For enrolment only

This module provides training in core English, academic language and study skills for successful undergraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. To join this module, a student must have the following IELTS score: 5.0 overall with a minimum of 5.0 on writing.

The module is divided into 3 x 5-week periods. The module will be taught during the Summer and Long Vacation terms.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. provide opportunities to raise core language skills in grammar, vocabulary and across the four language skills
2. provide opportunities to build EAP competence in grammar and vocabulary, for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
3. provide practice in key academic language skills including term assignment writing, writing under exam conditions, seminar preparation and participation, reading to write, listening to lectures and note-taking
4. provide students with an increased awareness of western methods of undergraduate teaching and learning as well as introduce them to the system at Essex specifically
5. help students with transition from prior school learning cultures to UK HE learning culture, in order to reach a better understanding of study requirements, and the criteria by which academic work is assessed
6. provide students with practice in supported individual and independent study through use of extended assignment and project work

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:

- competency in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to levels required for their undergraduate degree course
- an ability to understand and take notes from longer academic texts of non-specialist nature, with a view to writing with appropriate integration of information from / acknowledgement of sources
- an ability to produce a long assignment (up to 1,000 words) at B2 level in accordance with British academic conventions
- the ability and confidence to participate fully in seminar discussion and presentations, as well as in tutorial-based discussion
- the ability to prepare appropriately for lectures, take notes and review lecture-based learning materials
- an ability to develop skills in researching requirements of course work, course assignments and course examinations
- an ability to continue to develop their language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work.

Syllabus

For undergraduate students, all module classes are organised by language proficiency level. Core English and EAP classes prepare students in grammar, vocabulary and the 4 skills. Project classes focus on independent learning and basic research skills. Students are provided with further classroom sessions on Listening to lectures and note-taking, Presentation skills and Seminar speaking skills.

The syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in academic English.

Core English skills

- Development of higher level English grammar and vocabulary
- Confidence, fluency, and precision in speaking
- Develop understanding of spoken and written discourse on general interest topics, with ability to deal with incomplete comprehension
- Accurate and concise writing at sentence, paragraph and text discourse levels

Academic reading skills

- Developing prediction and deduction techniques
- Proficient skimming of text for overall meaning
- Proficient scanning of text for specific information
- Reading texts effectively for a range of purposes
- Note-taking practice for use in summary, paraphrase, quotation and citation
- Recognising language markers used in academic discourse
- Familiarity with complex sentence structures and their use

Academic writing skills

- Structuring an essay of up to 1,000 words
- Proficient use of discourse markers and cohesive devices
- Use of suitable register dependent on the task
- Extracting and synthesising information from notes based on outside sources
- Following academic conventions using appropriate citations and referencing
- Revise and edit own work

Academic listening skills

- Preparation for lecture listening through reading and questioning
- Proficient prediction and deduction techniques
- Efficient listening for key information in lectures
- Use of notes for a range of academic purposes
- Further development of strategies for dealing with incomplete comprehension
- Proficient note-taking skills at level required by degree course

Academic speaking skills

- Preparation for and participation in seminar-style discussion
- Question forms appropriate to academic register including questionnaire-style items
- Language for discussion including agreement, polite disagreement, questioning, asking for clarification, elaboration of ideas, summation of ideas
- Presenting ideas and information in the target discipline in the form of short, prepared talks both without and with integrated use of visual aids such as PowerPoint

Assessment

Breakdown of assessment tasks:

Writing skills: timed-writing test 20%
Listening skills: listening test 15%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 15%
Academic Project (first and second draft of two reading-to-write assignments: 750 + 1,000 words) 50%

Pass mark for module: 40% (NB: students need to achieve 40% in each assessed element of coursework)

This module provides training in academic language and study skills for successful undergraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. To join this module, a student must have the following IELTS score: 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 on writing.

The module is divided into 2 x 5-week periods. The module will be taught during the Long Vacation term.

