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The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) promotes intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

You are here: Home / News / Academic English vs General English: Should I improve my Academic English Skills?

October 21, 2021

Academic English vs General English: Should I improve my Academic English Skills?

What is the difference between Academic English and General English?

Imagine walking into a party where everybody speaks English. 

What kind of English will you hear? What English will you speak to make friends?  While socializing, you will use General English, whether chatting with new neighbors or ordering a pizza.

Now imagine sitting down in a university classroom in Boston, Massachusetts. What will you hear the professor say? What will you say in class, read for homework, and write on the exam? 

Whether collaborating with classmates on a research project or drafting an essay for your degree, you will use Academic English.

In other words, you use Academic English at school (and maybe work) and General English pretty much everywhere else. To study and work in the USA, you need Academic English skills.

General English can include the use of slang expressions, more relaxed (but still correct) grammatical structures, and vocabulary for everyday objects, activities, and feelings. In other words, General English is what you’ll hear and use when people are at ease, communicating freely with friends and family. General English is the foundation of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation upon which academic English stands.

Academic English uses specialized vocabulary, careful sentence structure, and objective facts, details, and reasoning. Similar to general English, you need control of basic verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions. However, you also must be able to understand and use academic English vocabulary, such as that found on the Academic World List, in addition to advanced vocabulary specific to your career. 

An English proficiency test for a US university will measure both General English and Academic English. That means you can’t skip general English knowledge, which includes verb, noun, and adjective forms, and hurry ahead to academic English, which requires accurate word formation to create complex sentences.

Next, we’ll look deeper into where you use academic English and define Limited English proficiency.

Later in this article, we’ll talk about the different levels of English proficiency, academic English proficiency tests, and university expectations for English proficiency.

First, a few more words about the usefulness and ubiquity (it’s everywhere, even if you don’t notice it) of academic English.

Where do you use Academic English?

Whatever your major–business, literature, or science–you hear, speak, read, and write academic English when you attend an American university. 

In the classroom, you use academic English when working alone, with partners, and with instructors. That means pretty much all the time, except when you socialize during your free time.

Where else do you use Academic English? On a college campus, you use academic English to visit the writing center to get help revising an essay assignment or creating a resume.

Speaking of jobs, you use academic English to get advice about internships in the US at the career counseling center.

In the science lab, you use academic English to read instructions, perform experiments, and report results. 

At the library, you use academic English to do research, ask for help from the librarian, and collaborate on a group project with classmates. 

The list goes on about all the ways to use English for academic purposes on campuses in the US, from Boston, Massachusetts to Los Angeles, California, from a dorm room study group to an auditorium lecture.

The American workplace often involves academic English, too. 

Developing a product at a tech company? Researching data at a marketing firm? Managing a retail environment? 

While you may use general English to interact with customers and collaborate with colleagues, you may use academic English to write reports, present at conferences, and produce official documents for the company.

Even in daily life, academic English comes in handy. News articles use academic English to explain global events.  TV and radio interviews with smart people use academic English to explore ideas. Science fiction movies use academic English to describe technology.

The good news is that you can develop Academic English proficiency every day in your free time. You can watch TED Talks related to your major.  You can listen to the BBC or NPR news in English while driving or exercising, not to mention downloading podcasts on science, business, politics, or technology. While waiting in line, you can read The New York Times or Wall Street Journal on your phone. 

All these free, everyday sources expose you to fact-based reasoning, precisely worded sentences, and impactful verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

Then, by joining an Intensive English Program you practice speaking and writing academic English, benefiting from peer collaboration and instructor feedback.

What is ‘Limited English proficiency’?

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is a term used in the United States to describe a person who cannot use English fluently. Individuals with Limited English Proficiency may need an interpreter or special assistance to access US government services, meet daily needs, and communicate with native English speakers.

An individual with Limited English Proficiency lacks the ability to speak, write, and understand both General English and Academic English.  Limited English Proficiency means it’s difficult for the English user to navigate life in the USA, doing things such as getting a driver’s license, visiting the doctor, or interacting with clerks.

If you’re living in the USA and have Limited English proficiency, the U.S. government is not allowed to discriminate against you. In fact, the U.S. government is required to treat you fairly, offer all services and benefits, and provide assistance in your native language. 

An individual with Limited English Proficiency is not ready for Academic English preparation or applying to college in the USA. The best place to start is by joining an Intensive English Program at a beginning level to build general English.

After building a strong foundation of general English, an individual can move on to achieve academic English.

Next,  let’s dig deeper into the details of academic English and answer the following questions:

  • How many levels of English language proficiency are thereNicholas Cage pointing and saying (and where does Academic English fit in)?
  • How do I know my English proficiency?
  • What level of English do I need to get into a university in the USA?

Academic English proficiency levels

In part 1 of this article, we touched on differences between general English and academic English and defined Limited English proficiency.

Now let’s talk about the different levels of English proficiency, academic English proficiency tests, and university expectations for English proficiency.

How many levels of English language proficiency are there (and where does Academic English fit in)?

There are different tests and tools to measure levels of English language proficiency.

A good place to start is the CEFR (The Common European Framework).  The Council of Europe developed this framework to measure language proficiency for all languages, not just English. 

Used as the basis for many English proficiency tests, the CEFR is divided into six broad proficiency levels:

  • A1: Breakthrough. Just the basics of English. Beginner.
  • A2: Waystage. Skilled with the basics of general English. High Beginner.
  • B1: Threshold.  Skilled with general English and the basics of academic English.   Intermediate.
  • B2: Vantage:  Skilled with Academic English and often ready for university in the USA. High Intermediate.
  • C1: Proficiency. Proficient with Academic English and definitely ready for university (and possibly an internship) in the USA. Advanced.
  • C2: Mastery. Close to a native speaker. Fluent.

The results of an English proficiency test like the TOEFL or IELTS can be correlated to the CEFR proficiency levels.

For example, a score of 85 on the TOEFL iBT or a 6.5 on the IELTS correlates to a B2 English proficiency level, which is good enough for many (but not all) American universities.

In contrast, a score of 50 on the TOEFL iBT or a 5.5 on the IELTS correlates to a B1 English proficiency level, which is NOT accepted by most American universities.

How do you determine Limited English Proficiency?  While it’s hard to put an exact number on Limited English Proficiency, the following English proficiency test benchmarks give an idea:

  • A1 and A2 English proficiency levels according to the Common European Framework (CEFR).
  • 40 or below on the TOEFL iBT English proficiency test.
  • 4 or below on the IELTS English proficiency test.

How do I know my English proficiency?

The best way to learn (and improve) your English proficiency level is to join an Intensive English program. In the best Intensive English Programs, you study English in realistic academic situations, such as group projects, essay assignments, and presentations.  English for academic purposes includes the ability to obtain, analyze, and produce new knowledge.

When you invest in Academic English preparation, you should not focus on what you “know” or “understand” in your head. 

Instead, you should focus on what you can do in English.

CEFR English language proficiency standards are organized around “can do” statements that involve speaking, listening, writing, reading, and performing different language tasks. For example:

  • Can you write a 5-page paper defending an original thesis statement, opinion, or claim?
  • Can you give an oral presentation on a technical subject connected to your major or job? 
  • Can you take notes while listening to a lecture on a technological breakthrough, a scientific study, or other unfamiliar topic?

A quick way to test your English proficiency level right now is to go to the CEFR Self-Assessment Grid.  Follow the English link to read the grid, which contains I can do statements.

Read the I can statements and match what you think you can do with the English proficiency level, A1 to C2. 

Be honest. Which English proficiency level best matches what you can do?

A2 means you’re still building general English you’re not ready to take an English proficiency test yet. Keep working on basic sentences with verbs, nouns, adjectives, and connecting words, plus pronunciation and listening in conversations.

B1 means you’re beginning academic English and could be ready for university within a year by studying paragraphs, essays, and in-depth discussions. 

What level of English do I need to get into a university in the USA?

The short answer is that most American universities are looking for students with B2 English proficiency level or higher. Many top schools require C1, while others may accept B1 and possibly offer extra support to manage.

If you’re applying for university in the USA, you’ll need to take an English proficiency test to measure your Academic English.  An English proficiency test will measure what you “can do” through tasks that combine speaking, writing, listening, and reading Academic English (with some General English mixed in to assess your overall English proficiency).

Academic English proficiency requires precise vocabulary, accurate grammar, and clear organization. To succeed in an American university, you must also be able to do research, analyze data, and think critically.

General English, in contrast, means the language you use in daily life to survive, socialize, and travel. General English varies by region and includes different dialects, usage, and slang. For instance, if you travel around the USA, you’ll find slightly different ways of using and speaking general English in New England, California, and Texas.

In contrast, Academic English is basically the same everywhere, from Northampton,  Massachusetts to Northampton, England. Academic English proficiency levels require universal standards of structure, formality, and vocabulary.

In short, General English may vary from region to region, but Academic English is mostly the same everywhere, from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Cambridge, England.

Studying in an Intensive English program is like practicing going to an American university. You receive training, make mistakes, and overcome difficulties in a supportive learning community. Full English immersion in a welcoming community in the USA builds both your general English and academic English.

Related blog articles about how to learn English

While you book your online English Program or Intensive English course or other academic English or business English course, improve your language skills by reading our free English articles or watching our free English lesson videos.  

  • Study how to improve English for academic purposes. You may be comfortable using social English. But what about the English at universities and in textbooks? 
  • Learn how business and academic English lessons can broaden your mind and open up a world of opportunities.  Academic and business English writing specialization pays off professionally by improving your ability to edit phrases, structure arguments, and persuade peers.
  • Learn techniques for brainstorming essay ideas for typical assignments in Academic English lessons or business English courses. 
  • Learn techniques for outlining essay ideas for typical assignments in Academic English lessons or business English courses. 
  • Watch fun and informative videos with English tips useful for work, school, and creative writing. We continuously update our free English playlists of easy-to-understand videos. 

