Overview

This course is only available to students whose native language is not English.

This course is Compulsory for students taking the BA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Studies, and the BA in English Language Studies.

This double-module course covers all major skill areas of English language at a level approaching that of an educated native speaker. It does not focus solely on 'academic' English, but covers a variety of registers. There is, however, a strong academic slant to much of the work. Components of the course include essay writing, grammar study, reading an approved novel, vocabulary development, listening work, discussions, interview techniques, and examination practice exercises. Successful completion of this course and the following QXS-3002 should enable students to pass the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English Examination, which is placed at ALTE Level 5, corresponding to 'Mastery' in the Council of Europe framework.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of English language competence for this module, approximately equivalent to IELTS 7.0. A student shows the ability to produce spoken and written English for a variety of purposes and has awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss and explain text genres and content adequately but without flair or insight. There are a few errors in grammar and format in the majority of spoken and written work and vocabulary choice may be comparatively limited and may exhibit evidence of interference from L1.

-good -55% A student has achieved a good standard of English language competence, approximately equivalent to IELTS 7.5.A student shows good ability to produce spoken & written English for a variety of purposes and has good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss and explain text genres and content adequately and with some flair and insight. There are very few errors in grammar and format in the majority of spoken & written work. Vocabulary choice is good but expression may occasionally fall short of first-language (L1) English level.

-excellent -70% A student has achieved an exceptional standard of English language competence equivalent to IELTS 8.0 or above.A student shows excellent ability to produce spoken & written English for a variety of purposes and has very good awareness of structure, content, style and grammatical accuracy. S/he is able to discuss and explain text genres and content with considerable flair and insight and at a level almost commensurate with that of an educated L1 English speaker. There are only rarely errors in grammar and format in any spoken & written work. Vocabulary choice is excellent and expression is approaching that of a first-language (L1) English speaker.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to complete grammar and vocabulary exercises at a level equivalent to IELTS 7.0 and above.

• Be able to conduct and report on a conversation with a native (or near-native) speaker of English.

• Be able to read, understand and appraise a variety of authentic English text genres, including an un-simplified English language novel.

• Be able to understand, explain and discuss (both verbally and in written form) complex issues relating to both the English language and topics of general interest

• On successful completion of the module, a student will: Be able to write in accurate English for a variety of purposes and audiences.