Module aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. provide opportunities to raise language accuracy and fluency across the skills, for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
2. provide practice in key academic language skills including term assignment writing, writing under exam conditions, seminar preparation and participation, reading to write, listening to lectures and note-taking
3. provide students with an increased awareness of western methods of undergraduate teaching and learning as well as introduce them to the system at Essex specifically
4. help students with transition from prior school learning cultures to UK HE learning culture, in order to reach a better understanding of study requirements, and the criteria by which academic work is assessed
5. provide students with practice in supported individual and independent study through use of extended assignment and project work

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:

- competency in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to levels required for their undergraduate degree course
- an ability to understand and take notes from longer academic texts of non-specialist nature, with a view to writing with appropriate integration of information from / acknowledgement of sources
- an ability to produce a long assignment (up to 1,000 words) at B2 level in accordance with British academic conventions
- the ability and confidence to participate fully in seminar discussion and presentations, as well as in tutorial-based discussion
- the ability to prepare appropriately for lectures, take notes and review lecture-based learning materials
- an ability to develop skills in researching requirements of course work, course assignments and course examinations
- an ability to continue to develop their language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work.

Syllabus

For undergraduate students, all module classes are organised by language proficiency level. Core EAP classes prepare students in the four skills. Project classes focus on independent learning and basic research skills. Students are provided with further classroom sessions on Listening to lectures and note-taking, Presentation skills and Seminar speaking skills.

The core syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in academic English.

Academic reading skills

- Developing prediction and deduction techniques
- Proficient skimming of text for overall meaning
- Proficient scanning of text for specific information
- Reading texts effectively for a range of purposes
- Note-taking practice for use in summary, paraphrase, quotation and citation
- Recognising language markers used in academic discourse
- Familiarity with complex sentence structures and their use

Academic writing skills

- Structuring an essay of up to 1,000 words
- Proficient use of discourse markers and cohesive devices
- Use of suitable register dependent on the task
- Extracting and synthesising information from notes based on outside sources
- Following academic conventions using appropriate citations and referencing
- Revise and edit own work

Academic listening skills

- Preparation for lecture listening through reading and questioning
- Proficient prediction and deduction techniques
- Efficient listening for key information in lectures
- Use of notes for a range of academic purposes
- Further development of strategies for dealing with incomplete comprehension
- Proficient note-taking skills at level required by degree course

Academic speaking skills

- Preparation for and participation in seminar-style discussion
- Question forms appropriate to academic register including questionnaire-style items
- Language for discussion including agreement, polite disagreement, questioning, asking for clarification, elaboration of ideas, summation of ideas
- Presenting ideas and information in the target discipline in the form of short, prepared talks both without and with integrated use of visual aids such as PowerPoint

Assessment

Breakdown of assessment tasks:

Writing skills: timed-writing test 20%
Listening skills: listening test 15%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 15%
Academic Project (first and second draft of two reading-to-write assignments: 750 + 1,000 words) 50%

Pass mark for module: 40% (NB: students need to achieve 40% in each assessed element of coursework)

This module provides training in English language skills for successful undergraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. The module provides classes at several language proficiency levels, allowing targeted preparation for students entering degree courses with different language proficiency entry requirements. To join this module, a student must have the following IELTS score: 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing (1st year entry); or 6.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing (2nd year entry).

The module runs over a 5-week period. The module will be taught during the Long Vacation term.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

1. to raise language accuracy and range for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
2. to help students improve their knowledge of English language grammar, vocabulary and enhance their competence across the four language skills
3. to provide input and practice in key literacy and discoursal skills (i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking), both at the micro and macro level
4. to provide students with practice in key language skills, including written argumentation, reading to write, listening to lectures and note-taking, writing under exam conditions

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will demonstrate:

- Competence in language system production skills, such as writing at sentence level
- An ability to understand long, complex sentences in reading
- An ability to produce accurately written discourse, using micro and macro skills
- An ability to read with purpose and critically
- An ability to employ listening and speaking skills effectively
- An ability to continue to develop their language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work

The module will be comprised of the following strands:

Language Development
Discoursal skills (Reading and Writing)
Discoursal skills (Listening and Speaking)

Syllabus

For core language and discoursal skills training, classes are organised by language proficiency level. The core syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in English. It will provide input on and practice for:

Language system production skills
- Recalling and using a range of specified lexical items
- Producing well-formed collocations from lexical items
- Deploying a range of specified syntactic structures in well-formed sentence

Language system comprehension skills (sentence level)
- Understanding long, complex sentences in reading
- Processing vocabulary/collocation and understanding how these contribute to the overall sentence meaning
- Processing items of grammar and syntax and understanding how these contribute to the overall sentence meaning
- Parsing complex sentences

Discoursal Skills: Developing micro and macro skills necessary to produce meaningful and accurately written assignments
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation within one paragraph in order to achieve a specified purpose (micro skills)
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation between paragraphs in order to achieve a specified purpose (macro skills)

Discoursal Skills: Development of micro and macro skills necessary to read with purpose and critically
- The ability to understand details of the target text (micro skills)
- The ability to understand the overall point of the target text (macro skills)

Discoursal Skills: Development of micro and macro skills in spoken discourse (listening and speaking)
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation in order to achieve a specified communicative purpose
- Understanding both the overall point of and the supporting detail of spoken discourse

Assessment

There will be continuous formative assessment throughout the module. There will be summative assessment in each strand:

Language development: in-class test under exam conditions (grammar) 30%
Reading and writing skills: reading-to-write assignment (750 words) 30%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 20%
Listening skills: listening test 20%

Pass mark for module: 40% (NB: students need to achieve 40% in each assessed element of coursework)

This module provides training in English language skills for successful undergraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. The module provides classes at several language proficiency levels, allowing targeted preparation for students entering degree courses with different language proficiency entry requirements. To join this module, a student must have the following IELTS score: 5.0 overall with a minimum of 5.0 in all parts of the IELTS test (1st year entry); or 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in writing (2nd year entry).

The module runs over a 10-week period. The module will be taught during the Long Vacation term.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

1. to raise language accuracy and range for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
2. to help students improve their knowledge of English language grammar, vocabulary and enhance their competence across the four language skills
3. to provide input and practice in key literacy and discoursal skills (i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking), both at the micro and macro level
4. to provide students with practice in key language skills, including written argumentation, reading to write, listening to lectures and note-taking, writing under exam conditions

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will demonstrate:

- Competence in language system production skills, such as writing at sentence level
- An ability to understand long, complex sentences in reading
- An ability to produce meaningful and accurately written discourse, using micro and macro skills
- An ability to read with purpose and critically
- An ability to use spoken discourse skills at micro and macro levels
- An ability to continue to develop their language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work

The module will be comprised of the following strands:

Language Development
Discoursal skills (Reading and Writing)
Discoursal skills (Listening and Speaking)

Syllabus

For core language and discoursal skills training, classes are organised by language proficiency level. The core syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in English. It will provide input on and practice for:

Language system production skills
- Recalling and using a range of specified lexical items
- Producing well-formed collocations from lexical items
- Deploying a range of specified syntactic structures in well-formed sentence

Language system comprehension skills (sentence level)
- Understanding long, complex sentences in reading
- Processing vocabulary/collocation and understanding how these contribute to the overall sentence meaning
- Processing items of grammar and syntax and understanding how these contribute to the overall sentence meaning
- Parsing complex sentences

Discoursal Skills: Developing micro and macro skills necessary to produce meaningful and accurately written assignments
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation within one paragraph in order to achieve a specified purpose (micro skills)
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation between paragraphs in order to achieve a specified purpose (macro skills)

Discoursal Skills: Development of micro and macro skills necessary to read with purpose and critically
- The ability to understand details of the target text (micro skills)
- The ability to understand the overall point of the target text (macro skills)

Discoursal Skills: Development of micro and macro skills in spoken discourse (listening and speaking)
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation in order to achieve a specified communicative purpose
- Understanding both the overall point of and the supporting detail of spoken discourse

Assessment

There will be continuous formative assessment throughout the module. There will be summative assessment in each strand:

Language development: two in-class tests under exam conditions (grammar) 30%
Reading and writing skills: reading-to-write assignment (750 words) 30%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 20%
Listening skills: listening test 20%

Pass mark for module: 40% (NB: students need to achieve 40% in each assessed element of coursework)

This module provides training in English language skills for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK generally, and at the University of Essex in particular. The module provides classes at several language proficiency levels, allowing targeted preparation for students entering degree courses with different language proficiency entry requirements. To join this module, a student must be within 1.0 IELTS band of their degree course language proficiency requirement, both overall and in writing. Please note that the entry requirement of IELTS 5.0 means that all parts of the IELTS test must be at a minimum of 5.0.

The module runs over a 10-week period. The module will be taught during the Long Vacation term.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

1. to raise language accuracy and range for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
2. to help students improve their knowledge of English language grammar, vocabulary and enhance their competence across the four language skills
3. to provide input and practice in key literacy and discoursal skills (i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking), both at the micro and macro level
4. to provide students with practice in key language skills, including written argumentation, reading to write, listening to lectures and note-taking, writing under exam conditions

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students will demonstrate:

- Competence in language system production skills, such as writing at sentence level
- An ability to understand long, complex sentences in reading
- An ability to produce meaningful and accurately written discourse, using micro and macro skills
- An ability to read with purpose and critically
- An ability to use spoken discourse skills at micro and macro levels
- An ability to continue to develop their language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work

The module will be comprised of the following strands:

Language Development
Discoursal skills (Reading and Writing)
Discoursal skills (Listening and Speaking)

Syllabus

For core language and discoursal skills training, classes are organised by language proficiency level. The core syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in English. It will provide input on and practice for:

Language system production skills
- Recalling and using a range of specified lexical items
- Producing well-formed collocations from lexical items
- Deploying a range of specified syntactic structures in well-formed sentence

Language system comprehension skills (sentence level)
- Understanding long, complex sentences in reading
- Processing vocabulary/collocation and understanding how these contribute to the overall sentence meaning
- Processing items of grammar and syntax and understanding how these contribute to the overall sentence meaning
- Parsing complex sentences

Discoursal Skills: Developing micro and macro skills necessary to produce meaningful and accurately written assignments
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation within one paragraph in order to achieve a specified purpose (micro skills)
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation between paragraphs in order to achieve a specified purpose (macro skills)

Discoursal Skills: Development of micro and macro skills necessary to read with purpose and critically
- The ability to understand details of the target text (micro skills)
- The ability to understand the overall point of the target text (macro skills)

Discoursal Skills: Development of micro and macro skills in spoken discourse (listening and speaking)
- Conveying a clear line of argumentation in order to achieve a specified communicative purpose
- Understanding both the overall point of and the supporting detail of spoken discourse

Assessment

There will be continuous formative assessment throughout the module. There will be summative assessment in each strand:

Language development: two in-class tests under exam conditions (grammar) 30%
Reading and writing skills: reading-to-write assignment (1,000 words) 30%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 20%
Listening skills: listening test 20%

Pass mark for module: 40% (NB: students need to achieve 40% in each assessed element of coursework)

This module provides training in academic language and study skills for students entering degree programmes at Essex Business School. To join this module, EBS students must:

- hold a conditional offer from Essex Business School
- have achieved an overall IELTS score that is 1 band below the overall course entry level, with a writing score that is 1 band below the overall course entry level

The module will increase students' language proficiency levels by focussing on context- and subject-specific materials (such as textbook extracts, journal articles, model essays, and recorded lectures and talks); a particular emphasis on developing subject-specific vocabulary will significantly improve comprehension of department-set reading, and project work will familiarise students with the types of assignments they must complete in their future studies at EBS.
The module runs for 10 weeks and will be taught during the Summer Vacation term.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. provide opportunities to raise language accuracy and fluency across the skills, for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
2. provide practice in key academic language skills specific to the demands of studying at EBS, including extended reading of academic texts, note-taking while reading, essay writing, writing from sources (with necessary attention to referencing), seminar preparation and participation, note-taking while listening to lectures
3. provide students with an increased awareness of western methods of teaching and learning, introducing them to the system at EBS specifically
4. provide students with an increased understanding of critical and analytical thinking, and its central importance in studying in a UK HE context
5. help students with transition from prior learning cultures to UK HE learning culture, in order to reach a better understanding of study requirements, and the criteria by which academic work is assessed
6. provide students with guided practice in completing stages of typical EBS assignments through project work

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. competence in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to levels required for the comprehension and production of disciplinary discourses
2. an ability to understand and take notes from longer academic texts, with a view to writing with appropriate integration of information from / acknowledgement of sources
3. a growing ability to think critically and analytically
4. the ability to produce a long assignment (up to 2,000 words) at B2 level in accordance with EBS conventions
5. the ability and confidence to participate fully in subject-specific seminar discussions and presentations
6. the ability to prepare appropriately for lectures, take notes and review lecture-based learning materials
7. the ability to continue to develop language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work.

Syllabus

Core ESAP classes prepare students in the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) within the context of their future studies. Specific focus will be placed on developing subject-specific vocabulary, and comprehension of discipline-specific texts.

Project classes focus on the development of learner independence and assignment writing skills, utilising reading materials recommended by the School. Over the ten week module, students complete four projects as follows:

1. Ongoing self-study project: in which students reflect on their performance and development, and the effectiveness of their self-study skills;
2. Reading-to-write journal: in which students develop the ability to summarise and critically evaluate sources; students will read set texts on ethics and explore how ethics applies to their departmental specialism;
3. Literature survey task: in which students synthesise ideas and arguments encountered in their reading-to-write journal with the aim of identifying themes and questions worthy of further exploration;
4. An analytical essay: in which students answer a question formulated by the student (with help from tutors) on a theme found in destination course syllabi.

Critical thinking is encouraged and developed throughout all elements of the course, and is an assessed component of project tasks. Development of Listening to lectures and note-taking, Presentation skills and Seminar speaking skills is integrated within ESAP and Project sessions. Lectures and short-talks are provided via video and by guest lecturers.

The core syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in academic English:

Academic reading skills

Understanding relevance of status of different text types
Selection of appropriate materials from departmental reading lists
Developing prediction and deduction techniques
Proficient skimming of text for overall meaning
Proficient scanning of text for specific information
Reading texts effectively for a range of purposes (e.g. seminar and lecture preparation, and assignment writing)
Note-taking practice for use in summary, paraphrase, quotation and citation
Recognising language markers used in academic discourse
Familiarity with complex structures and their functions
Critical evaluation of texts encountered

Academic writing skills

Structuring an essay of up to 2,000 words
Proficient use of discourse markers and cohesive devices
Use of suitable register dependent on the task
Synthesise information into a cohesive, cogent, and convincing argument with supportive evidence
Following academic conventions using appropriate citations and referencing
Revising, editing, and evaluating own work
Accessing available support to complete written assignments effectively

Academic listening skills

Preparation for lecture listening through reading and questioning
Proficient prediction and deduction techniques
Efficient listening for key information in lectures
Use of notes for a range of academic purposes
Further development of strategies for dealing with incomplete comprehension
Proficient note-taking skills at level required by degree course
Coping with different lecturing styles and a range of accents
Developing a critical stance to information provided in lectures

