International School English vs Daily English:
Which Does Your Child Really Need?
“Which is more important – Academic English or Daily Conversation?”
Expert answers to parents’ most common question
Hello, we are GL Academy, a premier education tuition center located in Mont Kiara, Malaysia.
Many parents ask us: “Which English is more important for my child – academic English or daily conversation?” These two types of English serve completely different purposes and require different learning approaches based on your child’s educational goals.
In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between academic and conversational English and provide the best learning strategies for international school students.
What is Academic English?
Malaysian international schools typically use Cambridge or IB curricula, which require strong academic English skills beyond basic conversation.
- Academic writing and essay composition
- Critical thinking and scientific explanation
- Presentation and debate skills
- Advanced vocabulary and technical terms
For example, an English class assignment might require students to “Write a 1,500-word essay presenting your position on climate change.” This demands comprehensive thinking and expression skills beyond basic language ability.
What is Conversational English?
Conversational English focuses on daily communication for social interactions and travel situations.
- Basic questions and answers (“How are you?”, “Where is…?”)
- Casual expressions and colloquialisms
- Fundamental communication skills
However, it’s crucial to understand that conversational English alone isn’t enough for academic success. Just because your child can chat with friends doesn’t mean they have the English skills needed for classroom learning.
Key Differences: Academic vs Conversational English
| Category | Academic English | Conversational English |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Academic achievement | Daily communication |
| Key Skills | Writing, debating, presenting | Basic conversation |
| Vocabulary Level | Advanced/Technical terms | Everyday words |
| Grammar Importance | Very high (precision required) | More flexible |
Real Case Study: The Limits of Conversational English
Student A came to GL Academy after struggling in international school despite fluent conversational English from language immersion programs:
- Difficulty understanding scientific terminology in class
- Poor essay writing skills affecting grades
- Challenges with academic presentations
Student A eventually needed our Global Learners English (GLE) program to develop academic English skills. This case clearly shows why English learning must be tailored to specific purposes.
GL Academy’s Specialized English Program
Our Global Learners English (GLE) program offers customized English solutions for international school students:
- Focus on academic English for classroom success
- Practical English for daily life situations
- Specialized training in debate, presentations, and essay writing
- Small class sizes (max 8 students)
- Expert instructors with international school experience
We highly recommend GLE for:
- Current international school students struggling with classes
- Students who need academic writing skills
- Those wanting to master both academic and conversational English
Discover what English skills your child really needs with GL Academy experts.
Schedule Free ConsultationGL Academy Mont Kiara
Phone: +603-6461-2232
Website: https://glacademy.com.my
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GL Academy is a premier education center in Mont Kiara, Malaysia, offering IGCSE, A-Level, SAT, language programs, and international school English courses.