Bringing decades of passion as educators, at ILI Massachusetts we believe in open access to education for language learners around the world, regardless of race, religion, gender identification, physical and mental abilities, economic standing, documentation status, and educational levels.

Article by ILI Staff / News

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Celebrating the last day of September’s program Celebrating the last day of September’s program with an amazing potluck. Congratulations to Frank for a very successful program. He will be starting a new job at the @uconn on Monday. And happy moon festival, everyone! 🌕
It's a new school year! Here are some highlights o It's a new school year! Here are some highlights of some of the exciting things happening at ILI! ⭐️

•We doubled the number of sections—from 5 to 10—in the free English program for immigrants and refugees. 

•144 students from 29 countries now study online and in-person in standard evening classes and in a new, intensive morning course—all to help them reach their education and career goals! 

•French, German, Italian and Spanish classes are underway with 120 students from across New England learning mostly in person and also online.

•27 International students from 18 countries are spending one to three months or more in our intensive English course. Many stay with host families in the area and are mutually sharing cultural traditions.

•21 employees at Baystate Health, one of ILI’s business partners, are improving their English through our workplace language training program. We tailor the curricula to suit each business, in this case the needs of healthcare workers.

•Students from New Hampshire, Northampton, Pennsylvania and Vermont are enrolled in our online teacher training program, gaining skills that will enable them to teach English to speakers of other languages right here at home or around the world!

•ILI is getting a makeover, thanks in part to a grant from the City of Northampton’s American Rescue Plan Act funds and in collaboration with our landlord, Emerald City Partners. Looking forward to larger classrooms, improved airflow and other renovations, all in compliance with post-COVID recommendations, to better serve students and western Massachusetts communities.

The support from our community helps to make these things possible through donations + investments in ILI’s IMPACT Fund. Visit ili.edu to learn more.
Free English classes expand and so does ILI’s te Free English classes expand and so does ILI’s teacher corps! Meet Greg Kerstetter, another new teacher on the Free English Program Team! 

Greg started teaching elementary school in 2001, switching to teaching from a 10-year stint writing for local newspapers. After nearly 20 years of teaching fourth and fifth grade, he left elementary school teaching to write full-time, both poetry and essays. Greg graduated from ILI’s intensive TESOL program in the fall of 2022.

Learn more about our Free English Program at ili.edu ⭐️

#ili #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #englishprogram #staffspotlight
Unlock your potential! 🔓 With a TESOL Certifica Unlock your potential! 🔓 With a TESOL Certificate, you are qualified to teach English language learners anywhere in the world. 🌏 The International Language Institute of Massachusetts's next Intensive TESOL Certificate Online Course is coming up October 16th-November 10th!

Whether you’re a new or experienced ESL/EFL/ESOL instructor, our World Learning SIT Graduate Institute TESOL intensive course provides practical skills to become a more successful teacher and make a greater impact on the lives of your students.

The SIT TESOL Certificate course is a 180-hour English teacher training program in which you will experiment with and reflect on key teaching frameworks, core TESOL concepts, and multiple language acquisition tools. 

SIT-certified TESOL trainers guide you through a comprehensive curriculum with the following modules: learning, teaching, speaking, pronunciation, structure, listening, reading, writing, and culture.

Learn more and sign up today ili.edu/programs/tesol-certificate ✨ For more information email macey@ili.edu
ILI is looking for local families, living within w ILI is looking for local families, living within walking distance of ILI in downtown Northampton or on a bus route, to host adult international students enrolled in the school's intensive English courses. Currently we have students from 17 different countries studying at the school. It’s a wonderful way to welcome very interested and interesting people as they work on their English skills. And it’s a terrific opportunity for you to broaden your cultural experiences, sharing your family’s traditions with the students as they share theirs with you. 

Hosts receive a weekly stipend to cover their costs ($150 a week for a private room without meals; $250 a week for a private room with meals). The length of stay can vary with the minimum stay of one month. Students attend intensive English classes at ILI Mondays-Thursdays 9-2:30 and Fridays 9-noon.  Visit ili.edu for more information.

And for a first-hand experience about hosting, read Greg Kerstetter's article, Hosting international students is rewarding. Greg teaches in our free English program- read his article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette here: https://www.gazettenet.com/Guest-Columnist-Kerstetter-51945600

Photo by @vagabundodeltiempo 
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Free English classes expand and so does ILI’s te Free English classes expand and so does ILI’s teacher corps! 

And speaking of the 2023-2024 school year, we have expanded the number of “seats” in the free English program by 72% over the past few years, starting this month! How did this come about? Last December, we received news from our partner, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, that they accepted our proposal to expand the program, including the addition of a new intensive morning class.

 And that brought about a need to grow our teaching corps. Over the next few days we'll spotlight some of the new teachers in the free English program team.

Meet Calebb Louis
Calebb holds a B.A. in literature and political science from Rutgers University, an M.A. in applied linguistics and a TESOL graduate certificate from Texas A&M University. He is working on an MFA in creative writing at Drexel University.

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