Academic speaking skills

Preparation for and participation in seminar-style discussion
Participation in group work, co-operating with others to complete tasks and solve problems
Asking for advice and feedback
Challenging and disagreeing diplomatically where necessary
Language for discussion including agreement, polite disagreement, questioning, asking for clarification, elaboration of ideas, summation of ideas
Presenting ideas and information in the target discipline in the form of short, prepared talks both without and with integrated use of visual aids such as PowerPoint and Prezi

Assessment

There will be continuous formative assessment throughout the module. Summative assessment comprises the following units:

Integrated reading and writing test 15%
Listening skills: listening test 10%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 15%
Academic Project of four tasks: 60%

1. Ongoing self-study project (no word limit) non-assessed
2. Reading-to-write journal (1,000 words) 15%
3. Literature survey task (1,000 words) 15%
4. Analytical essay (2,000 words) 30%

This module provides training in academic language and study skills for students entering degree programmes offered by the School of Law. To join this module, Law students must:

- hold a conditional offer from the School of Law
- have achieved an overall IELTS score that is 1 band below the overall course entry level, with a writing score that is 1 band below the overall course entry level

The module will increase students' language proficiency levels by focussing on context- and subject-specific materials (such as textbook extracts, journal articles, model essays, and recorded lectures and talks); a particular emphasis on developing subject-specific vocabulary will significantly improve comprehension of department-set reading, and project work will familiarise students with the types of assignments they must complete in their future studies in Law.

The module runs for 10 weeks and will be taught during the Summer Vacation term.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to:

1. provide opportunities to raise language accuracy and fluency across the skills, for students at or approaching European Framework Proficiency Level B2
2. provide practice in key academic language skills specific to the demands of studying Law, including extended reading of academic texts, note-taking while reading, essay writing, writing from sources (with necessary attention to referencing), seminar preparation and participation, participation in debates, note-taking while listening to lectures
3. provide students with an increased awareness of western methods of teaching and learning, and an understanding of how studying Law at Essex may differ to their prior experience and / or expectations of studying Law
4. provide students with an increased understanding of critical and analytical thinking, and its central importance in studying in a UK HE context
5. help students with transition from prior learning cultures to UK HE learning culture, in order to reach a better understanding of study requirements, and the criteria by which academic work is assessed
6. provide students with guided practice in completing stages of typical Law assignments through project work

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. competence in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking to levels required for the comprehension and production of disciplinary discourses
2. an ability to understand and take notes from longer academic texts, with a view to writing with appropriate integration of information from / acknowledgement of sources
3. a growing ability to think critically and analytically
4. the ability to produce a long assignment (up to 2,000 words) at B2 level in accordance with the conventions of the study of Law
5. the ability and confidence to participate fully in classroom debates and subject-specific seminar discussions and presentations
6. the ability to prepare appropriately for lectures, take notes and review lecture-based learning materials
7. the ability to continue to develop language skills independently, in parallel with degree course work.

Syllabus

Core ESAP classes prepare students in the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) within the context of their future studies. Specific focus will be placed on developing subject-specific vocabulary, and comprehension of discipline-specific texts.

Project classes focus on the development of learner independence and assignment writing skills, utilising reading materials recommended by the School. Over the ten week module, students complete four projects as follows:

1. Ongoing self-study project: in which students reflect on their performance and development, and the effectiveness of their self-study skills;
2. Reading-to-write journal in which students develop the ability to summarise and critically evaluate sources; students will read set texts on ethics and explore how ethics applies to their departmental specialism;
3. Literature survey task: in which students synthesise ideas and arguments encountered in their reading-to-write journal with the aim of identifying themes and questions worthy of further exploration;
4. An analytical essay: in which students answer a question formulated by the student (with help from tutors) on a theme found in destination course syllabi.

Critical thinking is encouraged and developed throughout all elements of the course, and is an assessed component of project tasks.

Development of Listening to lectures and note-taking, Presentation skills and Seminar speaking skills is integrated within ESAP and Project sessions. Lectures and short-talks are provided via video and by guest lecturers.

