Level of Language Proficiency. The first step on any student’s language learning path at inlingua Basel is the assesment of their current level of proficiency in the target language. Once this level has been accurately evaluated by means of a written test and a verbal consultation, a programme is designed in order to achieve the student’s personal objectives in that language.

In order to reach a certain language level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, these are the number of lessons that are required: level A1/A2 minimum 80 lessons; level B1/B2 minimum 160 lessons and level C1/C2 minimum 120 lessons. However, these numbers only provide a rough indication, as it depends on the progress of each course.

A1

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Learning content

Learning content - a1-en

You will learn how to introduce yourself, and how to provide and request personal information (origins, nationality, where you live and work, phone number, family status). You will acquire a basic vocabulary relating to home, clothing, food, weights, measures and speed, and learn how to ask and answer questions about time and opening hours.
You will learn how to describe the weather, the days of the week and the seasons, and how to name or ask about a particular date. You will be able to ask for directions and give basic instructions as well as describe the characteristic features of a place (e.g. town, island).
You will learn to express simple requirements in the form of requests or demands and to ask for information in everyday situations such as when shopping, at the doctor’s, in a restaurant, at the train station or at the airport desk. You will also learn to describe your daily routine and leisure activities, talk about events in the past and express personal requirements.

A2

Can 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). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Learning content

Learning content - a2-en

You will learn how to introduce yourself, and how to provide and request personal information (origins, nationality, where you live and work, phone number, family status). You will acquire a basic vocabulary relating to home, clothing, food, weights, measures and speeds, and learn how to ask and answer questions about time and opening hours. You will learn how to describe the weather, the days of the week and seasons, and how to name or ask about a particular date.
You will be able to ask the way and give basic directions as well as describe the characteristic features of a place (e.g. town, island).
You will learn to express simple requirements in requests or demands and to ask for information in everyday situations such as shopping, at the doctor’s, in a restaurant, at the train station or airport desk. You will also learn to describe your daily routine and leisure activities, talk about events in the past and express requirements.

B1

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Learning content

Learning content - b1-en

You will learn the correct usage of the different forms of the past tense. You will be put in the position of discussing renovation work or building a house and learn how to describe future actions.
You will learn to use polite forms, acquire the vocabulary and constructions that will enable you to make a complaint in a hotel or restaurant or deal with problems such as the loss of your credit cards or missing a train.
You will extend your vocabulary in areas such as sport, leisure, televisioin, press, literature, nutrition and food, and learn to express your preferences and wishes, and various ways of articulating a reason. Finally, you will deal with areas such as environmental and transport problems as well as the world of work, learning how to formulate proposals for solutions and report a conversation.

B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex texts 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.
Learning content

Learning content - b2-en

Building on the knowledge you have already acquired, this course aims to widen your vocabulary and ability to express yourself, offering a variety of exercises in a wide range of subject areas, including travel, food, media, computer/internet, advertising, politics and the arts. Key grammar modules are revised, consolidated and studied in greater depth.

C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Learning content

Learning content - c1-en

The four skills of reading, hearing, writing and speaking are being practised systematically and practice-orientated. Also, important grammar subjects are being revised and deepened. You can speak about different matters such as occupation, cars, media, people and cities and you expand your vocabulary and way of expression in those domains. You will be confronted with both technical and literary texts and articles. You will be hearing radio reports, telephone calls as well as surveys and conversations…
You will also be given the possibility to make interviews and phone calls during roleplay and to start discussions with the help of useful idioms. You will be training your writing skills by composing letters (formal letter, private letter, reader’s letter, application letter) as well as smaller texts on a given topic.

C2

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him /herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Learning content

Learning content - c2-en

I speak the language almost as well as my mother tongue.