Al-Iklhlas Language Centre

INTRODUCTION TO THE CAMBRIDGE MAIN SUITE

Al-ikhlas Cambridge
has developed courses to prepare for the University of Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Main Suite of examinations: a series of tests with similar characteristics spanning five levels of proficiency.

INTRODUCTION TO THE
CAMBRIDGE MAIN SUITE

MASTER ENGLISH the
CAMBRIDGE WAY

BUSINESS ENGLISH FOR ADULTS

ENGLISH FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

EXAM INFO

early CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTRE

Learning a language is a skill, like learning to use a computer or learning to drive a car. The key is to practice the four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – as much as possible. Practice in speaking is particularly important because it helps to increase confidence.

It is also a good idea to learn in a structured way: to begin at a basic level, to master English at that level and then progress to a higher level. Learners can only be successful in important language tests or confident in using English at work by building a solid foundation in the language.

Before each CEFL course, learners take a placement test to determine at which level they should start. At the end of the course, they can opt to sit for the appropriate level test/ examination from Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

Learning the right kind of English at the right level is vital. Having a certificate that is internationally recognised is also an important consideration.

Your Pathway to IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Each step on the path to the IELTS Test comprises a 100 hour course of study. Research has shown that a learner at beginners level will require 500 hours study to reach the level required to achieve success in IELTS. IELTS is an examination specially designed to assess a candidate’s competency in the English language for university studies. Universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and an increasing number of universities in the United States and Canada are also accepting IELTS to meet their English language entrance requirement.

	Step 5 : I E L T S The IELTS preparation course gives learners practice in the kinds of task common in IELTS. It also aims to develop the skills as well as the vocabulary needed for the completion of the task. Lessons are test based and learners receive instruction on how to approach typical task and practice in completing them.
	Step 4 : FCE As well as being at Cambridge Level Three, FCE also falls within the category of Independent User, which corresponds to what is often referred to as an intermediate stage of proficiency. Learners at this level cam deal confidently with a broad range of written and spoken English. At the end of this course, users can expect to be able to: • handle the main structures of the language with some confidence • demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of vocabulary • use appropriate communication strategies in a variety of situations • distinguish between main and subsidiary points and between the gist of a text and specific detail • produce written texts of various types, showing the ability to develop an argument as well as describe or recount events
	Step 3 : Pet PET falls at Level Two of the Cambridge ESOL Main Suite of examinations and is used as a measure of language ability for official or instructional purposes. Language learners at this level are also described as Threshold Level Users. At this level a learner should be able to cope linguistically in a range of everyday situations, which require a largely predictable use of language. Threshold Level user will be able to use English functionally in their own or a foreign country. Following this programme, learners will be able to: • read and understand informative texts, notices and relevant instructional manuals • understand main points of commentaries and ask questions in order to get more information • state requirements and ask fact finding questions within their area of familiarity • write messages within a standard format
	Step 2: KET KET offers a basic qualification in English and is at the first level of the Cambridge ESOL Main Suite of examinations. For those who want to use English for work and sturdy. PET is an important step towards attaining higher qualifications. At the end of the course, learners will be able to: • read simple texts and gain information from informative texts • understand basic facts and information given in announcements and/or public address system • handle basic enquiries related to their area of familiarity • provide straightforward facts when asked directly • take simple messages • express own likes and dislikes in simple terms • understand gist of printed information to the extent of being able to identify relevant information • write elementary messages
	Step 1 : GEP This multi-skills language course gives students integrated practice in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each lesson follows a specific topic. The grammatical structures, vocabulary and language functions are presented, practised and applied in context. In each lesson, students are led through a complete presentation in which the grammar points are consistently recycled and reinforced. The exercises following the lesson proceed from fully guided tasks to open-ended assignments. The reading selections, which are carefully graded, provide practice in skills such as skimming, scanning and making inferences. Writing sections include prewriting activities and specific writing tasks; followed by editing practice, peer feedback and journal writing topics. Lessons begin with highly controlled types of exercises and activities and build to freer, more communicative writings. The listening and speaking lessons consist of lively natural language presented within a variety of contexts.