Academic English

  • Level: CEFR B1 | IELTS 4–5 | TOEFL® iBT 32–45*.
  • Number of lessons: 30 (Online).
  • Lesson length: 45 minutes.
  • Key skills: Identifying argument and purpose; substitution; using context clues; understanding implication and inference; recognizing discourse signposts.
  • Additional features: 15 study-skills videos.
  • *TOEFL is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). ETS does not endorse or approve the Academic English program.

Academic English

Academic English is a self-study course designed for learners who need to improve their listening and reading skills to prepare for higher-level English courses or international exams such as IELTS and TOEFL.

The program targets the B1 level and helps learners develop the ability to read academic texts, follow lectures, and build knowledge of common academic vocabulary.

Academic English can be accessed on a range of devices, allowing learners to study anytime, anywhere.

About the Academic English course

Academic English can be used flexibly as a self-study program or as homework to support learners preparing for higher-level English study. Learners who commit to 2–3 hours per week over several months will see significant progress and increased confidence in academic listening and reading.

Each lesson in Academic English is broken into small sections to build listening and reading skills and provide repeated exposure to academic vocabulary.

The vocabulary syllabus across Academic English is drawn from the Academic Word List* (AWL), covering the most frequent words across disciplines. The course content is mapped to TOEFL® and familiarizes learners with the question types used in this international exam.

The Academic English course offers:

  • 30 B1-level lessons for practicing academic listening and reading.
  • 15 short videos on study skills used in university settings.
  • Structured practice tasks with scripts mirroring university lectures and readings.
  • Topics and vocabulary spanning a wide range of fields: humanities, sciences, business, and law.
  • Review packs for new vocabulary and skills to maximize practice and build confidence.

Practice in an academic context

Lessons begin by introducing target vocabulary related to the theme and the focal skills. Learners then practice these skills using listening and reading materials typical of academic texts and university lectures. The Learner Training section summarizes the skills taught and provides practical tips for real-life use.

Dedicated videos on study management and study-skill development are integrated to support learners. These videos can be revisited at any point during the course.

An end-of-lesson test checks mastery of new vocabulary as well as development in reading comprehension and listening skills.

Learning Cycle

Each lesson follows a systematic cycle and is divided into bite-sized modules. Learners can start a lesson, take a break, and resume easily at any time.

A test at the end of each lesson consolidates knowledge and provides an immediate milestone for tracking progress.

  • The introduction sets the topic and target skills for the lesson and helps learners orient themselves.
  • New vocabulary is presented and practiced in context before moving to targeted skill practice.
  • Skill sections are clearly summarized so learners can absorb, review, and apply them in practice tasks.
  • The end-of-lesson test checks understanding of new vocabulary and the learner’s skill development.

The Academic English lesson content can be customized into shorter courses aligned to specific curricula and program requirements.