Overview

This topic provides an upper intermediate level of academic English while developing students’ underlying English skills. Students are exposed to a variety of general and academic texts and to spoken English in both a lecture and conversational context. Students continue to give presentations and engage in discussions on a range … For more content click the Read More button below.

Topic availabilities

To view topic availabilities, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Tuition pattern

To view tuition patterns, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Aims

In the listening component, students work on listening comprehension with different kinds of one-way listening: listening to extended monologues in the form of academic lectures and listening to two-person dialogues, including interviews and conversations. As part of lecture listening, students learn to take notes while listening to lectures.

In the communication component, students take part in discussions on topics introduced in class and through listening material and prepare extended presentations on topics within their specialized fields or areas of interest. Discussion skills focus not only on explaining ideas clearly and coherently but also on skills for effective interaction, such as turn-taking, asking and responding to follow-up questions, and active listening. Presentation skills are largely informative but may include other discursive type presentations. Effective use of and reference to visuals and acknowledging sources are a focus of learning. Students are also encouraged to actively listen to and participate in follow-up discussions after other students’ presentations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Follow speech and some complex lines of argument in listening material when listening more than once and without losing track of the flow
2.
Identify the main ideas in a lecture
3.
Identify the main reasons for and/or against an argument or idea in a discussion
4.
Distinguish between main ideas and specific details in listening material
5.
Identify important details in listening material, such as quantities (but not necessarily specific numbers), cause, effect, reason, or result
6.
Arrange information in sequential/chronological or process order
7.
Recognise when the speaker is giving his/her own opinion from clear signposts
8.
Identify the speaker’s mood and tone from pronunciation features of the speech
9.
Demonstrate an understanding of grammar and vocabulary used for academic purposes appropriate for this level (matched to the CEFR B2 level vocabulary)
10.
Participate appropriately in group discussions by expanding ideas and using appropriate turn-taking techniques
11.
Articulate clear reasons in support of or against a particular viewpoint
12.
Ask for explanation or clarification when necessary
13.
Accurately use a range of grammar up to and including CEFR B2 level to express ideas appropriate to the topic and task
14.
Rephrase ideas to demonstrate range of language and to provide clarity for the listener when necessary
15.
Demonstrate appropriate choice of vocabulary, including word classes, at CEFR B2 level to express ideas suitable to the topic and task
16.
Produce smooth, extended, understandable speech at an appropriate pace with little hesitation despite some errors in word sounds, stress, rhythm and/or intonation
17.
Develop and present a clear argument in a defined speaking task that is appropriately structured
18.
Deliver information in a logical sequence with good development of ideas
19.
Connect sections of the talk with appropriate discourse markers

Assessments

To view assessment information, select an availability from the drop down, towards the top right of the screen.

Requisites information

Pre-requisites: