The module will provide intensive English language study for students at CEFR bands A2 and B1 (higher basic user - lower independent user levels). The module will further develop students' language range and accuracy, while also providing a foundation for later, specialist study of English for Academic Purposes. Module length: up to 40 weeks of study, depending on student proficiency level at entry, and rate of progress.
Module aims
The aims of the module are to help students:
- gain full mastery of basic EL grammar and vocabulary
- develop a wider range of vocabulary, allowing more precision of expression
- gain knowledge, and at least partial mastery, of more complex grammar, allowing more precision of expression
- further develop communicative ability in listening & speaking for social and transactional purposes
- develop skills required for more sustained speech turns (in spontaneous dialogue, and semi-structured monologue)
- to guide students towards an understanding of the language requirements of academic study within a UK University context
- to guide students towards becoming effective independent language learners
- follow and take notes of general interest talks
- understand general-interest texts, and identify/take simple and effective notes of main points
- write stylistically appropriate short essays on general-interest topics
- use personal editing and tutor feedback for effective essay re-drafting
- use notes from talks and/or reading texts to produce accurate summaries (in bullet-point and text form)
Learning outcomes
- overall EL competency at B2, the higher independent user level as defined by CEFR
- higher independent user competency in EL for general communicative purposes (listening and speaking)
- higher independent user literacy in English (reading and writing)
- an understanding of own strengths and areas for further development in EAP
- the ability to design and follow effective study plans for independent EL and EAP development
Syllabus
Core English (average 5 sessions per week)
Class will provide grammar and vocabulary development within a communicative context. Students will be organised into groups of maximum 15 students according to language level (CEFR A2, B1). These classes provide the backbone to the module. The component tutor will provide study guidance and regular individual tutorials to monitor progress.
Reading & Writing (average 4 classes per week)
Writing classes will provide further study in the mechanics of writing at sentence and paragraph level. The module will introduce the conventions of academic essay organisation and argumentation. Reading materials will include model essay texts for study. Reading practice will provide longer, general-interest texts from the course book and from a range of supplementary sources, including both graded texts and ungraded materials from supplementary ELT materials, supplementary basic-level, EAP materials, general interest magazines, general interest websites. IELTS preparation for Reading & Writing Papers will include both test practice and targeted skills development.
Listening and Speaking (average 3 classes per week + regular informal speaking practice opportunities)
Listening and speaking classes will promote accuracy, fluency, and confidence in communicating through English. Lessons will include both basic social and transactional EL skills practice, and discussion and debating practice requiring preparation and sustained speaking to an audience of peers. In addition to class-based lessons, all PEP Programme students will also have the opportunity to attend optional conversation sessions with native-speaker volunteers. IELTS preparation for Listening & Speaking Papers will include both test practice and targeted skills development.
Assessment
For assessment purposes, the module will be divided into 5-week study blocks. 5-weekly progress reports will be produced for sponsors and students to include: class test grades, assessment of current level, rate of progress and an up-dated study plan.
Assessed coursework consists of level-specific tasks on the four skills: timed writing, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, oral interview, use of English test.
The International Academy Test of English Language Proficiency (TELP) will be used to provide further evidence of a student's readiness to progress to the next module or to the IA Pre-sessional programme/IA pathway degree courses.
Module aims
The aims of the module are to help students:
- gain full mastery of basic EL grammar and vocabulary
- develop a wider range of vocabulary, allowing more precision of expression
- gain knowledge, and at least partial mastery, of more complex grammar, allowing more precision of expression
- further develop communicative ability in listening & speaking for social and transactional purposes
- develop skills required for more sustained speech turns (in spontaneous dialogue, and semi-structured monologue)
- to guide students towards an understanding of the language requirements of academic study within a UK University context
- to guide students towards becoming effective independent language learners
- follow and take notes of general interest talks
- understand general-interest texts, and identify/take simple and effective notes of main points
- write stylistically appropriate short essays on general-interest topics
- use personal editing and tutor feedback for effective essay re-drafting
- use notes from talks and/or reading texts to produce accurate summaries (in bullet-point and text form)
Learning outcomes
- overall EL competency at B2, the higher independent user level as defined by CEFR
- higher independent user competency in EL for general communicative purposes (listening and speaking)
- higher independent user literacy in English (reading and writing)
- an understanding of own strengths and areas for further development in EAP
- the ability to design and follow effective study plans for independent EL and EAP development
Syllabus
Core English (average 5 sessions per week)
Class will provide grammar and vocabulary development within a communicative context. Students will be organised into groups of maximum 15 students according to language level (CEFR A2, B1). These classes provide the backbone to the module. The component tutor will provide study guidance and regular individual tutorials to monitor progress.
Reading & Writing (average 4 classes per week)
Writing classes will provide further study in the mechanics of writing at sentence and paragraph level. The module will introduce the conventions of academic essay organisation and argumentation. Reading materials will include model essay texts for study. Reading practice will provide longer, general-interest texts from the course book and from a range of supplementary sources, including both graded texts and ungraded materials from supplementary ELT materials, supplementary basic-level, EAP materials, general interest magazines, general interest websites. IELTS preparation for Reading & Writing Papers will include both test practice and targeted skills development.
Listening and Speaking (average 3 classes per week + regular informal speaking practice opportunities)
Listening and speaking classes will promote accuracy, fluency, and confidence in communicating through English. Lessons will include both basic social and transactional EL skills practice, and discussion and debating practice requiring preparation and sustained speaking to an audience of peers. In addition to class-based lessons, all PEP Programme students will also have the opportunity to attend optional conversation sessions with native-speaker volunteers. IELTS preparation for Listening & Speaking Papers will include both test practice and targeted skills development.
Assessment
For assessment purposes, the module will be divided into 5-week study blocks. 5-weekly progress reports will be produced for sponsors and students to include: class test grades, assessment of current level, rate of progress and an up-dated study plan.
Assessed coursework consists of level-specific tasks on the four skills: timed writing, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, oral interview, use of English test.
The International Academy Test of English Language Proficiency (TELP) will be used to provide further evidence of a student's readiness to progress to the next module or to the IA Pre-sessional programme/IA pathway degree courses.