General English Courses are structured so that you learn quickly on how to apply proper grammar in writing and the right phrasing in your conversational English . Each course is taught online or in-class, and with small class sizes at our conveniently located campus, a 1-minute walk from the Wellesley subway station.

Want to try it out? We offer sample classes where you can sit in on a class and see if our approach is the right option for you to take your English to the next level!

Course Description

General English offers an integrated curriculum where students learn essential grammar, vocabulary and language skills in structured and contextualized lessons. Centred around a theme, each unit includes at least two grammar focuses and multiple listening, reading, and speaking exercises while targeting a specific real world speaking and writing function. Lessons are taught with the communicative approach, encouraging students to develop their fluency and confidence in English.

Resources

General English utilizes the second edition of National Geographic Learning’s Life series, published in 2019. While focusing content around the four receptive and productive skills, it also contains Real Life sections that provide students with the tools needed to successfully navigate various everyday situations in English. Consequently, the vocabulary and expressions covered in the texts are functional and conceptualized, covering both formal and informal language. There are six levels in the series, each with a student book complemented by supplementary materials from a teachers’ book, a workbook, and National Geographic Online.

Assessment

Each level consists of eight weeks of content. In the General English program, students are assessed on a daily basis in addition to unit quizzes and a skills test every three units. At the end of each level, or eight weeks, the students’ grades are examined, and those who maintain an average of 65% or above are graduated to the next level.

Bi-Weekly Overview

Each level is divided into four two week blocks. During the two weeks, students are given a 30 minute quiz that focus on the vocabulary and grammar points after the completion of each unit, for a total of three quizzes. The final 1 hour test is given at the end of the two weeks, targeting the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills developed. Quizzes are given on days 3, 6, and 9 of each block and the skills test is administered on the final day of the block. Students can expect homework to be assigned on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 to help assess student progress and comprehension.

Entrance and Exit Requirements

Students entering the General English program will follow placement procedure, beginning with a written test online or upon arrival at the school, after which they will be interviewed and placed into their appropriate levels. Successful completion of a level and advancement to the next level requires students to achieve an average score of 65% or higher.

For more advanced learners, MLA Toronto offers academic English courses at our campus in downtown Toronto. Many learners graduate to this level from general English, or come to improve their English, to prepare for the workplace.

Business English

An ideal course for students seeking to improve their communication in English-speaking business environments. Students in this course will learn business vocabulary and language forms, research and presentation skills, and global business issues. Students will also prepare thematic weekly projects using listening / reading materials taken from various relevant sources.

Hospitality English

This is a learning experience designed for individuals looking to use English in the hospitality and tourism industry. Course materials cover a variety of essential topics such as travel and tourism, telephone etiquette, and English for presentations, meeting and correspondence, and office management. Students are also given the opportunity to explore the hospitality industry in Toronto.

Presentation Skills

Developed for Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate level students seeking to improve their confidence in public speaking and fluency in naturally spoken English. In this course, students engage in meaningful guided discussions, debate on a wide-range of relevant social topics and issues, and prepare presentations based on weekly thematic points using relevant research and learned speaking skills.

Pronunciation and Listening

This course helps students understand and produce more natural forms of English while targeting pronunciation points common in first language transfer. Using popular songs, TV shows and films, and a variety of communicative activities, students explore and perfect the nuances of the English language.

IELTS Exam Preparation

Our IELTS test preparation courses are designed to teach students the valuable test-taking and language skills necessary to successfully navigate and pass standardized tests of English proficiency.

Elective English Courses

IELTS Classes are designed to teach students valuable test-taking and language skills necessary to successfully navigate and pass the Academic IELTS test. We offer a 2 in 1 formation that includes practical English for real-life situations and at the same time English for academic purposes.

IELTS Classes are ideal for:

• International students enrolled in college or university
• For immigration purposes
• People that are working in full-time jobs and want to improve their English in the workplace
• Parents who are caring for children during the day and want to improve their English

The Benefits of IELTS Classes: 

• Convenient downtown location: steps from Wellesley TTC station
• Small class sizes with 14 students maximum
• Experienced teachers who care about your progress

IELTS Evening Class Schedule:

• Monday to Thursday: 6 pm – 8 pm
• 4-week cycle