MOHE Graduate Employability

Upskilling Project

British Council
Handbook for MOHE
Graduate
Employability
Upskilling Project
Version 1.0 – September 2023

www.britishcouncil.org
Contents
About the British Council .......................................................................................................... 3
Our expertise and approach in English language teaching and online learning .................... 4
Recognitions and awards ...................................................................................................... 4
CEFR levels ............................................................................................................................. 5
Overview of the English language programme ......................................................................... 5
Your Course and Test timelines ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
British Council points of contact ............................................................................................... 6
EnglishScore Test .................................................................................................................... 7
Technical requirements for EnglishScore ............................................................................. 7
The main test rules ............................................................................................................... 7
Top tips for successful testing ............................................................................................... 7
EnglishScore instructions for students .................................................................................. 9
English Online course............................................................................................................. 10
How a student can activate their course ............................................................................. 10
English Online student portal visual guide .......................................................................... 12
Course curriculum ............................................................................................................... 16
About our teachers.............................................................................................................. 17
Course schedule and key timelines/milestones .................................................................. 18
English Online course technical requirements for students ................................................ 19
Other course requirements ................................................................................................. 19
English Online Progress Report .......................................................................................... 20
Aptis Test ............................................................................................................................... 22
Final reports ........................................................................................................................... 36
English Online Progress Report .......................................................................................... 36
Appendices............................................................................................................................. 37
Appendix 1: CEFR Level Descriptors.................................................................................. 37
Appendix 2: Course curriculum for each level ..................................................................... 38
Appendix 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .............................................................. 44
1. About your course .................................................................................................... 44
2. Group classes - improve your confidence and skills ............................................. 44
3. Online exercises ........................................................................................................ 46
4. Live25 - live streamed language sessions .............................................................. 46
5. Extra study ................................................................................................................. 47
6. Your course progress ............................................................................................... 47
7. How to manage your account .................................................................................. 48
8. Additional FAQS for Employee Advisors ................................................................ 48

www.britishcouncil.org 2
About the British Council
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between
people in the UK and countries worldwide.
We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to
transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to
build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and
to gain internationally recognised qualifications.
We work with governments and our partners in the education, English language and cultural
sectors, in the UK and globally. Working together we make a bigger difference, creating benefit
for millions of people all over the world.
We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than
100 countries.
We have an unparalleled track record of 80+ years of partnering with corporate,
government and education organisations in 80+ countries to improve English and
communication skills.
Each year:

2 million test-
takers tested
400 thousand
learners
trained in 47
in-person
centres
80 million
learners
trained online

www.britishcouncil.org 3
Our expertise and approach in English language teaching and online
learning
The British Council English Online provides learners with a rewarding and stimulating English
language learning experience. We help all learners reach their full potential by respecting them
as diverse individuals, and by encouraging them to be active participants in their own learning.
In British Council virtual classrooms, learners thrive in their language learning because
teachers:
• set and negotiate realistic goals with and for their learners
• inform learners of the aims and purpose of learning activities
• create a positive and inclusive learning environment where learners learn with and from
each other and feel confident using English in the classroom
• make lessons engaging, personally relevant and appropriately challenging
• help learners develop intercultural awareness and understanding
• help learners develop a positive and persevering attitude towards their English language
learning
• use a variety of resources and technologies to meet their learners’ needs
• help learners identify the strategies that suit them best to become successful and
autonomous language learners
• use assessment to promote and measure learning
• give timely and constructive feedback on learning and progress
• encourage learners to reflect systematically and regularly upon their learning and
progress.
Our lessons are:
• communicative, i.e. foster the development of language competencies necessary for
communication
• task-based, i.e. focused on a practical real-world task
• blended, i.e. include live teacher-led classes and self-study components
• flipped, i.e. encourage students to prepare pre-class activities in order to apply the
language and concepts in class in a creative and memorable way.

Recognitions and awards

www.britishcouncil.org 4
CEFR levels
Our syllabus and students' level progression and assessment aligns with the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). CEFR is an international standard
that describes language proficiency levels. It was developed by the Council of Europe to provide
a transparent, cohesive, and comprehensive method to assess and describe an individual's
ability in a language. The CEFR uses a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, to C2 for those
who have achieved mastery of a language. Please consult Appendix 1 for detailed CEFR
level descriptors.

Overview of the English language programme

The MOHE KPT-PACE project’s goal is to enhance the employability of university graduates by
improving their English language competency. This objective focuses on enhancing the English
language proficiency of final-year students in a selection of public universities, with the ultimate
aim of positively influencing their employability. The focus of the British Council programme is
on English for employment and work, supplemented by a preparatory course designed to attain
an Aptis certification.
Students’ journey
Week 1 Complete their English Score Core Skills test.
Week 2 -3 Planning
Week 4 Receive their course activation email. Activate their English Online account and
select their time preference (at least two options) on the form. Watch the
onboarding video at least two days before their class.
Complete online activities linked to their first few classes. Course Onboarding by
Thursday
Week 5 Start of course. Attend class 1 of English for Work and class 1 of English Online
course.
Week 6 Attend class 2 of English for Work and class 2 of English Online course.
Week 7 Attend class 3 of English for Work and class 3 of English Online course.
Week 8 Attend class 4 of English for Work and class 4 of English Online course.
Week 9 Attend class 5 of English for Work and class 5 of English Online course.
Week 10 Attend class 6 of English for Work and class 6 of English Online course.
Week 11 Attend class 7 of English for Work and class 7 of English Online course.
Week 12 Attend class 8 of English for Work and class 8 of English Online course.
Week 13 Attend class 9 of English for Work and class 9 of English Online course.
Week 14 Attend class 10 of English for Work and class 10 of English Online course.
Break – Final Examinations 29/01/24 - 16/02/24

www.britishcouncil.org 5
 Week 15 Attend class 11 of English for Work and class 11 of English Online course.
Week 16 Attend class 12 of English for Work and class 12 of English Online course.
Week 17 Attend class 13 of English for Work and class 1 of Aptis Practice course.
Week 18 Attend class 14 of English for Work and class 2 of Aptis Practice course.
Week 19 Attend class 15 of English for Work and class 3 of Aptis Practice course.
Week 20 Attend class 16 of English for Work and class 4 of Aptis Practice course.
Week 21 Attend class 17 of English for Work and class 5 of Aptis Practice course.
Week 22 Attend class 18 of English for Work and class 6 of Aptis Practice course.
Week 23 Receive instructions to take the Aptis Tests. Aptis Test begins, with some
students taking the test.
Week 24 The remaining students will take the Aptis Test.
Week 25 Receive a reminder to download their English Online and English for Work
certificates of attendance. Make sure they have downloaded their certificates by
the end of the week.
APTIS test results will be available starting from week 25.
Complete course feedback questionnaire emailed by the British Council.
Week 26 The remaining APTIS tests results will be shared.
Receive their Overall Summary Report and Individual Reports.

British Council points of contact

For client
If you have any questions not answered in this handbook you can contact our English Online
customer support team - [email protected].
Please provide full details of the issue / question. If a student has questions, please ask them to
contact support directly themselves, see details below.

For students
If students have any questions or issues about anything to do with their course (their access,
materials, levels, teachers etc) the first point of contact is always the English Online customer
support team.
The English Online customer support team is on hand 24/7, please ask students to contact the
team directly using this contact form: https://englishonline.britishcouncil.org/contact/
If students have technical issues they can email [email protected] and
attach a screenshot of the issue / error (please note that enquiries sent via the contact form and
the email address go to the same team).
Many questions will be answered in the English Online FAQs in Appendix 3, so please refer to
these in the first instance.

www.britishcouncil.org 6
EnglishScore Test
EnglishScore is one of the British Council’s English language tests. This mobile-app-based test
has three test types – Core Skills, Speaking and Writing.
Students on this programme will be required to take the EnglishScore Core Skills test before
they start the course. At the end, students will be able to download their certificate for the test
from the EnglishScore app.
Please watch this video that explains how to take the EnglishScore Core Skills test.
EnglishScore Speaking Test is divided into three parts: Read Aloud, Listen and Repeat, and
Answer Questions. After completing your test, you must grade others to receive your score.
This is the fourth and final part of the test. The test results are usually available within 24 hours
of taking the test.

Technical requirements for EnglishScore

• Smartphone with minimum
o Android 6.0 or
o iOS 15 (Note - if you are taking the writing test it needs to be iOS 16+)
• Front-facing (selfie) camera
• Stable internet connection
• Device fully charged
• Reset your text size and font style

The main test rules

• Test takers can’t pause the test.
• Test takers must be in a quiet place.
• Test takers must do the test alone.
• Test takers face must be clear.
Test takes can’t do these things during the test
• They can’t exit the app. If they close the app, it can affect their score or cancel their test.
• They can’t take a screenshot or screen recording during the test, and they can’t share
their screen.

Top tips for successful testing

• Find a quiet place.
• Be alone.
• Make sure there is good lighting.
• A good internet connection.
• A fully charged device.
• The test taker’s connect code should be ready to enter before they start the test.
• Test takers should check their volume to ensure they can hear clearly for the listening
part of the assessment.
• Test takers will need to do a camera security check - they must be alone and show their
whole face clearly.
• Phones should be on do not disturb mode while the test is being taken.

www.britishcouncil.org 7
Extra tip! We recommend closing any other apps that may be using the internet in the event of
connection issues.

Understanding Your EnglishScore

You can score up to 599 points on the Core Skills test. Each hundred-point band on the
EnglishScore scale correlates to the international standard Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR).

CEFR is used to describe language proficiency levels. There are six main levels, from A1 to C2,
ranging from beginner to advanced. EnglishScore assesses from A2 to C1.

The EnglishScore point-based scale helps you to understand your proficiency within a CEFR
level for each skill and language system (grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening). You will
also receive an overall score.

www.britishcouncil.org 8
EnglishScore instructions for students
Provide these instructions for the EnglishScore test to the students in week 1. We will provide you the
link to the form students would need to fill before the start of week 1.
Access the step-by-step visual guide for EnglishScore here.
Before you begin your course, we would like you to give us time preferences and assess your English
level.
Follow the test instructions given below carefully to make sure you have no issues.
1. Please make sure you have downloaded and completed the test within the stipulated period.
2. Download EnglishScore onto your mobile phone using one of the following links:
• Apple / iOS: https://apple.co/3uYPg9R
• Android: https://bit.ly/escoregoogle
3. Once installed, open the application and create your account by selecting ‘Continue with
email’. Please do not select Google or Facebook as this may cause errors for us when
collecting your results.
4. Create your account by entering your email address and creating a password. Please use the
same email address you plan to use throughout this programme.
5. Answer the quick question on why you need English and then select ‘No thanks’.
6. Now you are on your dashboard, it’s time to take the Core Skills test, to begin this, select ‘Start
the test’.
7. Select ‘Enter a Connect Code’. This is very important - without this, we are not able to see
your results.
8. Enter the code provided to you by your Employment Advisor, and then your first name, and
then your last name. Press ‘Apply Code’.
9. Next, you will be asked to re-enter your email address, again, make sure you enter the same
email address you used to create your account correctly. Once entered, press ‘Next’.
10. Lastly, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to share your results and images with the
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities of the UK Government, World Jewish
Relief Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) under the Ministry of Human Resources. and
the British Council. Press ‘I agree’.
11. It’s now time to complete the test. Before you begin, you will be asked that:
• Your audio is working properly so you can hear the voice.
• Your microphone is enabled to detect talking.
• Your camera is enabled to check you are taking the test alone.
12. Lastly, you need to accept the test rules by selecting ‘I agree’. The test rules include:
• You can’t pause the test.
• You must be in a quiet place.
• You must do the test alone.
• Your face must be clear.
13. The test will now begin; it will take 30-40 minutes to complete. During the test you will see a
range of different question formats. Before each format, you will see a quick explainer showing
you how to complete the question. Once complete, you will be able to submit your scores and
find out your level.
14. Well done! You have completed the EnglishScore Core Skills test, you can now close the app
and await our team to get in touch to organise next steps.
If you have any issues, you can find the answers to the most common questions here.

www.britishcouncil.org 9
English Online course
How a student can activate their course
Account activation email
Before the course starts students will receive an automated email with a link to activate their
account, students should check junk and spam folders too for this.
In the email they will see the option to Activate your account. Selecting this will take them
through the onboarding process, which they should do at least two days before their course
starts.

www.britishcouncil.org 10
Onboarding
The first page students see is the set password page, here they should set their password and
their date of birth.

On the next page students should set their time zone and time format. We recommend selecting
the 24-hour format.

The next page will only show for students who have not given their class time preference ahead
of the onboarding. If they have already given their time preference this page will not show.
Class time preferences once set cannot be changed throughout the programme.
Where the page does show during onboarding students should select the time of day they want
their classes to take place, either the morning, afternoon or evening. If their first choice is not
available they should choose their second or third choice. Every effort is made to ensure first
choice time slots are available but there will be some instances where this is not possible.

www.britishcouncil.org 11
The next page is the marketing preference page, students should indicate whether they would
like to receive news and offers and English Online and other British Council services and
events.

This is the end of the activation/onboarding journey and students will then be directed to the
course platform.

English Online student portal visual guide

Landing page

Immediately after logging in, students will see their progress dashboard and their first two
classes. The progress dashboard is updated in real time, and students can use it to monitor the
number of classes they’ve attended, how many online exercises they have completed and how
many themes they’ve completed.
Students will have access to platform-generated certificates which include the total number of
hours they studied with us and their CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages) level. These certificates are updated in real time after every class you attend, and
they can be downloaded at any time directly by clicking the blue Achievements button at the
bottom of the progress dashboard.

www.britishcouncil.org 12
To the right of the progress dashboard, students will see their next two upcoming classes. 15
minutes before the start of class, the blue Booked button will change to Join. Students should
click this to launch Zoom and enter the virtual classroom.

