description:
The C2 level of the CEFRL framework is designed for proficient users of English. This level focuses on developing near-native proficiency, with an emphasis on complex language structures, idiomatic expressions, and advanced communication strategies.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
- Summarize information from different spoken and written sources
- Express themselves spontaneously, fluently, and precisely
- Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes
Course Content:
Speaking:
- Engaging in debates, discussions, and presentations on complex topics
- Expressing opinions and defending viewpoints
- Delivering speeches and presentations with confidence and fluency
Listening:
- Understanding extended speeches and lectures even when they are not clearly structured
- Understanding implicit meaning, humor, and sarcasm
- Understanding a wide range of spoken language, including regional accents and dialects
Reading:
- Understanding long and complex literary and non-literary texts
- Understanding specialized articles and academic texts in their field
- Reading and critically analyzing professional documents and reports
Writing:
- Writing clear, well-structured, and detailed texts on complex subjects
- Expressing viewpoints in formal letters, reports, and essays
- Producing clear, smoothly flowing, and well-structured texts in an appropriate style
Course Materials:
- Coursebook: “Mastery of English” (C2 Level)
- Supplementary Materials: Authentic materials such as academic articles, literature, and advanced-level podcasts
Assessment:
- Continuous Assessment: Regular essays, presentations, and projects
- Final Examination: Comprehensive test covering all skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Teaching Methods:
- Debates and discussions on complex and abstract topics
- Analysis and critique of advanced academic and professional texts
- Writing exercises focusing on stylistic nuances and rhetorical devices
- Extensive reading and listening activities to enhance vocabulary and comprehension