This module will familiarise you with the generic English language skills and conventions sufficient to cope with independent study at undergraduate level, i.e. equivalent to minimum B2 (CEFR) level. You will be able to speak individually and interact with others on familiar academic topics, conveying the general message in most contexts; follow the argument of lectures and other longer stretches of speech on familiar academic topics; understand a range of academic texts and complete a variety of tasks based on them; and cope with written assignments at undergraduate level.
Outline Syllabus
Grammar - review and consolidation of tenses, verbs and verb patterns; the construction of complex sentences through an understanding of e.g. a range of rhetorical patterns, relative clauses and discourse markers.
Skills to support the independent learning of key vocabulary and an understanding of the lexico-grammatical nature of language.
Academic listening skills for predicting, note-taking, interacting and listening to lectures and presentations.
Academic speaking skills for expressing ideas, interacting with others and presenting information; awareness of the phonological features of English required to support ability in these skills.
A range of strategies for fast and effective reading such as prediction, surveying, skimming, scanning, speed-reading, word-attack skills and discriminating main from supporting points; ability to evaluate and use sources and take notes.
Academic writing skills for paraphrasing, summarising, referencing using sources, developing an argument and organising academic writing.