Scrolling down the homepage, students can tab through a list of upcoming Live25 sessions.
Live25s are 25-minute, live-streamed language sessions that focus on one aspect of English
grammar or pronunciation. Students will be able to attend 4 of these per month, so do encourage
them to do so: they are great opportunities for students to improve their grammar and
pronunciation and are a perfect revision tool to keep them engaged between their scheduled
group classes.
To book, students simply choose the Live25 session they wish to attend, depending on their
topic or timetable preferences, and then click to Book.
Progress tab

In the Progress tab, students can see all of their upcoming and previous classes (they can use
the Past / Upcoming slider in the top right corner to shift between these). They can also, on the
right-hand side, read more about their teacher and their background, experience and teaching
style, and share their opinions on any aspect of their course by clicking Give us your feedback.

www.britishcouncil.org 13
When a student clicks on a particular lesson, they will be able to see all of the online exercises
for that particular lesson. After the class, they will also be able to download the live class
materials, within 24 hours of the live class taking place.
We strongly recommend students complete their exercises before attending the group class,
however their access to these exercises is unlimited for the entire duration of their course - this
means they can access them at any time and at their own pace. Online exercises introduce
students to the grammar and vocabulary they need in order to participate fully in their live
classes, as well as lots of practice of these key language points.
Extra study tab

By clicking the Extra study tab, students can watch useful videos and complete exercises to
expand their knowledge related to regular, everyday topics, as well as useful grammar points.
Encourage students to browse this section between their scheduled classes/Live25 sessions as
a way to practise and stay engaged with English.
Profile

In the Profile section, students can manage their account (e.g. change their password or
communication preferences) and can upload a photo so their teacher can recognise them on
the class register.

www.britishcouncil.org 14
Notification bell

Encourage students to pay attention to the notification bell in the top right corner. This will alert
them to important updates, requests for feedback and notify them when their teacher uploads
materials from the live classes they have attended.
Student code of conduct

At the bottom of the page, students can familiarise themselves with our student code of
conduct. It is important that all students adhere to this in order to maintain a positive learning
environment for all.
Help section

Students can also access the Help section from the bottom of the student portal. Students can
find all the information they need to make the most out of their English Online course by reading
through the Frequently Asked Questions and watching the introduction videos. Please
encourage students to engage with this before their first class. We suggest spending
approximately 30 minutes with students before their first class to familiarise themselves with
the student platform and the various features.

www.britishcouncil.org 15
Course curriculum
The lessons in each level have been specifically chosen and tailored to the students’ needs on
the programme.
Each lesson consists of a live class and dedicated online exercises that students complete before
the live class. These exercises help them improve reading, listening and vocabulary skills, as well
as help students practice and revise what they have learnt, after class.
For better retention and revision opportunities, lessons are combined into themes of 6 and form
a learning path curated specifically for these students.
Please refer to Appendix 2 for a breakdown of the full course syllabus.
The Online classes finish with After-Class Speaking Sessions.
These sessions provide students with the opportunity to:
• get extended speaking and conversation practice
• practise using English in a natural context
• be part of a global learning community
• support and help their fellow students.
Student participation in these sessions is purely optional. They can stay in the session for as
long they like provided there are at least 3 students in the session. Teachers give them
discussion questions based on the material they covered in class, make a student the host, and
leave the classroom to allow the learners to communicate informally.
Progress tests during the course
In our course, we have also included a mid-term and final progress tests that are conducted
during the classes. The client will receive a report summarising teachers’ feedback on students’
progress based on them.

Live25 sessions
Students will also get access to extra 25-minute grammar or pronunciation webinars called
Live25 sessions. They can join 4 of these sessions every month while they are on the
programme and use them as an opportunity for additional practice between their regular
classes. For instance, if they need extra help with understanding English verb tenses or how to
use intonation in a sentence, Live25 sessions offer them the opportunity to advance their
knowledge.

www.britishcouncil.org 16
About our teachers
Our global teaching team consists of 300+ qualified and expert online teachers. Students can
expect the following from them:
• Recognised teaching qualifications: Each teacher holds internationally recognised
qualifications enabling them to teach English as a foreign language.
• Subject knowledge: All teachers are expert users of the English language and
understand how languages are learned and use this knowledge to support teaching and
learning.
• Experience with adult learners: All our teachers have experience teaching general
English, English for the workplace as well as preparing students for high-stakes English
tests.
• Digital proficiency: All our teachers have experience teaching online and are adept at
using digital tools for effective learning.
• Rigorous background checks: All teachers have undergone thorough pre-appointment
screening, including DBS checks (or local equivalents) and referencing.

Teachers are regularly observed by our Teaching Quality Management team to ensure they
deliver consistent academic quality and a positive learning experience for our students. We also
regularly review student feedback and pass this on to teachers in an appropriate way.
For the duration of their course, each group of students is assigned the same teacher or team of
teachers, ensuring consistency in their learning journey. However, on rare occasions, if the
assigned teacher(s) is unable to teach due to sickness or other unavoidable reasons, a cover
teacher will step in. These cover teachers have been trained to ensure the smooth progression
of the course, mitigating any potential impact on students.
If students have feedback about their teachers, they should contact Student Support (using this
contact form) in the first instance.

www.britishcouncil.org 17
Course schedule and key timelines/milestones
Completion criteria for English Online and English for Work
Students need to meet the following requirements to complete the course:
• Attend minimum 27 out of 30 group classes
• Complete at least 80% of online activities linked to the classes with minimum 80% grade.

Course schedule
Course name English for Work and English Online
18 weeks:
• 12 weeks with two teacher-led classes and 4.5 hours online
Course length exercises per week
• 6 weeks with one teacher-led class, 4 hours online exercises,
and 2.5 hours self-access hours on Aptis Practice Course
Total number of 30 teacher-led classes in total: 18 English for Work and 12 English
classes Online teacher-led classes.
Students need to complete:
• 4 hours of online exercises before each English for Work class
Self-access online • 30 minutes of online exercises before each English Online
exercises class
They also need to complete 15 hours of self-access Aptis Practice
Course.
Class days TBD
Class times TBD
During the first 12 weeks:
Two 55-minute teacher-led classes per week.
Class length During the last 6 weeks:
One 55-minute teacher-led class and 2.5h self-access hours on
APC per week.
Students are required to complete online activities associated with
each class both before and after the class. During the first 12
weeks, they should allocate approximately 4.5 hours per week for
Pre-class activities self-study to complete activities for the two teacher-led classes. In
the last 6 weeks, they should plan for approximately 4 hours of
study time to cover activities for the teacher-led class and 2.5
hours of self-study for the Aptis Practice Course.
The teacher will upload class materials and feedback within 24
Post-course review
hours of the class for the students to revise after the class.

www.britishcouncil.org 18
Key milestones
Activity Timeline
First meeting with University Coordinators Week 1
English Score Test Week 1
Course activation Week 4
English Online course begins Week 5
English Aptis Test Week 23 - 24
APTIS certificates + Reporting and results Week 25 - 26
analysis

Refer to the section overview of the English language components of the programme for detailed
timelines.

English Online course technical requirements for students

To access their student portal and attend our live online classes, students will need:
• desktop/laptop computer (preferred) or a mobile device (tablet, smartphone)
• a reliable Internet connection
• a headset or headphones with a built-in microphone
• a working webcam
We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to access the English Online platform
as some portal features may not work as desired on other browsers.
Note: Laptops are preferrable because of the methodology we use. Our live class discussions
take place with a lot of visual support, and in the mobile/tablet experience the students won’t be
able to interact via chat and see the slides at the same time. Also, many mobile devices are not
able to receive files and screenshots the teacher may send during the class; tools for annotation
in mobile Zoom are a lot more limited. (That said, if at times the learners join from a mobile
device, the teachers will be able to accommodate mobile users, but it's good to prepare to have
laptops accessible as much as possible.)

Other course requirements

All students on our courses are asked to follow these requirements to maintain a positive
learning environment for all.
1. Join classes on Zoom using your full name written in Latin letters (first name + surname),
as registered with us.
2. Join classes on time, from a quiet place suitable for study.
3. Join the Zoom class using only one device.
4. Ensure you have a good internet connection for class.
5. Avoid smoking, eating or any other activity that could be distracting for others.
6. Wear suitable clothes. Do not wear anything offensive.

www.britishcouncil.org 19
 7. Keep your camera on in class. If you cannot, please contact us here
(https://englishonline.britishcouncil.org/contact/) and explain why.
8. Participate actively and respond to questions.
9. Allow everyone to share their ideas; listening is also an important part of effective
communication.
10. Treat everyone with respect.
11. Consider internet safety and be careful about sharing personal information, e.g., emails
or phone numbers, in Live Classes and After Class Speaking Sessions.
12. In Live classes, limit questions and comments to the class topic. You will have the
opportunity for more informal, off-topic discussion in the After Class Speaking Sessions.
13. You should not take pictures of or record classes or copy our products in any form.
14. Children should not be visible onscreen at any time during class. If a child is visible, the
teacher may have to remove you from class.
15. Do not attend Live Classes while driving a car or doing any other activity where your
safety is compromised by not paying 100% attention.

