Classes
Bonifacio ENL Academy offers a wide array of classes that are suitable for students of varying ages, levels, and nationalities. Classes offered are:
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all one-on-one (whether face-to-face or online)
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50-minute long (you can have more than one 50-minute class; there is a 10-minute break in between classes)
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taken either face-to-face, online, or a combination of both
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engaging, fun, and interactive (regardless of what you're studying)
English Proficiency Tests
(TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
This class is aimed at students applying to programs taught in English who must provide proof of their English proficiency as part of their applications as well as employees who want to assess their level in a professional environment for personal development or career advancement.
English for Occupational Purposes
This class is commonly taken by adult students. It focuses on the development of English communication skills customized according to the specific field of the student, such as finance, marketing, nursing, etc. It allows the students to master the skills relevant to their professional needs.
English for Academic Purposes
This class focuses on the oral and written communication skills required for study purposes in formal, educational settings and is aimed at students who need help with specific study skills needed for academic disciplines or want to improve their academic language competency.
General English
Recommended Level: Low-Beginner - Advanced
English is widely used in different parts of the world, but many are still not fluent in the language. One of the biggest obstacles when migrating to another country is the language barrier, especially when you are coming from a country where English is only used occasionally. Many people who move to English-speaking countries are often faced with the challenge of communicating effectively with others. That is why it is highly recommended that they study English so that they can learn language skills that are essential for survival.
The General English classes in the academy aim to develop students' English skills from beginner to advanced levels through interactive activities that simulate real-world situations. They involve learner-centered and level-appropriate lessons and exercises that ensure the development of students' overall communicative competence. Students improve their proficiency level and optimize their ability to use English in everyday situations. While focusing on the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), the lessons will also help you learn new English vocabulary, refine your English pronunciation, and make you communicate with ease using correct grammar.
Although textbooks are the primary learning resource for students, teachers supplement classroom activities with authentic materials such as movies, songs, newspaper/magazine articles, as well as online materials to make the class more engaging. Role-plays and dialogues between the teacher and the student simulate how it is really like talking to both locals and foreigners so they get first-hand experience and prepare them for various social interactions. If you have limited knowledge of English and who would like to speak more naturally – the way native speakers do – then this class is perfect for you.
Business English
Recommended Level: High-Beginner - Advanced
English is the universal language of the business world which is why the number of people studying Business English continues to rise in recent years. In a highly globalized world, English brings companies from different backgrounds, countries, and languages together and provides them with an avenue to communicate effectively and efficiently. Having a background in Business English proves to be an asset to employers and offers many advantages. People who aspire to find employment in English-speaking countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom need to have a good grasp of the business language.
Business English is a specialized aspect of English that targets the language most commonly used in the business industry. The main difference between Business English and General English is that the former specifically targets corporate language instead of daily, conversational English. Taking Business English classes will help you learn the language you would use in the corporate world. In addition to learning business vocabulary, you will also learn how to do business-related tasks that would be common in general work settings such as writing business reports, corresponding with clients or business partners, delivering presentations, and conducting meetings. Also, students who are planning to get a degree in finance, law, politics, marketing and trade, would also find Business English useful to learn.
In the academy, you will be given a real opportunity to practice using English in situations that are common in business settings. The lessons would depend on your level and the material used, but they can easily be tailored to your specific needs. All four core areas of the language are incorporated in the lessons, as well as grammar and vocabulary, but we give emphasis on areas that need improvement. The class aims for students to be confident and communicatively competent in the business world.
Standardized English Proficiency Tests
Jitsuyo Eigo Gino Kentei (Test in Practical English Proficiency) (EIKEN)
Recommended Level: Low Beginner - Advanced
EIKEN is one of the most widely used English-language testing programs in Japan. EIKEN can be used as a language skills certificate for study abroad as it is recognized in approximately 400 universities and educational institutions in North America, Australia, and throughout the world. There are seven tests within the EIKEN framework, each representing a different ability level. The levels are called grades and are given on a pass-or-fail basis. Each EIKEN grade is a separate test with a unique set of test items and tasks designed for that level. The EIKEN grades are given in two stages. The first stage is a paper-and-pencil test that evaluates reading, listening, and writing ability. The second stage is a speaking test in the format of a face-to-face interview. An examinee must pass both stages of a grade in order to receive certification.
