NEW! Hour-a-Day English Course
As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, inlingua Washington DC has moved our full-time classes online. However, we are now launching a special Hour-a-Day online English class for students who would not otherwise be able to travel during this difficult time. (Note: This course is not for students on an F-1 visa who must maintain full-time enrollment.)
Course Description:
Course Description:The Contemporary Issues class at inlingua centers around articles from mainstream media sources. Articles may relate to news, entertainment, lifestyle, economics/politics, or cultural topics and students have a lot of influence on the content. Students read the article and then engage in a guided discussion with error correction. English conversation is the focus of this course. Following the discussion, students produce a brief piece of writing in response. Both the Writing and the Speaking (during discussions) are evaluated for quality of response, structure, vocab, and grammar so that students know their English level and how to improve.
Improve your reading, speaking, writing, vocabulary, and grammar in just one hour per day. This class is both challenging and a lot of fun! Contact english@idc.edu to get started…
English Program
At our language school, inlingua® Washington DC, we use the inlingua® Method in our ESL classes, which is an active mode of training where you learn by speaking and using the language. In this context, we continually train grammar, pronunciation, develop vocabulary, and teach strong writing skills. Our Intensive English Program starts with a simple test of your current English ability. This test helps us know which of our 10 levels of English classes will be the best starting point for you.
After the placement test, you will purchase your book. For our inlingua® Premium General English courses (Levels 1-9), you will be using our own inlingua® material, which is specifically designed to go with our inlingua® Method, where you “learn by speaking.” Your trainer will guide you as you progress step by step through higher levels of English fluency. For students who are just starting to learn English, we have a Foundation course that is perfect for beginners.
The inlingua® training method
You can begin classes any week of the year! We are open for English classes 52 weeks of the year and receive new students every week. Each session lasts 8 weeks and each class day includes multiple learning units, so you can just jump in, join a class, and come away on your first day with new English skills.
Do you want to know what you will be able to do after successfully completing each level?
See our Achievement Scale below to learn more.
We have 4 different modes of English training. Click on the one that’s right for you:
General English Courses
Perfect for both Academic and Professional English (ESL) – start at your current level of English and progress day by day to higher levels of proficiency from Level 1 to Level 9. This track is best for most students and is a comprehensive English course—it is the most popular course in our English school.
Special Purpose English Courses
Our Special Purpose track is for students who have completed or tested out of inlingua® Premium Level 6 (high intermediate) and want to focus on a particular area of English. Options include: Pre-College, Academic Writing, International Business English, Legal English. This track is best for upper level students who have a need to focus on a specific topic or skill.
Test Preparation
For students who plan to take a standardized English exam, we have IELTS and TOEFL iBT group test preparation classes available. Students are required to complete or test out of inlingua® Premium Level 6 to join the class. Test Prep classes focus on all 4 skills that are tested: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Private Tutoring
For maximum flexibility, consider private tutoring. Our tutors will custom design a training program to meet your specific needs and schedule. Semi-private tutoring is also available, which can be ideal for friends or family with similar levels and training goals.
Know which option is best for you? Great!
Apply Now to take the next step…
What you will learn in each level (the inlingua Achievement Scale)
Level 1 (English 1 Step 1) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 1 will take you to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: 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.
Speaking: Can interact in a simple way but communication is totally dependent on repetition at a slower rate of speech, rephrasing, and repair. Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. Can produce simple mainly isolated phrases about people and places.
Grammar: Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learned repertoire.
Writing: Can ask for or pass on personal details in written form. Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences.
Listening: Can follow speech that is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning.
Reading: Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words, and basic phrases and rereading as required.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: 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.
Speaking: Can interact in a simple way but communication is totally dependent on repetition at a slower rate of speech, rephrasing, and repair. Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. Can produce simple mainly isolated phrases about people and places.
Grammar: Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learned repertoire.
Writing: Can ask for or pass on personal details in written form. Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences.
Listening: Can follow speech that is very slow and carefully articulated, with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning.
Reading: Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words, and basic phrases and rereading as required.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 2 (English 1 Step 2) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 2 will take you to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: 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.
Speaking: Can interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary. Can manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; can ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time. Can handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep a conversation going of his/her own accord. Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.
Grammar: Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes - for example, tends to mix up tenses and forget to mark agreement; nevertheless, it is usually clear what he/she is trying to say.
Writing: Can write short, simple formulaic notes relating to matters in areas of immediate need. Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and", “but” and “because”.
Listening: Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated. Can understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
Reading: Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high-frequency everyday or job-related language Can understand short, simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a proportion of shared international vocabulary items.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: 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.
Speaking: Can interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary. Can manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; can ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time. Can handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep a conversation going of his/her own accord. Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.
Grammar: Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes - for example, tends to mix up tenses and forget to mark agreement; nevertheless, it is usually clear what he/she is trying to say.
Writing: Can write short, simple formulaic notes relating to matters in areas of immediate need. Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and", “but” and “because”.
Listening: Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated. Can understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
Reading: Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high-frequency everyday or job-related language Can understand short, simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a proportion of shared international vocabulary items.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 3 (English 2 Step 1) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 3 will take you to level A2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: 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 while traveling 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 & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Speaking: Can exploit a wide range of simple language to deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling. Can enter unprepared into conversation of familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
Grammar: Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used "routines" and patterns associated with more predictable situations.
Writing: Can write personal letters and notes asking for or conveying simple information of immediate relevance, getting across the point he/she feels to be important.
Listening: Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives.