English Online Progress Report

An English Online progress report is available on the B2B dashboard and will be shared by the
English Online PM on a weekly basis.
Sample report
Example:

From this report, the student attendance and progress can be tracked. Here are the key
columns that would require regular monitoring:
• Email • Group classes attended
• Student id • Group classes absent
• Name • Live25s attended
• Membership • Progress on lessons started
• Level • Progress on online exercises of the
• Country level
• Group classes booked • Average grade

In addition to this, there is another tab on the excel sheet called ‘Glossary of Terms’ which
outlines the meaning of the headers and values in the detailed report. Here are the terms for
columns that you would need to refer to:
Student ID This is a unique ID generated by our platform for each student.
Membership Name of the course
Start date Date on which the student activated their course

www.britishcouncil.org 20
Expiration date Date on which the course access ends
These are live classes delivered by a teacher to a small group of
Group classes students and can be booked using 1 credit depending upon the course.
These are 25-minute language webinars that students can book as per
Live25 webinars their preference.
Number of lessons This is the number of lessons that the student has started, but not
started necessarily completed anything.
Progress on lessons This is the progress on the online exercises of all the lessons started by
started the student as a percentage.
This is the average grade achieved by the student on their self-access
online exercises. The student can attempt the exercises again to
Average grade improve their grade.

www.britishcouncil.org 21
Aptis Practice Course
1. What is the Official Aptis Practice Course?
The British Council’s official online Aptis course aims to prepare you for your upcoming Aptis
test with authentic practice questions and tips to help you achieve your best score.
It is suitable for test familiarisation and practice of Aptis General and Aptis ESOL General.

The course includes:

• Introductory videos – learn about the Aptis test format and what you will encounter on
test day.
• Practice zone – practice grammar and vocabulary, listening, reading, speaking and
writing questions.
• Downloadable content – share your speaking and writing performances with friends or
teachers to get further feedback.
• Study skills and tips – better understand the task types and how to practice improving
targeted skills.
• Timed practice tests – check your performance with two complete mock tests.
• Learner profile – review your course progress and course details.

1.1. Course Practice zone

1.1.1. Grammar and vocabulary
The grammar and vocabulary section follows the Aptis format, starting at the elementary level
(CEFR A1) and progressively moving up to upper intermediate level (CEFR B2). You will be shown
the correct answer to each question submitted as well as be able to track your overall progress.

1.1.2. Listening and reading

The listening and reading sections provide multiple practice opportunities for all Aptis task
types. Each question displays the correct answer along with an explanation, outlining the key
information in bolded text. Information that may be potentially distracting is underlined.

1.1.3. Speaking and writing

The speaking and writing sections present questions in exactly the same way as the real Aptis test.
For these sections, you have the opportunity to self-assess your performance based on examiner
criteria. You also have the option to download your responses to share with a peer or teacher for
further feedback.

1.2. Practice tests

In addition to learning about Aptis task types and practicing the targeted skills, Aptis Practice also
offers two simulated exam experiences for each skill area. You can access these through the
individual skill menus. These practice tests are timed and mimic an authentic Aptis test. Once you
have completed Practice test A, Practice test B will become available.

1.3. Your target score

www.britishcouncil.org 22
All questions in Aptis Practice are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages (CEFR). If you are targeting a specific CEFR score, you should aim to answer the
majority of the practice tasks at that level correctly. For example, if your target score is B1, you
should be able to answer most of the A1-B1 practice questions confidently.

2. Accessing the course

2.1. Registration

1. Go to the website: https://aptispractice.britishcouncil.org

2. Click on Sign up now
3. Register with your details
• Create your own password
• Enter the ‘Agent code’ provided by your institution/school

Confirm registration

1. Click on ‘Go to course’ under the Registration records tab

www.britishcouncil.org 23
2.2. Activate keycode

1. Use the keycode that you have been assigned

• The keycode will be in the format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

2. You can now access the course.

www.britishcouncil.org 24
Aptis Test
What is Aptis?

Aptis is an innovative global English assessment tool from the British Council. It is a suite of
English tests for adults and young adults, which can be used to assess English language ability
in all four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Aptis tests don’t test at a single level.
Instead, they include a range of questions, which are designed to allow candidates to show their
best ability. The test results are reported on a numerical scale (0–50) and as a level on the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Test Structure Overview

________ _______

______ ______

_______

Test Structure by Component | Practice Link

You can also take our free demo tests to familiarise yourself with the test look and feel, and we
have compiled useful hints and tips to make your Aptis test a success. There's also a series of
videos you can watch.
For more general preparation and useful exercises, we have plenty of free resources on our
Learn English website where you can practise and improve your English skills.

www.britishcouncil.org 25
Grammar and Vocabulary – Take Practice Test

The Grammar and Vocabulary component is the core element of the Aptis test. It has two
parts and you will have 25 minutes to complete it.

The first part tests your knowledge of English grammar and the second part focuses on your
knowledge of English vocabulary.

The Grammar and vocabulary test is marked on a scale from 0 to 50. No CEFR level is
awarded for this component but the score is used to assign you to the correct CEFR level for
the other skill components.
Part 1: Grammar

In the Grammar section, you will be presented with 25 multiple choice questions where you
should complete a sentence by choosing the correct option. Read the whole sentence before
choosing the answer.

You can flag up questions you find difficult and go back to complete them later in the test.

Part 2: Vocabulary

The vocabulary part also has 25 questions. There are several question types:

Word definition - match a word to its definition.

Word pairs - match a word to another word of very similar meaning.
Word usage - choose a word to be used in the context of a sentence.
Word combinations - combine words that are frequently used together.

Top tips for the Grammar and vocabulary test

Read all the options before choosing your answer.

After you have chosen an option, read the sentence again to check your answer before you
move on.
Do not spend too long on any of the questions. Remember you have to answer 50 questions
in 25 minutes. If you can’t think of the answer immediately, it’s better to continue with the test
and then come back to it later.
Improve your vocabulary through practice games and activities on the LearnEnglish website.

Reading – Take Practice Test

This component is divided into four sections and the tasks become more difficult as the test
progresses. The maximum time allowed for the reading component for Aptis General: 35
minutes

This tests your ability to understand a long text. Read the text carefully but as quickly as you
can. Then read the headings. Do this all before starting the task. For each paragraph, choose
the heading that best sums up the meaning of that paragraph.

www.britishcouncil.org 26
 Part 1: Sentence comprehension

In this first section, you will read a short text in the form of a note or an email. For five of the
sentences in the text, you need to choose a word to complete each sentence. This part tests
your ability to read and understand simple sentences. Make sure you read each sentence and
all the possible answers carefully before making your choice.

Part 2: Text cohesion

In this section, there are two different texts. Each text consists of six sentences, but only the
first sentence is in the correct place. For each text, you will be asked to put the other five
sentences in the correct order to make a complete text. There is only one correct way to
organise the sentences.

Part 3: Opinion matching

In this section you will read a text of four separate paragraphs on a common topic. Each
paragraph represents a person’s opinions or preferences about the topic. You will be asked to
match the people to seven statements provided.

