ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (217 hours)
Course Description
This course is modelled on the IELTS and tests a student’s abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking. It assesses conversational English skills by means of a variety of question and task types, whereby students answer multiple choice questions in a wide range of formats and provide the correct word or phrase to short answer questions. Other tasks include talking to a native or near-native English speaker and writing essays that survey diverse IELTS-type Task 1 approaches, such as graph descriptions and letter writing conventions in English, as well as IELTS-type Task 2 expositions.
Aim of the Course
As there are many different types of test items, the course tests, similar to those met in the IELTS, are not mere language tests but rather constitute an assessment of one’s test-taking skills. This strategy pervades our general Educational Group’s mentality in the field of English Language teaching, which focuses on a teaching-to-the-test approach in the final year of the Foundation course.
Syllabus
The English language course comprises Study Skills, Academic English and IELTS Preparation
STUDY SKILLS (31 hours)
Classroom
- Note keeping
- Reading key words
- Class discussions and participation
- Group work
- Effective use of presentation media
- Essays and reports
- Library skills
- Body language and non-verbal communication
- Examination skills
- Presentation skills
- Soft Skills
- Referencing and Plagiarism
- UK study
- British culture
Homework
o Techniques for fast and efficient reading
o Writing styles and techniques
o Independent study projects
o Preparing reports and assignments
o Time management and work organisation
o Debate
Use of Resources
o Use of Library and other information resources
o Using dictionaries and citing bibliography
o Use of Laboratories
o Use of computers and automation devices
ACADEMIC ENGLISH (93 hours)
Grammar
o In-depth review of grammar and syntax
Writing
o Intensive practice in general writing
o Creative and technical writing
o Composition and essay
o Project and report writing
o Summary writing
o Outline developing
o Editing – rewriting
Listening
o Recognition of colloquial and formal language patterns
o Sharpening of skills through active listening practice
o Practising the use of the English language
o Listening and reading comprehension
Speaking
o Pronunciation and phonetic skills
o Oral skills practice
o Public speaking/debating and extemporaneous speaking
o Presentation skills
Reading
o Development of reading skills and comprehension
o Improving speed and vocabulary
o Interpretation
Projects & Presentations
o Social trends and habits in the United Kingdom
o Codes of behaviour and discipline in the academic environment
o Differences between the Greek and British cultures
o Living standards, accommodation, transportation, communication
o British mass media, museums and sight seeing
o Sports and recreation, leisure opportunities, shopping
o British history and geography
o British culture and traditions
o Literature, theatre and film
IELTS PREPARATION (93 hours)
o Skills focus on all IELTS Modules
o Weekly practice tests
o Tips for improved exam performance
o Extensive Writing practice
Resources and booklist suggestions:
- Focus on Advanced English, Sue O’ Connell
- Michael Vince, Advanced Language Practice, Heinemann Press
- Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 1-9, CUP
