Course Introduction

Effective Communication
The aims of a conversation course are basically to give students the chance to use the English they have acquired in the classroom in a less restricted atmosphere, where they can express opinions and take part in the general flow of conversation. Elspeth McGregor

The Conversational English Curriculum
Cambridge Institute conversational English courses are designed to assist students in acquiring the requisite proficiency in the spoken language, so as to enable them to use English as an effective mode of communication at all levels – Starter, Basic, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate to Advanced - in particular, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

The conversational English curriculum provides students with the essentials; such as knowledge of different word forms and functions, rules and usage of grammar, issues relating to sentence construction as well as vocabulary expansion and accuracy of application.

To facilitate the acquisition of conversational skills, all lessons are held in an interactive manner. Students learn the correct phonetics pertaining to pronunciation, tone and accent. They also learn some colloquial usage and have the opportunity to gain general knowledge of the culture behind the language. This allows them to have a broader overview, more meaningful insight and deeper appreciation of the language when used in conversation.

The conversational English language curriculum is based on New Cutting Edge, Pearson Longman, and incorporates the following basic components of the English language - grammar, vocabulary, everyday English, reading, speaking, listening, writing, pronunciation (including an emphasis on phonetics) and extensive and comprehensive conversational English situations and scenarios - all the elements that lead to effective English conversation. A typical lesson is based on 55% New cutting Edge and 45% conversational exercises set in a real life situation.

These components are taught according to the textbook used for each relevant level. At the end of a twelve-week course at each level, students are equipped with the necessary English conversation skills to communicate in a competent and confident manner in a real situation in the real world.

Learning Outcomes

• Confident and competent language users in all daily situations;
• Understand and produce conversations in terms of accuracy, fluency and cultural appropriateness;
• Proficient and competent in the target language in order to engage in the real world;
• Use good and effective conversational skills;
• Be a functional English Language user in the vocational sector; and
• Upgrade their social skills to function more autonomously and responsibly.

Course Duration

3 months (12 weeks) per level - 6 hours per day
6 months (24 weeks) for 2 levels - 6 hours per day

For more information, please contact:
Cambridge Institute
111 North Bridge Road #26-04 Peninsula Plaza (S)179098
Hotline: (65) 6336 4556
Email: courses@cambridge.edu.sg