Part 4: Long text comprehension

In this section, you will read a long text (about 750 words) consisting of eight paragraphs. You
are provided with eight headings. Your task is to match seven of the headings to seven of the
paragraphs in the text.

Top tips for the reading test

• Read all the sentences carefully first, then decide on the correct order. You need to
look for words that show how the sentences link with each other.
• To perform well in section two, first read each paragraph so you understand each
person’s point of view. Then read the statements and decide which person’s opinion it
best represents.
• In section three it is necessary to scroll the reading text to see all of it. Select the
appropriate heading from the drop-down list on the left-hand side. There is always an
extra heading that does not fit with any paragraph.
• And finally, it is important to remember that the best way to become a better reader is
to practise. Easy books written especially for English language learners might help.

Listening – Take Practice Test

The Aptis Listening Test contains 17 tasks and a total of 20 different recordings focusing on
different aspects of real-life listening. You will have around 40 minutes to complete the
listening test.

Part 1: Information recognition

www.britishcouncil.org 27
 In this section, you need to identify specific information such as a phone number, a time or a
place by listening to a short message or a dialogue.

Part 2: Information matching

Here you will listen to short monologues on a common topic by four different people. You will
be asked to match each speaker to a piece of information.

Part 3: Inference – discussion

Here you will listen to a man and woman discuss a topic and express certain opinions about
the topic. You will be asked to identify who expresses which opinion.

Part 4: Inference - longer monologues

You will listen to two longer monologues on different topics. You will be asked to identify the
speaker’s opinion or point of view on two aspects of the topic.

To listen, just click on the Play button. You can hear each recording twice.
Tips for your listening test:

• Read the questions carefully before listening, identify key words and understand what
it is you need to listen for.
• Watch for synonyms – you may see a word in a question and hear a different word with
a similar meaning in the audio.
• Use the second listening to check or confirm your answer.
• Listen to the whole recording before choosing your answer.

Writing – Take Practice Test

In this part of the test you will be able to demonstrate your ability to use written English in
real-life situations. There are four parts to the Writing test, all linked by a common topic.

You will be given a specific context in which you have joined a club, a course or a group. You
will respond to questions, contribute to a social-media type interaction, and write emails. All
tasks are marked by an examiner.

The maximum time allowed for the reading component for Aptis General: 50 minutes

Part 1: Word-level writing

In this part you need to respond in single words or short phrases to five text messages from
another member of the club or group.

Part 2: Short text writing

www.britishcouncil.org 28
 In this part, you will respond to a request for information from the club or group by writing
sentences. You are asked to write 20 to 30 words. You should focus on writing sentences that
are relevant to the request and have accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Part 3: Three written responses to questions

You will have to respond to three questions from other members of the club or group on a
social network platform. You are asked to write around 40 words for each response.

Part 4: Formal and informal writing

Here you are expected to write two emails in response to some information you have received
from the club or group.

You are asked to write a short informal email of 40 to 50 words to a friend, and a longer
formal email of 120 to 150 words to a person in authority. Both emails are on the same topic,
but should differ in terms of the language you use.

Make sure that you use the appropriate vocabulary for each email and also that you use
linking devices to make the text coherent. Also watch your grammar, punctuation and
spelling.

Top tips for the writing test:

• Make sure you fully understand the question and respond appropriately
• Plan what you are going to write before you start
• Remember to review your writing and correct any errors, before moving to the next
question
• Keep to the word limit – there is a word counter to help you keep track.
• Focus on accuracy

Speaking – Take Practice Test

The Aptis Speaking component tests your ability to communicate in English in real-life
situations.

It takes about 12 minutes and it is divided into four sections. Your responses will be recorded
and marked by our examiners.

If you are taking Aptis Advanced, you will have 10 minutes to complete this part.

Part 1: Sentence comprehension

You will be asked three questions about yourself and your interests. You are expected to
speak for 30 seconds for each question.

Part 2: Describe, express opinion and provide reasons and explanations

www.britishcouncil.org 29
 You will be asked to describe a photograph, then answer two questions on the topic of the
photograph. The questions will ask you to talk about your own experience of the topic and to
comment on some more general aspect of the topic. In this part you are expected to speak for
45 seconds for each response.

Part 3: Describe, compare and provide reasons and explanations

You will be asked to describe two photographs, then answer two questions on the topic of the
photographs. The questions will ask you to compare some aspect of the topic and to express
an opinion on or speculate about the topic. Again, you are expected to speak for 45 seconds
for each response.

Part 4: Discuss personal experience and opinion on an abstract topic

You will be asked three questions on a single topic and given one minute to prepare an
answer. You can take brief notes and use these to help structure your answer. You are
expected to talk for two minutes.
Top tips for the speaking test

• Make sure you understand the questions and respond appropriately and fully. Try to
explain or expand your answers.
• Use your preparation time in section four efficiently; keep your notes short and simple,
and think about how to structure your ideas logically
• Practice speaking as much as you can, do not worry too much about mistakes.
Instead, focus on whether your message was successfully communicated.
• Record yourself speaking and try to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation. To
prepare for speaking test, record yourself speaking as fluently as possible for a minute
or two.
• Try the following topics:
- introducing yourself;
- talking about your personal experiences & preferences;
- comparing two different things - perhaps two cities or two houses
• When you listen to your recording the key things to note are:
- grammatical accuracy
- appropriacy of vocabulary
- effective pronunciation
- hesitation
- well-sequenced ideas properly linked together

www.britishcouncil.org 30
TestReach App System Requirements and Configuration Guide

To ensure that all that the TestReach app performs correctly on the exam day you need to
check the system requirements and make changes to the configuration if necessary.

Minimum System Requirements:

Please ensure that all the system requirements below have been checked and are functioning
correctly.
• A laptop or computer running Windows v7.0+ or MacOS 10.10+ operating system
(MacOS BigSur users need to upgrade to 11.3+). Mobile phones, tablets, Chromebooks
or Surface Pros cannot be used.
• Intel Core i3 (or equivalent) and 4GB RAM
• A working microphone, laptop speakers or headset with built-in microphone.
• Internet speed of 2.4 Mbps is recommended, but 2 Mbps is satisfactory. A wired network
is highly recommended. To understand the internet requirement, a lab of 20 devices will
require a network speed of 50 Mbps. Dedicated network to the devices in use for this test
is preferred.
• A screen size of at least 13" and a resolution of 1024 x 768 is recommended.

We strongly recommend test-takers use a wired headset with built in microphone, that connects
to the computer using either a USB or 3.5mm jack cable connector. Wireless headsets or
mobile phone earbuds with built in microphones is not allowed.

Firewall Configuration

Please ensure that the following ports and domains have been enabled.
• Port 443

• Domains:
o *.testreach.com
o app.testreach.com
o mfs-app.testreach.com
o admin.testreach.com
o static-resources.testreach.com
o *.learnosity.com
o d9imhx3qzhdqq.cloudfront.net
o s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com
o *.datadoghq.com

PLEASE NOTE: Despite the inclusion of the *.testreach.com wildcard, please add all domains
above to ensure access.

Download the TestReach App

www.britishcouncil.org 31
To download the TestReach app please follow the following URL:
https://download.testreach.com/

Depending on your local system settings, it may be helpful to disable some startup programs in
Windows to avoid repeatedly closing them upon candidate access to the TestReach application.

To do this, follow these steps:

STEP 1 On Windows – open Task Manager (Alt+Ctrl+Delete) and look for the name of the
open application, process or service. If unable to locate it, check in the Background Processes
tab of Task Manager, then the Details tab and then the Services tab

On Mac – open Force Quit (Cmd+Opt+Esc) and look for the name of open application.

www.britishcouncil.org 32
STEP 2: Once located, select ‘End Task / Stop’ (Windows) ‘Force Quit’ (Mac) for the application
causing the browser violation.

