LEARNING OUTCOMES

Consolidate the level of knowledge of the English language corresponding to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Please see the CEFR level description below.

B2 Vantage or Upper-Intermediate

• Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Can 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.

For further information on the various levels from A1 and A2 to B1, as well as higher ones, such as B2, C1 and C2, please check the British Council website either in Italian or in English.

PREREQUISITES

All students who attended the school system in Italy learnt English as a compulsory subject for 13 years, i.e. 5 years at primary school, 3 years at middle school and at high-school for 5 more years. Therefore, all students graduating from Italian secondary schools are expected to reach the B2 level before enrolling at university. 

TEACHING METHODS

The online English B1 course is a self-directed learning course and is available at the following link https://clire.aulaweb.unige.it/. 

The online English B2 course offers self-learning material, aimed at catching up with English B2 grammar and syntax structures and training to sit the PC-based English B2 test. It's a trainer course meant to offer you enough revision to be able to sit the English B2 test.

As a self-learning activity, the online English B2 course is meant to be carried out with maximum freedom to fit in with each student's own needs, learning pace, timetable, and other classes.

However, it is strongly recommended that the online English B2 course is attended consistently, that is, devoting at least 20/30 minutes to it each day when students start working on it. Consistency will allow students to progress more efficiently in their revision and get ready to sit the English B2 test.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The online English B2 course is available at https://clire.aulaweb.unige.it/ and it is made of three modules and two "Exam practice". The first three modules are exercises, activities and grammar focuses aimed at revising B2 level skills and abilities that learners should have already learnt at school. The two Exam practice are mock tests that allow students to familiarise with the exam activities and structures. 

The online English B2 course offers self-learning material, aimed at catching up with English B2 grammar and syntax structures and training to sit the PC-based English B2 test. It's a trainer course meant to offer you enough revision to be able to sit the English B2 test.

The English B2 test structure is as follows:

• 1 cloze test - 15 gaps - one text with fifteen multiple-choice gaps, each one with 4 options; 10 marks in total;
• 4 grammar-based cloze sentences - 1 multiple-choice gap with 4 options to choose from; 1 mark per sentence = 4 marks in total;
• 4 vocabulary-based cloze sentences - 1 multiple-choice gap with  4  options to choose from; 1 mark per sentence = 4 marks in total;
• 3 sentence transformation tasks - 3 sentences to transform using a given word; 2.00 marks per sentence = 6.00 marks in total;
• 3 word formation tasks - 3 sentences with one gap each to fill in by adapting a given word to form a new one; 1.00 marks per sentence = 3.00 marks in total;
• 1 reading comprehension activity - one multiple choice question with 4 options; 1 mark per question = 1.00 mark in total;
• 2 listening tasks - 2 recordings each followed by one question with three options to choose from; 2.00 marks in total. 

Test duration: 25 minutes.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The online English B2  course is a self-directed learning course and is available at the following link  https://clire.aulaweb.unige.it/. 

Please find below, some further suggestions and useful free online resources.

• It is strongly recommended that students work on expanding their vocabulary and grammar in context, that is, they learn words and grammar structures inside a text. Here is a piece of advice: read as much as you can, for example paper and/or online newspapers, magazines, books. Also, listen to what you read as you read it (enable English subtitles whenever available), this will also offer you practice with the listening skills. Be consistent and devote some time to any activity in English on an daily basis.
   
• As grammar reference, use 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy (get the Upper-Intermediate version). 
   
• English B2 vocabulary and grammar can also be practised on Learning English choose the "Upper-Intermediate English" level. 
   
• English B2 vocabulary and grammar can also be practised on BBC - Learning English choose the "Upper-Intermediate English" level
   
• When looking for a dictionary try and use an English to English one. There is a very good online resource called  OneLook  that offers many different types of dictionaries. The one I suggest you use is the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, which always comes with phonemic script and audio.