English For Academic English For Academic Purposes (UQB 3033).Purposes (UQB 3033).

Introduction :

This module consists of the This module consists of the following thematically linked following thematically linked skills:skills:

• Writing• Grammar• Speaking• Listening• Reading• Critical thinking• English for the internet age• Learner independence and study skills

Topic 1 : Getting Started. Introduction

• enable the students to become familiar with and to practice applying English medium conventions

• This unit aims to develop competence in the analysis and communicative use of English for Academic Purposes.

• Particular attention will be given to the development of language skills which are vital in completing assignments, discussions, listening to lectures and the ability to read academics texts.

Discussion and Academic Requests.

How to start a ConversationHow to keep a Conversation goingHow to end a Conversation

* refer to the printed note for Getting started activity.

Discussion.

Task A : Differing Experiences.

Has learning in this new educational setting (Unirazak) been the same as learning in your home country/previous school or college?

Discuss in your group the Discuss in your group the following questions:following questions:

• What do you expect studying at tertiary level to be like?

• How many hours per week will you be able to study?

• What are the skills that you would concentrate on?

• How important is speaking and listening in English to you?

• What is your field of study?

1.4 Task B: Academic Requests.1.4 Task B: Academic Requests.

Think of questions that you may wish to ask of these Think of questions that you may wish to ask of these people:people:

 Faculty Executive◦Checking the timetable.◦Confirmation of the venue.◦Name of the lecturer/s

Lecturer◦Enquiring about the credit hours.◦Expectations of the course.◦Public holidays and semester breaks.

Dean◦Change course◦Consultation with Dean (discipline/academic

performance)◦General complaints.

1.5 Tips on how to keep a conversation going1.5 Tips on how to keep a conversation going

• Make conversation - fight urge to interrupt• Connect with people - be enthusiastic• Get a conversation going - show interest• Keep a conversation going - be open to

suggestions• Elaborate on what they’re saying - accept

ideas• Go into detail - move away from eye-contact• Make good factual contact - recap what was

said• Cultivate a wide range of topics

Sample of a conversation:Sample of a conversation:

• Anna : Karen! Hi!• Karen : Hi, Anna, how are you?• Anna : Fine, thanks. Um, is anyone sitting

here?• Karen : No, have a seat.• Anna : Thanks. Oof, it’s so crowded.

How’re you doing?• Karen : Oh, so busy. I’ve got school, and

work, and I’ve told you my brother’s getting • married next month, right?• Anna : Yes, you have.

Common Fears and Frustrations in Common Fears and Frustrations in Conversations.Conversations.

• Looking uninterested• How to handle disagreements• Running out of things to say• Confusing conversation

• Unsure how to show interest• Fear of being judged or embarrassed• Having to make small talk interesting

• Fear of Rejection• (Build up confidence)

Refer to hard copy page 8-11.

ExercisesExercises

Making conversation and small talk can be tricky and awkward. Try to think of things to talk about while having dinner (3 or 4 persons) at a restaurant.

Get an article from the newspapers/magazine. Print out a copy leaving a space between each paragraph. Cut them apart. Give the parts to your group members. Each member must read his/her paragraph, discuss with the others and organize the paragraphs in the correct order.