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Levels, Course Content, Program Objectives

DEFINITIONS OF LEVELS

In the Basic English Department of the School of Foreign Languages, students are placed into different levels based on the English proficiency exam administered at the beginning of each academic year: 

 

Fall Semester:

  • A2 Level
  • A2+ Level
  • B1 Level

 

Spring Semester:

  • Level B1
  • B1+ Level
  • B2 Level

 

The meanings of the levels to which students are placed at the beginning of the academic year, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, are as follows:

A2: Students starting the program at this level can understand and respond to very basic dialogues. They are able to understand many simple patterns in everyday English. Even if they make errors in structure and vocabulary, they have the ability to produce understandable questions and answers. They can follow simplified reading passages and distinguish many structural differences. Although they may not always construct correct sentences, they can write simple but coherent sentences on a specific topic, with some awareness of the necessary forms.


A2+: The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) provides a detailed framework for systematically assessing and defining language proficiency. A2+ is a level slightly above A2 on the CEFR scale and indicates a higher level of proficiency in the target language. 

B1: At this level, students are initially able to grasp the gist of basic English conversations, though not in great detail. They have the ability to ask questions and initiate conversations based on everyday topics and, with a little help, can carry out many everyday social and practical tasks (such as shopping or visiting the doctor). Their ability to grasp the main ideas of semi-authentically written texts is satisfactory, but they need support with details, less common words, and some complex structures. They can write short paragraphs, even if they cannot organize them appropriately; they generally have difficulty ensuring coherence and cohesion. They can use a wide range of simple structures and some complex structures in non-academic contexts (such as storytelling, personal letters, expressing opinions, and providing explanations). However, since they struggle with some complex structures, they generally have difficulty writing academic paragraphs and essays.


B1+: They can initiate a conversation and actively maintain it. They are at a level where they can easily handle everyday tasks and comfortably use the language to cope with new situations (such as when a shopping trip does not go as expected). They can grasp the main idea and most of the details in reading passages but may need help with some nuances and academic vocabulary. They can understand most texts that do not contain academic content and can distinguish between various text types. They have the ability to write paragraphs, but they need to learn how to identify the main points of a paragraph and organize it correctly. They can use various structures in many topics that do not require specialized knowledge (such as storytelling, personal letters, expressing opinions, and providing explanations). However, since they struggle with some more complex structures, they generally encounter difficulties in writing academic paragraphs and compositions.


B2: The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) provides a detailed framework for systematically assessing and defining language proficiency. B2 is an upper-intermediate level on the CEFR scale, indicating a solid and functional level of language proficiency.

 

ONLINE BOOK SALES LINKS

  B1

 

Main Course + Listening & Speaking;

 

 Students can register using the school code 'ytu2024' at http://yildizteknik.marmarakitap.com to make a purchase.

  


 B1+

 

Main Course + Listening & Speaking;

 

   They can sign up and make a purchase at http://yildizteknik.marmarakitap.com using the school code 'ytu2024'.

 

  


 

 

 B2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B1 B1+ B2

 

 

 

 

Main Course + Listening & Speaking;

 

 

They can sign up and make a purchase at http://yildizteknik.marmarakitap.com using the school code 'ytu2024'.

 


 Reading

1- Website login link: https://www.edukitap.com/

2- It is important to use a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet for all procedures.

3- Complete the registration process from the Login Panel

4- Select the school from the “Category” section,

5- Enter the login password requested for school access; the password is: 2024YTU.

6- Select the group package from the window that opens, for example: YILDIZ TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY GROUP B1,

7- Complete the payment.

 

DESCRIPTIONS OF COURSE CONTENT BY LEVEL

 

The course descriptions for the levels in which students, placed based on the results of the English Proficiency Exam administered at the beginning of the academic year, study during the year are as follows:

 

A2: Students are considered to be at the beginner level when they begin their education at this level; the goal is for them to approach the upper-intermediate level using lower-intermediate, intermediate, and upper-intermediate (only in grammar and writing courses) textbooks and supplementary materials. Courses at this level are designed to help students develop their ability to use English through appropriate grammatical structures; improve their academic reading skills by understanding various academic and non-academic texts and answering questions related to those texts; to develop their note-taking and response-while-listening skills by listening to academic lectures appropriate for their level; to advance their academic writing skills by writing coherent paragraphs and compositions in targeted genres; to acquire an academic vocabulary appropriate for their level; to acquire effective speaking skills on academic and non-academic topics; and to develop self-sufficiency in language learning through writing portfolios.

 

A2+: A student with A2+-level foreign language proficiency can understand simple, everyday spoken language when it is spoken slowly and clearly. They can follow simple, familiar expressions and instructions. Repetition or rephrasing may be necessary for more complex or less familiar structures. They can participate in basic conversations on familiar topics such as family, hobbies, and daily routines. They can provide short and simple descriptions of people, places, and things. They may have difficulty constructing sentences during conversation when faced with more complex sentences or less commonly used words. Can understand short and simple texts, such as advertisements, menus, or simple stories. Can grasp the main idea and some details of the text. May have difficulty understanding longer texts or those containing more complex structures. Can write short messages, notes, and simple emails. Can fill out forms with personal information. May make some mistakes in grammar and vocabulary while writing. They have a basic vocabulary related to daily life and common topics. They can use simple verb tenses (present, past, future) and basic sentence structures. They may have difficulty constructing sentences with more complex grammar or less commonly used words.

