Grammar in practice: advanced (level 2+)
Before this course, you need to do a pre-course assessment. Contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 7492 2511 or click the Start Assessment button on this page. Log on with your email address (not name). Use Chrome if possible. The course runs over three terms (though you may start any term, places allowing).
This course is FREE if a) you are on a Low Wage or b) you are either on Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) or Employment & Support Allowance(ESA) or c) you receive other state benefits (including Universal Credit) and your monthly take home pay is less than £343. For more information click here
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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Course Code: HES47
Please choose a course date
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is for very competent users of English who want to consolidate and extend their grammar to use advanced structures more accurately in speaking and writing. The grammar will be set in different, challenging contexts – such as current affairs, art, culture - which will require you to use complex forms in order to express yourself accurately. The emphasis will be on the accurate use of grammar as well as understanding how grammar affects meaning.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
A variety of different grammatical structures will be covered depending on the needs of the group. The main areas likely to be included are:
• uses and meaning of perfect verb forms
• uses and meaning of continuous vs simple verb forms
• when and how to use the passive
• how to use grammar to make your writing/speech more formal e.g. negative adverbials followed by word order inversion
• the use and non-use of the passive
• how to talk generally
• use of abstract nouns and relative clauses
• use of the article and non-article
• verbs followed by particles/prepositions
• use of infinitives and –ing forms
• different ways of talking about the future.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• express yourself with a high degree of accuracy paying attention to correct form and how grammar can affect meaning
• use and understand your use of all perfect forms so you can articulate the differences in meaning
• distinguish the different uses and meanings of continuous vs simple forms
• talk about the future in different ways
• identify which grammatical elements can change your writing/speech into a more formal language
• accurately combine abstract nouns and relative clauses
• combine a range of verbs and prepositions/particles accurately
• identify when to use infinitives vs –ing forms.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is for students at Level 2+ (C1-C2). It is particularly helpful to students who need to focus on the details of English grammar and how to use grammar to develop meaning. You will need to do a pre-course assessment.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover grammar rules and features. The grammar will always be in the context of interesting and engaging topics and you will focus on how you use it. The course will be dynamic and creative with a lot of interaction – you will work in pairs, small groups and sometimes as a whole class. Your tutor will also work with you individually. You will need to do some homework every week and use Google Classroom outside the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs but you should bring a pen, paper and folder to class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
There are many courses you could do next. You can also do a number of courses without exams at the same time as this course or after it. These include:
English for professionals: Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)
English for professonals: Cambridge Proficiency (CPE)
English for professionals: English for business and work (level 2)
Business: find the right word (advanced)
Grammar in Practice: Upper Intermediate (level 1-2) or Advanced (level 2)
ESOL and reading stories: vocabulary, discussion, critique (level 2)
Prepare for IELTS and improve your academic writing
Writing skills in practice: advanced (level 2+)
ESOL Pronunciation: Stage 1 (level 1-2)
Your tutor will advise you on the best course. We also have many digital skills and maths skill course. Contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or 020 7492 2511 for more information.
Mario Lautier Vella is a cross-disciplinary, award-winning artist who began his art career at City Lit. After completing a number of short courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles, Mario went on to do the two-year City Lit Fine Art course before going back to university to gain his Masters degree. Mario regularly exhibits in the UK and abroad and his work can be found in private collections around the world. Mario has enjoyed teaching at City Lit since 2011. For more info go to mariolautiervella.com
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.