STEP 3: Close Task Manager or Force Quit dialog.

STEP 4: If you are unable to find and close the application appearing in the error message, or the the
application keeps relaunching and prevents the test from being released, the application can be
searched in the ‘Startup’ tab in Task Manager and ‘Disable’ from there.

www.britishcouncil.org 33
Result Sample

Your results will be available 48 hours after the test has been taken and successfully uploaded. They will be sent to you by your
local British Council office.

www.britishcouncil.org
On the Day of Your Test

You might feel a bit nervous about your Aptis test. So that things go as smoothly as possible for
you, we've put together some information to help you understand what to expect on the day of
your test and things you must remember to do.

• Choose a quiet private space with a comfortable desk, chair and appropriate lighting in
the area.
• Sit directly in front of your computer screen and ensure you are always clearly visible.
• Turn off and put away your mobile phone.
• Check your system setup, close all irrelevant tabs and windows on your computer that
are not needed for the test.
• You are not allowed to leave the room or take breaks during the test.
• Make sure you are prepared and have had something to eat beforehand and have some
water available during the test.

Check Your Identification Documents

Your identity will be checked as part of the pre-test checks and on the day of the test. Please
ensure you have a valid ID and use the same valid ID throughout your onboarding and test
day.

Valid forms of ID include passport, identity card and biometric residence permit only if a photo is
included. Your ID must contain your full name and a photo of yourself on the same side.

Invalid or expired IDs will not be accepted. If you cannot provide a valid ID you will not be able
to sit the test.

Actions Not Allowed During Your Test

• cheating of any kind

• answering or checking your mobile phone during the test
• allowing another person to enter your test environment
• looking away from your computer screen and webcam for an extended period
• recording and taking a screenshot of the test questions
• copying and pasting or visiting another website during the test
• having food, or personal items such as wallet, sunglasses and other items not necessary
for testing.

www.britishcouncil.org
Final reports
Upon the successful completion of the training program, we will provide two comprehensive
reports. These reports offer valuable insights into both the program's overall performance and
effectiveness, as well as detailed assessments of individual progress, achievements, and areas
for further development for each student. Together, they provide a comprehensive
understanding of the training initiative and its outcomes.

Overall Summary Report

The Overall Summary Report delivers an in-depth perspective on the training program and its
impact, focusing on an analysis of the following:
• Participants' Performance Analytics on English Online courses: a detailed analysis
of participants' collective performance during the training program, offering statistical
insights into their achievements.
• Participants' Performance Analytics on self-access APTIS course:
• Participants' Program Feedback Analysis: Offering an analysis of the feedback
provided by participants to gain insights into the program's effectiveness.

Individual reports on each participant's performance

The Individual Reports offer personalized assessments of each participant's performance,
providing a detailed look at their achievements and areas for further development. This report
will include:
• Placement Test Results: Initial placement test results for each participant, offering
insights into their starting points in the training program.
• Evaluation of Progress on English Online courses: Participants' progress is assessed
at the mid and end of the course, providing them with insights about their development.
• Progress Monitor on APTIS course: The time participants are spending on each
component of the Aptis Practice Course is being monitored.
• Final Proficiency Test Result: Participants' final proficiency test results are
benchmarked against internationally recognized CEFR levels, allowing for a precise
gauge of their language proficiency.
• Attendance to English Online courses: Participant attendance is documented.
• Performance on APTIS practice test: Provides overview on the performance of the
participants in the practice test and see how many answers they got correct.
• Recommendations for further training: Based on participants' performance and
proficiency levels, recommendations are provided to guide their future language learning
endeavours by providing a list of our courses categorized by CEFR levels. This enables
students to choose additional courses based on their Aptis results if they wish to continue
their language development.

www.britishcouncil.org 36
Appendices
Appendix 1: CEFR Level Descriptors

• A1 - Beginner/Elementary: At this level, learners can understand and use familiar

everyday expressions and basic phrases to undertake specific, everyday basic
transactions. They can introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions
about personal details, and interact in a simple way provided the other person talks
slowly and clearly.

• A2 - Pre-Intermediate: A2 learners can understand sentences and frequently used

expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. They can communicate in
simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar
and routine matters. They can describe, in simple terms, aspects of their background,
immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.

• B1 - Intermediate: At this level, students can understand the main points of clear,
standard language input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school,
leisure, etc. They can handle most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area
where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics that
are familiar or of personal interest and can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes
and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

• B2 - Upper Intermediate: B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on
both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of
expertise. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular
interaction with expert users quite possible without strain for either party. They 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.

• C1 - Advanced: At C1 level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer

texts, and recognise implicit meaning. They can express ideas fluently and
spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language
flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. They can
produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use
of organisational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

• C2 - Proficiency: At the highest level, C2, individuals can understand with ease virtually
everything heard or read. They can summarise information from different spoken and
written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They
can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer
shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

www.britishcouncil.org 37
Appendix 2: Course curriculum for each level
Intermediate – B1 level
Theme Theme description Lesson's name Weeks
Ready to Finding new opportunities is easy if Your ideal job English for Work
Work you know exactly what you are - Week 1
looking for and spend enough time
preparing for it. The lessons in this Roles and responsibilities English for Work
module will show you how to get - Week 2
from thinking about your career Questions and advice English for Work
development to making it happen.
- Week 3
Strengths and English for Work
weaknesses - Week 4
Contracts of employment English for Work
- Week 5
Starting a new position English for Work
- Week 6
Meetings and Difficult meetings can become a little Dealing with complaints English for Work
Negotiations easier if you prepare well: read the - Week 7
reports to understand the situation,
collect data to present evidence, Preparing for a meeting English for Work
learn phrases for managing specific - Week 8
kinds of meetings like problem- Managing a meeting English for Work
solving meetings, performance
- Week 9
reviews or marketing discussions.
This module will prepare you for Reviewing performance English for Work
various kinds of negotiations in - Week 10
English.
A new product English for Work
- Week 11
Comparing products English for Work
- Week 12
Presentations The world of work is all about giving Preparing for a English for Work
and presentations and making presentation - Week 13
Networking connections with people. These
tasks can be a little less intimidating Giving a presentation English for Work
if you have the right language at - Week 14
your fingertips. In this module, you Planning an event English for Work
will learn a variety of functional
- Week 15
language to help you with good
presentations and practise Travel and English for Work
expressions for arranging events, accommodation - Week 16
organising travel and maintaining
Working together on English for Work
good work relationships. You will
projects - Week 17
better be able to discuss future
projects, give feedback and write Following up after English for Work
project reports. meetings - Week 18

www.britishcouncil.org 38
 Business Bring your best business ideas to life Finding the best supplier English Online -
Ideas after completing this theme. You'll Week 1
learn how to discuss, debate and
present your ideas in English, giving What are we doing English Online -
you the tools you need to succeed in wrong? Week 2
the workplace. I wouldn't choose there English Online -
Week 3
Improving the business English Online -
Week 4
The green workplace English Online -
Week 5
Building a case English Online -
Week 6
Writing in a Every language has correct and Emailing for information English Online -
structured incorrect ways of organising writing. Week 7
way Organising your writing in English
will mean you will be able to Applying for a job English Online -
communicate effectively with a wide Week 8
range of people in various contexts Writing an evaluation English Online -
throughout your life. Knowing how to
Week 9
form logical and clearly written
arguments in English will give you a Report writing English Online -
step up in your work and personal Week 10
life.
Describing data English Online -
Week 11
Comparing data English Online -
Week 12