Reading: Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: 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 while traveling 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 & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Speaking: Can exploit a wide range of simple language to deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling. Can enter unprepared into conversation of familiar topics, express personal opinions and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
Grammar: Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used "routines" and patterns associated with more predictable situations.
Writing: Can write personal letters and notes asking for or conveying simple information of immediate relevance, getting across the point he/she feels to be important.
Listening: Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives.
Reading: Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 4 (English 2 Step 2) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 4 will take you to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: 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 while traveling 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 & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Speaking: Can communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to his/her interests and professional field. Can exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem. Can express thoughts on more abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music etc. Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.
Grammar: Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express.
Writing: Can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics, check information and ask about or explain problems with reasonable precision. Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
Listening: Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job-related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent.
Reading: Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: 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 while traveling 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 & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Speaking: Can communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to his/her interests and professional field. Can exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem. Can express thoughts on more abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music etc. Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.
Grammar: Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express.
Writing: Can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics, check information and ask about or explain problems with reasonable precision. Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
Listening: Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job-related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent.
Reading: Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 5 (English 3 Step 1) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 5 will take you to level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. 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.
Speaking: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and sustained relationships with native speakers quite possible without imposing strain on either party. Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments.
Grammar: Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding.
Writing: Can express news and views effectively in writing and relate to those of others. Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
Listening: Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can follow extended speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the direction of the talk is sign-posted by explicit markers.
Reading: Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. 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.
Speaking: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and sustained relationships with native speakers quite possible without imposing strain on either party. Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments.
Grammar: Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding.
Writing: Can express news and views effectively in writing and relate to those of others. Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
Listening: Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can follow extended speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the direction of the talk is sign-posted by explicit markers.
Reading: Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 6 (English 3 Step 2) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 6 will take you to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. 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.
Speaking: Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what he/she wants to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.
Grammar: Good grammatical control. Occasional "slips" or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect.
Writing: Can express news and views effectively in writing and relate to those of others. Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
Listening: Can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Only extreme background noise, inadequate discourse structure and/or idiomatic usage influence the ability to understand.
Reading: Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. 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.
Speaking: Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what he/she wants to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.
Grammar: Good grammatical control. Occasional "slips" or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect.
Writing: Can express news and views effectively in writing and relate to those of others. Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
Listening: Can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Only extreme background noise, inadequate discourse structure and/or idiomatic usage influence the ability to understand.
Reading: Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 7 (English 4 Step 1) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 7 will take you to level B2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize 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 organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Speaking: Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.
Grammar: (*IELTS Band 7: Uses a range of complex structures with some flexibility; frequently produces error-free sentences, though some errors persist.)
Writing: (*IELTS Band 7: Presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to over-generalize and/or supporting ideas may lack focus. Uses a range of cohesive devices with some under/over use. Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation. Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors.)
Listening: Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar. Can recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly.
Reading: Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of specialty, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize 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 organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Speaking: Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail.
Grammar: (*IELTS Band 7: Uses a range of complex structures with some flexibility; frequently produces error-free sentences, though some errors persist.)
Writing: (*IELTS Band 7: Presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to over-generalize and/or supporting ideas may lack focus. Uses a range of cohesive devices with some under/over use. Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation. Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors.)
Listening: Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar. Can recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly.
Reading: Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of specialty, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 8 (English 4 Step 2) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 8 will take you to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
General: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize 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 organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Speaking: Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions. There is little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies; only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language. Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
Grammar: Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot.
Writing: Can express him/herself with clarity and precision, relating to the addressee flexibly and effectively. Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
Listening: Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar. Can recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly.
Reading: Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of specialty, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize 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 organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Speaking: Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Has a good command of a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions. There is little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies; only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language. Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on complex subjects, integrating sub themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
Grammar: Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot.
Writing: Can express him/herself with clarity and precision, relating to the addressee flexibly and effectively. Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
Listening: Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar. Can recognize a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating register shifts. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly.
Reading: Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of specialty, provided he/she can reread difficult sections.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
Level 9 (English 5) is part of the English language learning program published by inlingua International. It has been carefully designed for use with the inlingua language training method and will help you develop the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills needed to communicate effectively in today's international environment. Level 9 will take you to level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). However, at inlingua Washington DC, Level 9 is not frequently offered as a group class, as most students at this level prefer private tutoring.
General: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize 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.
Speaking: Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with awareness of connotative levels of meaning. Can convey finer shades of meaning precisely by using, with reasonable accuracy, a wide range of modification devices. Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it. Can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured speech with an effective logical structure, which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is otherwise engaged (e.g. in forward planning, in monitoring others’ reactions).
Grammar: (No new major structures – review and advanced phrasing only)
Writing: Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.
Listening: Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed.
Reading: Can understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary writings. Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
General: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize 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.
Speaking: Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with awareness of connotative levels of meaning. Can convey finer shades of meaning precisely by using, with reasonable accuracy, a wide range of modification devices. Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it. Can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured speech with an effective logical structure, which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is otherwise engaged (e.g. in forward planning, in monitoring others’ reactions).
Grammar: (No new major structures – review and advanced phrasing only)
Writing: Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.
Listening: Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed.
Reading: Can understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary writings. Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.
Overview of inlingua and international levels:
For levels 5 through 8, inlingua Washington DC has Business English courses that are offered from time to time, depending on student interest. The level descriptions above generally apply, though the Business English courses focus more narrowly on vocabulary used in professional settings.
The Advanced English for Contemporary Issues class is designed to develop level 7 reading, speaking, and writing skills, in preparation for academic or professional work.
When scoring Speaking and Writing at inlingua Washington DC, we use the IELTS Public Band Descriptors to describe the level and quality of English. You can see our scoring scale here.