» Course Outcomes and Learning Pathways at Cactus

By the end of Level 1

You should be able to understand basic instructions and very basic phrases and take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic. You should be able to introduce yourself and ask and answer questions about very simple personal details. Basic interaction should be possible at the end of the course.

By the end of Level 2

You should be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. We expect that you should be able to introduce yourself and others, as well as being able to ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live and people you know. You should be able to interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

By the end of Level 3

You should be able to understand sentences and ask questions related to personal experiences and family information, (e.g. basic conversational areas such as shopping, ordering in a restaurant, directions, work, familiar and routine matters etc.). We anticipate that you should be able to describe in simple terms aspects of your background, your immediate environment and things you need.

By the end of Level 4

You should be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic conversational areas such as personal and family information, local geography, employment etc.). You should be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information in known areas. You should be able to talk about preferences and operate at a basic level to make deductions, predictions, offers and requests.

By the end of Level 5

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

By the end of Level 6

You should be able to understand the main ideas of complex text. You should be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. You should be able to 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.

By the end of Level 7

You should be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. You should be able to express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You should be able to use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You should be able to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects.

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