General English – Advanced (C1, C2) Course Content

Module 1: Mastering Vocabulary & Idiomatic Language

  • Lesson 1: Advanced Vocabulary for Everyday Life
    • Expanding vocabulary for nuanced meanings (e.g. subtle, intricate, dynamic)
    • Using precise adjectives and adverbs (e.g. immensely, radically, significantly)
    • Collocations (make an impression, take a stance, carry out a plan)
    • Expressing emotions and opinions in sophisticated ways (e.g. I feel elated, My opinion is grounded in facts)
  • Lesson 2: Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Colloquial Expressions
    • Advanced idioms and expressions (e.g. “a blessing in disguise,” “the ball is in your court”)
    • Mastering phrasal verbs (e.g. bring up, come across, get through)
    • Using colloquial language in both formal and informal settings
    • Exercises and dialogues to reinforce usage in context

Module 2: Advanced Grammar and Sentence Structure

  • Lesson 3: Complex Sentence Structures
    • Using relative clauses, noun clauses, and adjective clauses (e.g. The book that you gave me is fascinating)
    • Inversion for emphasis (e.g. Never have I seen such a beautiful view)
    • Conditional sentences (Type 3: past unreal, mixed conditionals)
    • Subjunctive mood (e.g. It’s crucial that she be on time)
  • Lesson 4: Advanced Tenses and Time Expressions
    • Perfect continuous tenses for past, present, and future actions (e.g. I have been working here for five years)
    • Advanced time expressions (e.g. by the time, hardly ever, no sooner than)
    • Mixed tenses in complex sentences (e.g. If I had known, I would have acted differently)
  • Lesson 5: Modal Verbs in Advanced Contexts
    • Modals for speculation, deduction, and certainty (e.g. must have, might have, couldn’t have)
    • Modals for politeness and formality (e.g. I would appreciate it if you could…)
    • Using modals in the past and hypothetical situations (e.g. You should have told me earlier)

Module 3: Advanced Communication Skills

  • Lesson 6: Expressing Opinions and Debating
    • Structuring arguments and opinions (e.g. I firmly believe that…, It could be argued that…)
    • Advanced phrases for agreeing and disagreeing (e.g. I concur with…, I beg to differ)
    • Debating techniques (e.g. presenting counterarguments, concession phrases)
    • Discussing complex topics (e.g. climate change, global politics, technology)
  • Lesson 7: Persuasion and Negotiation
    • Persuasive language techniques (e.g. using rhetorical questions, repetition for emphasis)
    • Negotiation phrases (e.g. I’m afraid that’s not possible, Let’s find a compromise)
    • Handling objections and maintaining polite but firm language
    • Role-playing negotiation scenarios
  • Lesson 8: Politeness and Formality in Communication
    • Advanced forms of politeness (e.g. indirect language, hedging, euphemisms)
    • Formal and informal register in different contexts (business meetings, casual conversations)
    • Writing formal letters, complaints, and proposals
    • Mastering social niceties and conventions

Module 4: Advanced Writing Skills

  • Lesson 9: Writing Essays and Articles
    • Structure of formal essays (introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion)
    • Coherence and cohesion in writing (linking words, paragraphs, and logical flow)
    • Developing complex ideas and arguments (e.g. presenting evidence, examples, and case studies)
    • Academic writing style vs. creative writing style
  • Lesson 10: Writing Reports and Proposals
    • Writing business reports (e.g. executive summary, analysis, recommendations)
    • Proposals for projects and initiatives (e.g. suggesting improvements, outlining plans)
    • Writing clear, concise, and well-structured documents
    • Using formal tone and technical vocabulary
  • Lesson 11: Creative Writing and Storytelling
    • Developing narrative skills (character development, setting, plot structure)
    • Using dialogue and advanced descriptive techniques
    • Writing short stories and creative pieces with depth and intrigue
    • Exercises on showing vs. telling in writing (e.g. Instead of “he was angry,” describing his actions and thoughts)

Module 5: Listening and Reading Comprehension

  • Lesson 12: Listening to Complex Audio Materials
    • Listening to podcasts, debates, and interviews on advanced topics (e.g. philosophy, global issues, arts)
    • Understanding various accents and speech patterns (British, American, Australian)
    • Advanced listening skills (inferring meaning from context, recognizing tone, sarcasm, etc.)
    • Note-taking and summarising main points
  • Lesson 13: Reading Comprehension and Analysis
    • Reading long texts, academic papers, and opinion articles
    • Understanding implied meaning and nuance in texts
    • Critical thinking and evaluating arguments (What is the author’s purpose? What assumptions are being made?)
    • Skimming and scanning for specific details vs. overall understanding

Module 6: Advanced Speaking Practice

  • Lesson 14: Public Speaking and Presentations
    • Preparing and delivering professional presentations (structure, engagement, clarity)
    • Using persuasive language and rhetorical devices (e.g. anaphora, alliteration)
    • Handling Q&A sessions and defending points of view
    • Overcoming public speaking anxiety and boosting confidence
  • Lesson 15: Conversational Fluency and Spontaneous Speaking
    • Engaging in discussions on abstract and controversial topics
    • Expressing complex ideas clearly and concisely
    • Handling misunderstandings and correcting mistakes naturally
    • Practising impromptu speaking (e.g. discussing a news article, making a recommendation)

Module 7: Cultural Awareness and Global Issues

  • Lesson 16: Understanding Cultural Contexts
    • Cultural differences in communication (e.g. direct vs. indirect communication)
    • Discussing global issues (e.g. sustainability, human rights, digital revolution)
    • Advanced vocabulary related to cultural studies, history, and sociology
    • Discussing cultural practices, customs, and challenges around the world
  • Lesson 17: Ethics and Controversial Topics
    • Vocabulary for discussing ethics and moral dilemmas
    • Talking about controversial issues (e.g. freedom of speech, genetic modification)
    • Expressing agreement and disagreement with evidence (e.g. My viewpoint is based on scientific research)
    • Debating topics from a range of perspectives

Module 8: Review and Final Assessment

  • Lesson 18: Revision and Consolidation
    • Review of all grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills
    • Practice in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) through interactive activities
    • Focus on areas where students may need more practice or clarity
    • Feedback on progress and areas for improvement
  • Lesson 19: Final Project and Assessment
    • Final assessment (oral and written exams, presentations, written essays)
    • Reflecting on language development and personal growth
    • Setting goals for further language learning and use in real-world contexts