EIKEN is backed by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and all 47 prefectural boards of education. Test results are accepted for admissions and course credit at approximately 2,200 high schools, colleges, and universities. Outside Japan, a growing number of institutions recognize EIKEN test results for international admissions.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Recommended Level: Low Intermediate - Advanced
The TOEFL measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings. Most people who take the TOEFL test are planning to study at colleges and universities where instruction is in English. In addition, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency. The test has 4 sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — and you'll perform tasks that combine these four skills.
Educational institutions and governmental agencies in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores when considering applications for certain positions or courses. As an admission requirement, you may find that some courses require a minimum TOEFL score which will allow you to proceed onto the course alongside the regular course requirements. Minimum score requirements can range between 61 and 100 depending on the institution and course.
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
Recommended Level: Low Intermediate - Advanced
The TOEIC is a standardized English test oriented towards professionals and companies. The TOEIC is actually two separate tests, one which tests the receptive English skills (reading and listening) and one which tests the productive English skills (speaking and writing). Students can choose to take both TOEIC tests, or just one of the two, depending on their needs. The structure of each of the two tests is unique and the scoring is also different.
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TOEIC Listening & Reading
The TOEIC reading and listening test is the more popular of the two TOEIC tests. It is administered in test centers on paper and gives a score between 10 and 990. English reading skills and English listening skills are weighted equally on this test, with half of the final score coming from each.
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TOEIC Speaking & Writing
The TOEIC speaking and writing test is taken on a computer. This version of the TOEIC does not involve an examiner, rather, the student records his spoken answers to recorded or written prompts, and types his written answers for the written portion. Again, written and spoken English are equally weighted in this test. The student’s final score is between 0 and 400.
Test of English Proficiency by Seoul National University (TEPS)
Recommended Level: Beginner - Advanced
TEPS is an English proficiency test created by Seoul National University's Language Education Institute to evaluate South Korean test takers' English language skills. TEPS has been administered nationwide since January 1999. TEPS aims to accurately measure the English proficiency of test-takers who use English as a foreign language and to have a more positive influence on the way students study English.
TEPS covers a wide range of topics and situations that we encounter in our daily lives. The test includes English that is used not only in casual conversation but also in business and academic contexts. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of test takers' English across a range of practical situations. Because the test is designed in this way, those with high TEPS scores are regarded as having superior real-life English skills.
In the academy, your teacher will help you prepare for TEPS by reading, listening, and analyzing various types of texts and speeches. The lessons will cover the four different sections but emphasis would be given to the student's weaknesses. Mock tests given in class will help the students see their strengths and weaknesses and use this information to establish their future study goals.
Oral Proficiency Interview - computer (OPIc)
Recommended Level: Mid Beginner - Advanced
The Oral Proficiency Interview-computer (OPIc) assesses your language proficiency (how well you speak a language) in real-life situations. As the OPIc assesses general language proficiency, it is not designed to assess what you learned in a specific language program, class, school, or university; nor is it tied to a specific teaching method or book. Finally, the OPIc does not compare how well a person speaks the language to how well another person speaks the language and/or performs on a test.
The OPIc is a web-based assessment delivered online that simulates the live interviews conducted during the Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI). By completing a background inventory of topics related to your everyday life, school, work experience, and/or about current events happening in your town or city, Ava, the avatar, is able to generate interview topics. Further, examinees also complete a self-assessment survey that helps Ava determine an appropriate proficiency level at which to start the assessment.