The core syllabus is intended to facilitate students' development in the following skills in academic English:

Academic reading skills

Understanding relevance of status of different text types
Selection of appropriate materials from departmental reading lists
Developing prediction and deduction techniques
Proficient skimming of text for overall meaning
Proficient scanning of text for specific information
Reading texts effectively for a range of purposes (e.g. seminar and lecture preparation, and assignment writing)
Note-taking practice for use in summary, paraphrase, quotation and citation
Recognising language markers used in academic discourse
Familiarity with complex structures and their functions
Familiarity with the style of legal texts
Familiarity with the style of legal reports in newspapers
Critical evaluation of texts encountered

Academic writing skills

Structuring an essay of up to 2,000 words
Proficient use of discourse markers and cohesive devices
Use of suitable register dependent on the task
Synthesise information into a cohesive, cogent, and convincing argument with supportive evidence
Following academic conventions using appropriate citations and referencing
Revising, editing, and evaluating own work
Accessing available support to complete written assignments effectively

Academic listening skills

Preparation for lecture listening through reading and questioning
Proficient prediction and deduction techniques
Efficient listening for key information in lectures
Use of notes for a range of academic purposes
Further development of strategies for dealing with incomplete comprehension
Proficient note-taking skills at level required by degree course
Coping with different lecturing styles and a range of accents
Developing a critical stance to information provided in lectures

Academic speaking skills

Preparation for and participation in seminar-style discussion and classroom debates
Participation in group work, co-operating with others to complete tasks and solve problems
Asking for advice and feedback
Challenging and disagreeing diplomatically where necessary
Language for discussion including agreement, polite disagreement, questioning, asking for clarification, elaboration of ideas, summation of ideas
Presenting ideas and information in the target discipline in the form of short, prepared talks both without and with integrated use of visual aids such as PowerPoint and Prezi

Assessment

There will be continuous formative assessment throughout the module. Summative assessment comprises the following units:

Integrated reading and writing test 15%
Listening skills: listening test 10%
Speaking skills: oral presentation 15%
Academic Project of four tasks: 60%

1. Ongoing self-study project (no word limit) non-assessed
2. Reading-to-write journal (1,000 words) 15%
3. Literature survey task (1,000 words) 15%
4. Analytical essay (2,000 words) 30%

This module will provide intensive English language study for students up to and including Common European Framework (CEFR) level A1 (lower basic user level). The module will develop basic-level, core competency (grammar and vocabulary usage), and up to A2 communicative competency in the four skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking. Module length: up to 40 weeks of study, depending on both student proficiency level at entry level, and student rate of progress.

Module aims

The aims of the module are to help students:

- gain mastery of basic EL grammar and vocabulary
- develop communicative ability in listening & speaking
- develop basic literacy in English (reading and writing)
- become effective and independent language learners

Learning outcomes

- overall EL competence at A2, the higher basic user level as defined by CEFR
- higher basic user competence in EL for general communicative purposes (listening and speaking)
- higher basic user literacy in English (reading and writing)
- the ability, with guidance, to formulate and follow effective study plans for independent EL development

Syllabus

Core English (average 5 sessions per week)

Classes will provide grammar and vocabulary development within a communicative context. Students will be organised into groups of maximum 15 students according to language level (Beginner, CEFR A1). Core English will provide the backbone to study in this module, and will incorporate individual tutorials to provide study guidance and help students develop effective, individualised study plans.

Reading & Writing (average 4 classes per week)

Integrated reading and writing classes will provide an introduction to EL literacy. Writing practice will focus on the mechanics of accurate writing (basic sentence structuring, punctuation, sentence linking). The module will also introduce basic principles of paragraph coherence and cohesion.

Materials for reading practice will include short EFL texts (for intensive reading practice and for presentation of language), together with graded readers (for language reinforcement, and to promote extensive reading skills practice).

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 both in class and for basic social and transactional purposes outside the classroom. In addition to class-based lessons, all EELP students will also have the opportunity to attend optional conversation sessions with native-speaker volunteers.

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.

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.