 

B1: When students begin instruction at this level, they are considered to be at the lower-intermediate level; the goal is for them to reach the upper-intermediate level using intermediate and upper-intermediate textbooks and supplementary materials. Courses at this level are designed to help students develop their ability to use English through appropriate grammatical structures, develop their academic reading skills by understanding various academic and non-academic texts and answering questions related to those texts, develop their note-taking and listening comprehension skills by listening to academic lectures appropriate for their level, advance their academic writing skills by writing accurate and effective sentences, consistent paragraphs, and essays in targeted writing genres; to acquire an academic vocabulary appropriate for their level; to develop effective speaking skills on academic and non-academic topics; and to develop self-sufficiency in language learning through writing portfolios.

 

B1+: When students begin their education at this level, they are considered to be at an intermediate level, and the goal is for them to reach an upper-intermediate level using upper-intermediate textbooks and supplementary materials. Courses at this level are designed to help students develop their ability to use English through appropriate grammatical structures; enhance their academic reading skills by comprehending various academic and non-academic texts and answering questions related to those texts; to improve their note-taking skills by listening to academic lectures appropriate for their level, to advance their academic writing skills by writing coherent paragraphs and compositions in targeted genres, to acquire an academic vocabulary appropriate for their level, develop effective speaking skills on both academic and non-academic topics, and develop self-sufficiency in language learning through their writing portfolios.

 

B2: A student with B2-level proficiency in a foreign language can understand the main ideas and details of complex spoken language on both familiar and abstract topics. They can follow conversations and discussions even when there are multiple speakers or different accents. They can participate in discussions on a wide variety of topics and express their opinions. They can provide clear and detailed descriptions of experiences, events, and topics within their personal interests. They may occasionally make minor errors but maintain overall fluency and coherence throughout their speech. They can comfortably read and understand a wide variety of long texts, including articles, newspaper reports, and literary works. They can extract main ideas, details, and opinions from complex texts. Texts containing specialized vocabulary or complex structures may require more time and effort. Can write clear and well-structured texts on a variety of topics, including formal letters, articles, reports, and personal reflections. Can present arguments and opinions in a consistent and organized manner. May make occasional errors but demonstrates strong command of grammar and vocabulary. Possesses a broad and varied vocabulary, including specialized terms related to personal or professional interests. Uses a wide variety of grammatical structures correctly.

 

 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The learning outcomes of the Basic English Compulsory Preparatory Instruction are summarized in the table below.

 

AREAS

OBJECTIVES

GOALS

USE OF ENGLISH

The purpose of the grammar courses in the Basic English Department is to ensure that students understand and use specific grammatical structures in terms of both form and function.

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Students who successfully complete the program are expected to possess the following skills:

 

  • Demonstrate the ability to identify target upper-intermediate-level grammatical structures and decipher the meanings of various expressions,
  • Use the targeted upper-intermediate level grammar structures to comprehend various reading passages,
  • The ability to use the targeted upper-intermediate level grammatical structures in writing compositions,
  • To be able to recognize the targeted upper-intermediate level grammatical structures while listening to an academic lecture,
  • Be able to use the targeted upper-intermediate-level linguistic structures with an acceptable degree of accuracy during speech.

READING

The purpose of the reading courses in the Basic English Department is to enable students to read original and semi-original texts and to understand them to a large extent by using their vocabulary.

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Students who successfully complete the program are expected to possess the following skills:

 

  • Identifying the main idea of a text* by skimming it,
  • Identify the text’s coherence at the sentence level,
  • Be able to scan a text to locate specific information,
  • Distinguish between information stated and implied in the text,
  • Identify the main ideas stated in the text and those that can be inferred,
  • Identifying important details in the text,
  • Understanding what specific elements in the text—such as pronouns and adverbs—refer to,
  • Being able to make inferences based on specific information,
  • Identifying new words in the text to use in other skills,
  • Being able to guess the meaning of unknown words based on context,
  • Identifying the author’s purpose, attitude, and the text’s target audience

 

* “Text” refers to any coherent piece of writing ranging from intermediate to upper-intermediate level and consisting of at least 800 words.

WRITING

The goal of the writing courses in the Basic English Department is to enable students to produce independent and academic writing by utilizing process-oriented approaches, rhetorical (verbal) tools, and the provided frameworks.

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Students who successfully complete the program are expected to possess the following skills:

 

  • The ability to write reason-based compositions* by selectively using the ideas and prompts provided,
  • The ability to write a result-oriented composition by selectively using the provided ideas and prompts,
  • The ability to write a comparative essay by selectively using the provided ideas and prompts,
  • The ability to write a coherent and cohesive composition,
  • The ability to write a composition related to the topic using the provided data,
  • Ability to use comparison-focused language structures correctly and effectively,
  • Ability to use cause-and-effect-focused language structures correctly and effectively,
  • Be able to draw on a broad vocabulary related to the topic while writing an essay,
  • Ability to use correct punctuation and spelling rules in an essay,
  • Ability to correctly use various grammatical structures in the essay.

 

* “Composition” refers to an upper-intermediate-level written piece consisting of 250–300 words and at least four paragraphs.

LISTENING

The purpose of the listening courses in the Basic English Department is to enable students to understand authentic and semi-authentic lectures, develop their general and specific comprehension skills, and improve their strategies for responding while listening and taking effective notes.

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Students who successfully complete the program are expected to possess the following skills:

 

  • Identifying the type of academic lecture*,
  • Identify the main idea of the lecture,
  • Identifying key words in the lecture,
  • Recognizing the instructor’s attitude and purpose,
  • The ability to distinguish the sequential information presented in the lecture,
  • The ability to identify important details in the lecture content,
  • Being able to distinguish between topics that were and were not discussed in the lesson,
  • Being able to distinguish between correct and incorrect information based on the lesson content,
  • Being able to use specific techniques and strategies to take effective notes while listening to the lecture,
  • Developing one’s own strategies and techniques for effective note-taking,
  • Being able to outline the main points of a lecture using one’s notes.

 

* An “academic lecture” is a lecture ranging from intermediate to upper-intermediate level and containing at least 800 words.