Interactive Technique   Levels      TCF / Quebec

You and we both have only one objective :
your success

Learning a foreign or second language could seem difficult if you don’t know how to arrange your learning. Sometimes, all new words you learn just resemble a simple sound gathering or even some lines you can’t really make out, making these the reasons why you abandon your studies of a foreign language. At ALC, due to our strong and wide experience, we know exactly how to help you overcome all these difficulties.

Methods that have proven to work

The memo technique :
Each individual posseses the capacity to associate sounds to images and images to words. By using the systematic learning structure of image association, instead of directly focusing on writing and reading, we here at Académie Charlemagne have made a student’s work easier in a considerable way and given him a method of assimilation adapted to his capacities.

The structured communicative approach :
To associate an image to a word may seem easy, but to associate an opinion or idea to an image and then transcribe it (meaning, to make a correct sentence in the past or future without speaking in your native language) : impossible... or so you think! On the contrary, our teachers use a learning method that is based on a logical observation and construction structure learned by the student. Thanks to the appropriate exercises, students train themselves to attain realistic communication skills by also taking in consideration the cultural learning dimension of a foreign language.

No translation in class
This means that teachers only speak in the targeted language without translating or allowing students to use a dictionary in class. This allows learners to get into the habit of thinking in the language they are learning. You will be surprised at how easily and quickly you will learn with this method.

An interactive technique

Based on a system of questions-answers, this will help the learner to naturally improve his/her capacity to communicate orally.

• Introduce new linguistic elements
• Introduce new grammatical structures
• Develop vocabulary and acts of speech

A step by step learning
The different levels

Our 6 levels correspond to those of the Common European Framework Reference for Languages. These european standards permit us to have a standard uniform for the most important internationtal languages.

Beginner/Level A1 :

None or poor knowledge
   of the language.
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.

Elementary/Level A2 :

Fundamental knowledge of the language. 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.

Level B1 :

A relatively good knowledge of the language. 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 & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Level B2 :

A good knowledge of the language. Can understand the main ideas of complex text 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.

Level C1 :

A very good knowledge of the language. 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.

Level C2 :

An excellent knowledge of the language, up to a bilingual level.
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.

TESTS & EXAMS – According to your level
French FLE	English ESL
A 1 DILF TCF	Key English Test (KET)
A2 DELF TCF	Preliminary English Test (PET)
B1 DELF TCF	First Certificate in English (FCE)
B2 DELF/TFI/TCF*	Certificate in Advanced English(CAE) TOEFL/TOEIC
C1 DALF/TFI/TCF	Certificate in Advanced English(CAE)/ TOEFL/TOEIC
C2 DALF/TFI/TCF	Certificate of Proficiency in English(CPE)TOEFL/TOEIC