What Kind of Course is Right for Me?

​This area of study includes the courses ​many learners take to improve their all-round English skills. Learners usually take a language test before starting a course at a suitable level ¹​:

• A1 - Beginner
• A2 - Elementary
• B1 - Intermediate
• B2 - Upper Intermediate
• C1 - Advanced
• C2 - Proficiency (​this level is ​so high that not many language schools actually offer it)

​General English courses usually involve practising ​speaking, listening, reading, and writing​, while also developing vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. ​​​Learners often take these courses before going on to more specific courses such as ESP courses.

​This area of study includes courses that are usually designed for B1 (intermediate) to A1 (advanced) level adult learners and are suitable for you if you know how you'll be using English or what environment you'll be using English in.

​ESP can be divided into two areas: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Occupational Purposes (EOP).

Let's ​look at the differences​:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - University students often take ​these courses before or during their university courses. ​EAP courses can ​relate to:
  - university courses (for example, business, computer science, engineering, biology or medicine)
  - general academic skills useful for university study (for example, essay writing, taking notes or asking the lecturer questions)
  - English exams that students are required to pass before they can begin a university course (including IELTS and TOEFL)
  
• English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) - Workers often take EOP courses to help them learn English for their work. They can relate to:
  - specific jobs, such as tour guides, waiters or managers
  - specific work tasks, such as giving presentations, writing emails, going to interviews ​or attending meetings.
  
  EOP courses ​help learners ​by providing training ​focused on developing appropriate vocabulary ​and the necessary communication skills for specific jobs or work tasks. For example, a course on attending meetings ​is likely to include essential vocabulary related to meetings, as well as language ​for the things you'll need to do in a meeting, such as giving opinions, responding to others, asking questions or interrupting​.