www.britishcouncil.org 39
Upper-intermediate – B2 level
Theme Theme description Lesson's name Weeks
Working with Whether it's an external client, English for Work
Clients colleague or line manager, we Your ideal company
- Week 1
want them all to have a positive
impression of our work. The English for Work
What is the outcome
lessons in this module will help you - Week 2
report on the outcomes of your
English for Work
work, present and review projects, Networking
- Week 3
as well as give and receive
feedback. English for Work
Project planning
- Week 4
Congratulations and English for Work
praise - Week 5
English for Work
Looking at feedback - Week 6
Changes of Even the best plans won't work if English for Work
Plan we don't adjust them according to Discussing concerns
- Week 7
the situation. The lessons in this
module will take you from hearing Communicating English for Work
the news about a change to appropriately - Week 8
discussing how to adapt to the
English for Work
change and improve your plans. Revising plans
- Week 9
You will also talk about making
presentations and expectations for Discussing revised plans English for Work
training, which will also help you in with a client - Week 10
the fast-changing world of work.
English for Work
Presentations
- Week 11
English for Work
Talking about training - Week 12
Evaluating A good performance at the English for Work
Performance workplace is everything, but a Performance evaluations
- Week 13
performance evaluation can be
daunting. Using the right language Appraisals and future English for Work
to performance can help us roles - Week 14
through some tough spots. The
Good news and English for Work
lessons in this module take you
encouragement - Week 15
through conversations about
ambitions, promotions, and job Collaborating with English for Work
frustrations during appraisals. You colleagues - Week 16
will learn range of language to help
you evaluate a team member's English for Work
Skills and talents
performance, collaborate with - Week 17
colleagues and discuss future
prospects and interests at the Looking ahead
English for Work
workplace. - Week 18

www.britishcouncil.org 40
 Effective Meetings are a time when many English Online -
Meetings people feel under pressure and Presenting ideas
Week 1
your language ability is put under
the spotlight. Here you'll learn English Online -
Diplomacy
useful language to do with Week 2
meetings and practise taking part
Talking about talents and English Online -
effectively in different kind of
skills Week 3
meetings.
Dealing with awkward English Online -
situations Week 4
English Online -
Behaviour at school
Week 5
English Online -
Kamana Island Week 6
Writing When it comes to writing, it is English Online -
accurately important to produce work which is Writing a proposal
Week 7
free from errors! The people who
read your writing, whether English Online -
Applying for a job
colleagues, bosses, customers, or Week 8
friends and family, will form
English Online -
judgements about based on how Problems at work
Week 9
effectively and accurately it is
contracted. Knowing how to use English Online -
grammar and vocabulary Structuring a report
Week 10
effectively in English will mark you
out as someone who should be Making deductions and English Online -
listened to. recommendations Week 11
Describing business English Online -
trends Week 12

www.britishcouncil.org 41
Advanced – C1 level

Theme Theme description Lesson's name Weeks

Changing Businesses and expansion go hand in Understanding the English for Work -
and growing hand. In this module, you will immerse issues in a merger Week 1
a business yourself in mergers and look at
handling delicate situations with Addressing concerns English for Work -
employees and clients during times of about a merger Week 2
change. The lessons will help you
English for Work -
better assess new markets, deal with Planning for growth
Week 3
competition, and get your clients
onside using effective communication. Candidate selection English for Work -
process Week 4
Trends and their effects English for Work -
on business Week 5
Getting clients and English for Work -
customers onside Week 6
People and Clients and customers are at the heart Organising a client English for Work -
events of every business. This module will event Week 7
help you with language for
negotiations, handling client concerns English for Work -
Negotiating
and managing complex situations in Week 8
the world of work. The lessons will
English for Work -
also walk you through corporate Press launch
Week 9
social responsibilities and
environmental elements that come in English for Work -
to play while planning large scale Complex situations
Week 10
projects.
Environmental and English for Work -
social impact Week 11
Reports and English for Work -
presentations Week 12
Product Explore the nitty-gritty of technical English for Work -
research processes, and master language to Data and information
Week 13
and talk about supply chain and delivery
development systems in this module. The lessons English for Work -
Summarising
will also help you research your Week 14
competitors and get a sense of the
English for Work -
attitudes and feelings of your Customer needs
Week 15
customers, which is of paramount
importance in the business world. English for Work -
Getting results
Week 16
English for Work -
Technical descriptions
Week 17
English for Work -
Ethical business Week 18

www.britishcouncil.org 42
 Employment In this theme you'll study a range of English Online -
matters topics to help you get ahead at work. The 9 team roles
Week 1
You'll learn about teamworking and
creativity in the workplace, as well as Creative decision English Online -
negotiation techniques and making Week 2
workplaces of the future.
English Online -
Staff induction
Week 3
English Online -
Community centre
Week 4
English Online -
Win-win negotiations
Week 5
English Online -
Future shock Week 6
Writing for From emails to proposals, reports to English Online -
impact mission statements, writing has Recommendation letter
Week 7
permeated our work life and is here to
stay. However, will your message stay Team morale English Online -
in the readers' memory? The lessons Week 8
in this theme will show you how to
English Online -
achieve the most emotional impact Team leader
Week 9
with your writing work.
English Online -
Team building
Week 10
English Online -
Urban redesign
Week 11
English Online -
Mission statement Week 12

www.britishcouncil.org 43
Appendix 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Need some help getting started with your course? Find some useful answers below!
1. About your course

Your English Online course includes access to:

• group classes with an expert British Council teacher: You will learn with other students at the
same level as you, and you will receive instant feedback. At the end of each class, the teacher
will share valuable class materials with you for additional practice.
• premium online exercises: Each live class you attend includes access to premium online
exercises. These exercises will help you improve your reading, listening and vocabulary
skills,and you should complete them before attending that class so that you will be prepared and
make the most of it.
• 25-minute grammar or pronunciation webinars called Live25 sessions: You can use these
sessions as an opportunity for additional practice between your regular group classes - if you
need extra help with understanding English verb tenses or how to use intonation in a sentence,
Live25 sessions offer you the opportunity to advance your knowledge! You can book and attend
4 Live25 sessions per calendar month for the entire duration of your course.
• extra study: You can also further practise your English skills with the content available inside our
‘Extra study’ tab, where you will find even more resources to help you learn! You can access your
exercises at any time during your course.

2. Group classes - improve your confidence and skills

What are the benefits of group classes?

Participating in group classes with other students who have a similar level of English gives you plenty of
opportunities for speaking practice. By regularly attending group classes, your confidence in using English
outside the virtual classroom will grow and grow. This is because what you do in class - speaking English
in a conversational context - is exactly how you use English in real life. With group classes, you also enjoy
the support and camaraderie of your classmates and you will receive instant feedback from your teacher
on your English speaking.

How to join a live class

When you login to your account all your upcoming group classes will be available to attend inside
your dashboard.

You can view your first 2 classes from your dashboard, from the section called ‘Your next bookings.’ To
view the rest of your classes, you can go to the ‘Progress’ section available in the top-right corner of your
homepage and click on the filter ‘Upcoming.’

Before taking your first class, please make sure you have downloaded the free and secure Zoom software,
which we use for our virtual classrooms. You can test your equipment here:
https://www.zoom.us/test to ensure optimal class participation.

