The expression “the whole nine yards” is an idiom in English that means: “everything possible” or “the full amount.” It is used when you want to show full effort or commitment or to emphasize completeness.

“Feather In Your Cap” is our C1.1 course, the first sublevel of C1 according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). The expression comes from the old tradition of adding a feather to one’s cap as a symbol of accomplishment, success, or recognition that you can be proud of.

The course is designed for adults who have completed B2 or are ready for advanced-level English, aiming to enhance their fluency, accuracy, and sophistication in communication for academic, professional, and social purposes.

Who is it for?

• Adults who have completed B2.2 or are at an upper-intermediate/advanced level.
• Learners who need English for professional, academic, or high-level social contexts.
• Those aiming to progress toward full C1 proficiency or prepare for official exams (e.g., Cambridge C1 Advanced).

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Communicate fluently and flexibly in a wide range of situations, adapting tone and style to context.
• Understand complex spoken and written texts, including abstract, academic, and professional topics.
• Express opinions and arguments persuasively, supporting ideas with clear reasoning.
• Produce coherent, well-structured written texts for academic, business, or formal purposes (essays, proposals, reports).
• Participate confidently in discussions, negotiations, and debates, using nuanced and precise language.
• Develop advanced strategies for understanding implicit meanings and handling unfamiliar topics.

Topics & Functions:

• Global challenges and solutions: In-depth analysis of social, political, and environmental issues.
• Academic and professional communication: Writing reports, essays, and proposals; giving presentations.
• Cultural analysis: Exploring global perspectives, intercultural communication, and identity.
• Science, innovation, and ethics: Debating progress and ethical implications.
• Media and influence: Critically evaluating the role of media in shaping opinions and trends.
• Personal and professional development: Reflecting on goals, achievements, and life-long learning.
• Advanced argumentation: Structuring persuasive debates and complex discussions.

Grammar:

• Advanced verb forms: Perfect and continuous forms in complex contexts.
• Modal verbs for advanced functions (speculation, criticism, advice, necessity).
• Passive voice (all advanced forms, including impersonal passives).
• Reported speech: Advanced use with reporting verbs and subtle meaning shifts.
• Conditionals: All types, including mixed and hypothetical structures.
• Inversion and cleft sentences for emphasis and style.
• Advanced linking and discourse markers: thus, albeit, notwithstanding, on the whole.

Vocabulary:

• High-level academic and professional vocabulary.
• Idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs for formal and informal contexts.
• Language for critical evaluation, persuasion, and negotiation.
• Collocations and lexical chunks for academic and workplace writing.
• Vocabulary for abstract concepts (e.g., ethics, sustainability, globalization).

Skills Development:

• Speaking: Advanced discussions, debates, and negotiations; formal presentations.
• Listening: Understanding complex lectures, interviews, and discussions with implicit meaning.
• Reading: Analyzing academic texts, detailed reports, and opinion articles.
• Writing: Producing high-level essays, proposals, formal reports, and reviews.

Discounts:

• Friends and family: 10% per “new” student + 5% cumulative for each additional student, applicable for one term.
• Unemployed people: 25% discount on any fee for 1 student throughout the entire course (with DARDE document).
• University students: 20% discount on any fee for 1 student throughout the entire course.
• Retirees: 20% discount on any fee for 1 student throughout the entire course.