The goal of the OPIc is to gather a sample of your speech that is representative of your communicative skills in the target language, so a rater can then rate it according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. In ENL, we will help you determine the level of your language abilities so you can prepare for the range of OPIc you will receive. In class, you will practice listening to and speaking the language in real-world situations. Class discussions will require you to express your opinion about anything, from the news to sports or entertainment, which will help you improve what you can do in the language. Working to build your skills, so you can communicate in the language as someone would do in the real world, is the best way to get ready to take the OPIc.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Recommended Level: Low Intermediate - Advanced
The IELTS is a standardized English test used primarily by students applying to universities abroad and by prospective immigrants to the UK and other commonwealth countries. There are three versions of the IELTS – the IELTS General Training, the IELTS Academic, and the IELTS Life Skills. The IELTS Academic is by far the most popular, representing about 80% of the IELTS tests taken each year.
The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests are similar but not identical. They share a scoring scale and two out of four test sections. The two oral sections of the IELTS – listening and speaking – are identical on the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training test versions. The two written sections of the IELTS – reading and writing – are different on the Academic and General Training tests.
IELTS Life Skills is completely different in that it tests only listening and speaking, and only at one proficiency level, either beginner or intermediate. It is for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A1, A2, or B1.
These English proficiency tests assess your readiness for higher education or your communicative abilities in the workplace. Our aim is to help students develop their skills and guide them towards achieving their goals. The first step is to check the level of your skills in the four core areas of the language. We do this by giving students a level test before starting classes in the academy. Your assessment test results will serve as our benchmark as we create a program that specifically addresses your learning needs. Regular mock tests are given to check your progress and to give you an approximate score so you can determine whether you are prepared enough to take the actual one.
Aptitude/Admissions Test (English)
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Recommended Level: Low Intermediate - Advanced
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test, administered by the College Board, that lets high school students show colleges what they know and how well they can apply that knowledge. Most students take the SAT in 11th or 12th Grade, some even earlier, in 10th Grade. Almost all colleges and universities in the United States and many colleges worldwide use the SAT to make admission decisions.
The SAT tests skills taught in high school classrooms include: reading, writing, and math. A student’s knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and beyond.
American College Test (ACT)
Recommended Level: Low Intermediate - Advanced
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both. The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.
In the academy, you will be given a mock test prior to the beginning of your classes to assess where you stand on the test. We will then create a program that will help you reach your target score. In class, we reinforce the students' strengths and target their weaknesses. Each part of the test will be discussed thoroughly, but more emphasis will be given to areas that need improvement. Timed practice tests will be given to measure the students' progress and determine whether they are ready for the test or not.
English for Occupational Purposes
English for Occupational Purposes is a branch of ESP (English for Specific Purposes) and covers situations in which learners are studying English for work-related reasons. EOP is tailored for those who are already employed, with an emphasis on the language used in job performance.
In the academy, students learn the skills of effective oral and written communication at the workplace. They learn to prepare, process, and produce relevant documents and conduct activities commonly practiced in an occupational setting. Our aim is to equip students with the skills necessary to meet the English language needs and demands in their work. The classes provide opportunities for students to go through simulations of the work environment. Class activities include practicing relevant expressions used at the workplace; preparing formal and informal documents; giving informative presentations; and conducting other work-related functions.
English for Academic Purposes
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is intended to prepare international students for university studies in which English is the language of instruction. Language skills addressed include listening comprehension, fluency development, oral intelligibility, reading, grammar, writing, and vocabulary development. Academic study skills addressed include test-taking and note-taking skills, academic vocabulary usage, critical reading and writing, comprehending academic lectures, research and library skills, formal composition forms and development, including research papers.
The goal of EAP classes is for students to be able to demonstrate oral and written communicative and critical thinking skills necessary for English-medium university studies by applying standard conventions for structure, using correct English grammar, critically evaluating sources in writing, using references with proper citation conventions in their own writing, and identifying their own problem areas with regards to academic writing in English.
In the academy, students can study various academic fiction and non-fiction texts with the aid of their teacher. In addition, important textual and analytical concepts and terms are introduced. In this way, the students develop their ability to approach and discuss different texts critically and analytically in English.