Academic Information
English Language Instruction Methodology
MLS English language instructors are native speakers of English who employ the communicative approach to develop students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through context-rich exercises which incorporate elements of academic, professional, and daily life. Emphasis is placed upon student production: speaking and writing. Small class sizes with a maximum of ten students, but an average size of six students, ensure that all class participants have the opportunity to develop their language skills.
English Language Development Evaluation
Language comprehension and production are evaluated in each class meeting through teacher observations of student performance. Student language development is also evaluated through homework, two quizzes and one exam per term.
Academic Reports
Students' language skill development is tracked in monthly academic reports which assess course comprehension,
participation, and homework completion. Absences and incidents of tardiness are also detailed in these reports.
Student Counseling
Students who face challenges in their language learning and academic progress receive free counseling services in
order to help them succeed in their studies and language acquisition.
Academic Accreditation
The MLS English language program is currently preparing for academic accreditation. Upon accreditation, it will
be the first academically-accredited, community-based, English language program in New England.
Level Equivalencies
The MLS English language program offers 12 levels of courses ranging from Level 1 (absolute beginner) to Level 12 (for those with native-like proficiency). The table below presents our level structure in relation to some common frames of reference for describing English abilities.
MLS Level TOEFL Score IELTS Score CEFR
Level 12 111-120 No equivalent. No equivalent.
Level 11 101-110 8-9 No equivalent.
Level 10 91-100 7-7.5 C2
Level 9 81-90 6.5-7 C1 - C2
Level 8 71-80 6-6.5 C1
Level 7 61-70 6 B2
Level 6 51-60 5.5-6 B1 – B2
Level 5 41-50 4.5-5 B1
Level 4 32-40 4.5-5 A2
Level 3 0-31 0-4 A2
Level 2 0-31 0-4 A1
Level 1 0-31 0-4 A1
Notes:
1. Semi-Intensive Programs (1 class meeting per week) require 16 weeks per level.
2. Intensive Programs (4 class meetings per week) require 4 weeks per level.
3. Levels 11 and 12 are so high that there are no IELTS or CEFR equivalencies.
4. The IELTS is an English proficiency exam used in England. It is becoming popular in the U.S.
as an easier alternative to the TOEFL. As it is quite new in the U.S., institutions often have varying
opinions regarding equivalencies. For example, universities which require a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL also sometimes accept a score of 7 on the IELTS. However, students who receive scores as low as an 89 on the TOEFL can receive a 7 on the IELTS.
5. "CEFR" stands for "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages." Outside of Europe, this standard is largely unknown and irrelevant.