We also recommend that you complete the online exercises linked to a group class before attending that
group class. This will help you get the most out of your class.

www.britishcouncil.org 44
Once you have successfully installed Zoom, just log into your English Online account and go to
‘Home.’ You will see the section ‘Your upcoming classes’’ on the right side of your dashboard. Next to your
upcoming class, you will see the ‘Join’ button, which you can click to attend your class. This will redirect
you to your online classroom where you must wait for the teacher to let you in.

Remember:

1. The ‘Join’ button will only become available on the portal 15 minutes before your scheduled
class time.
2. We recommend you join classes using a desktop or laptop device to ensure you can download
the materials provided by the teacher at the end of the lesson and make full use of Zoom’s
functionalities for learning.
3. Make sure to download and test your Zoom software before the class starts. From your account
settings, you can Check for Updates before class and install any new features.
4. Your name on Zoom must be written in English and must be identical to the name available on
your English Online account. This way your teacher will know who you are and will let you join
the class right away.
5. Test your earphones and microphone to make sure everything is working before your class
starts.
6. Please make sure to always have your webcam on when you join the class. This is to ensure that
you can fully participate and that the teacher can engage with you.

If you have any issues joining your class, contact Customer Support using this contact form, or by
emailing [email protected] with a screenshot of the issue / error, and we will be
happy to help.

How can I download the class presentation?

You can download the class presentation (PDF) from your ‘Progress’ tab. Once inside this page, first
select the filter ‘Past’ from the right side of the menu (to only view classes already taken), then select the
class you have just attended and finally scroll down to the section called ‘Review class materials.’ You
will see your file ready to download from this section.

Important: it might take up to 24 hours for the class PDF to be available for download. If you have any
problems downloading your class materials, please contact Customer Support using this contact form.

Are there any technical requirements?

To access your student portal and attend our live online classes, you will need:

• a desktop or laptop computer

• a reliable Internet connection
• a headset or headphones with a built-in microphone
• a speaker and a webcam.

Please note:

English Online classes take place using the free and secure Zoom software. Please make sure to
download Zoom to your device before your class begins.

www.britishcouncil.org 45
We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to access the English Online platform as some
portal features may not work properly on other browsers.

When accessing the online exercises, please always connect to the portal from a desktop or a laptop
device to avoid any errors with your study progress.

Please refer to our code of conduct for students for more information.

Can I cancel or reschedule a class?

It is not possible to change the schedule of your course once you have selected your class times.

If you are unable to attend one of your scheduled classes, please note it is not possible to cancel the
class and then attend it at a later date. This means that any class that is not attended at the scheduled
time will be lost and you will be marked absent.

What if I am late to a class or have connectivity issues?

The full lesson should be attended to make the most out of your course. However, if you are late or have
connectivity issues during the lesson, the teacher will mark you present or absent based on whether you
are in the lesson long enough to be able to achieve the learning objective. If you have connectivity
issues please try to reconnect to the class as soon as you can.

3. Online exercises
Your English Online course includes access to premium online exercises that will help you improve your
reading, listening and vocabulary skills, as well as help you practice and revise what you have learnt during
your group class.

You can access your class exercises from the ‘Progress’ tab by clicking on an upcoming class, or a class
that has already taken place. We recommend you complete your exercises before attending the group
class, however your access to these exercises is unlimited for the entire duration of your course - this
means you can access them at any time and at your own pace.

4. Live25 - live streamed language sessions

What is a Live25 session?
Live25 is a live streamed language session that focuses on one aspect of English grammar or
pronunciation. Delivered by one of our expert British Council teachers, each session is 25 minutes long.

What is the benefit?

Improve your knowledge of English so that you can write and speak with more accuracy and fluency.
Live25 sessions are the perfect revision tool to keep you engaged between your scheduled group
classes.

What will I learn in a Live25 session?

In every Live25 Grammar session, your teacher will explain different areas of grammar going through
what they mean and how to use them. Examples include the verb tenses (present, past and future), or

www.britishcouncil.org 46
those related to parts of speech (adverbs, prepositions, comparatives) or questions (question tags,
question formation).

In every Live25 Pronunciation session, your teacher will demonstrate different aspects of pronunciation:
sounds and their combinations, word stress, sentence stress and intonation. You will learn how to speak
more naturally and how to understand fast-connected speech in English.

Can I ask questions in a Live25 session?

The session will be presented by the teacher, but students can ask as many questions as they like in the
chat. This means you can join a Live25 session from a mobile device and you do not have to have your
camera connected.

How can I book a Live25 session?

There are Live25 sessions available at all different times of day and night, so you can join a Live25 at any
time that suits you!

You will see a Live25 section on your ‘Home’ screen, available right below your dashboard. Simply choose
the Live25 session you wish to attend, depending on your topic or timetable preference, and then click to
‘Book.’

You can book and attend 4 Live25 sessions per calendar month for the entire duration of your
course.

5. Extra study
In addition to the live class exercises, you can find more helpful resources inside the tab ‘Extra study’,
which you can browse between your scheduled classes/Live25 sessions as a way to practise and stay
engaged with the material. You will expand your knowledge related to regular, every-day topics, as well
as useful grammar topics.

6. Your course progress

How to track your progress
You will receive instant feedback by your teacher during every live class. This will help you understand
your strong points and the areas you need to focus on more in order to reach your study goals. You will
also be assessed throughout the course by your teacher, who will then decide at which level you should
continue your studies.

You can also track your progress using the information available on your dashboard, from the ‘Home’
page. Your dashboard will be updated in real time as your course progresses and will include:

• How much of your course you have already completed (%)

• How many classes you have attended
• How many exercises you have completed

You will also receive a British Council badge when you have attended 5, 15, 25, 50, 90 and 100 classes.
These can be downloaded and shared to show your progress.

www.britishcouncil.org 47
How can I change my level?

Your level has been set based on your English Score test results so once the course has started it is not
possible to change your level.

How can I get my certificate?

You will have access to platform-generated certificates which include the total number of hours you
studied with us and your CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level.
These certificates are updated in real-time after every class you attend, and they can be downloaded at
any time directly from your English Online account. There is no final examination necessary to obtain
your certificate of attendance for the course. However, to receive the Candidate Test Report of your
level, you would have to take the Aptis test at the end and download that certificate from the app.

Our certificates bear the British Council logo and attest to your hard work as our student. You can share
your certificate on your LinkedIn page or download it to your device for personal use.

To download your course certificate, please go to your ‘Home’ page and click on the icon ‘Achievements’
from inside your dashboard. From the page that opens, click the download button right next to your
certificate preview. You can download this certificate at any time and as many times as you need.

7. How to manage your account

How can I update my Profile?
Click on your name in the top right-hand corner. You will see a dropdown menu including various options
to choose from.

• Profile: select this option to update your profile information. Inside you will find:
▪ Profile tab: select this option to update your profile photo.
▪ Communication tab: select this option to update your communication preferences.
▪ Change password tab: select this option to change your password.
▪ Time zone options tab: select this option to update your time zone or preferred time format
(12-hour clock or 24-hour clock).

• Account status: select this option to change your payment method

• Help section: select this option to find the FAQs.

Can I share my account with a friend?

No, it is not possible to share your account. Your English Online account is unique and personalised for
your individual needs.

8. Additional FAQS

• Feedback / complaints from students – students should contact customer support:

https://englishonline.britishcouncil.org/contact/

• Safeguarding concerns during lessons – teachers will raise any concerns about safeguarding
with the English Online safeguarding focal point

www.britishcouncil.org 48
 • I didn’t get my first choice of class times – Although every effort has been made to give
students their first choice of class times, unfortunately this is not possible for everyone, so in
these rare cases second and third choices are used.

www.britishcouncil.org 49