Overview

This course is only available to students whose native language is not English and who have not passed the Cambridge Advanced level examination.

This is a single module, taught during the first term of the university year. The course is thematically organised around topics of general interest and wide academic application. Each unit comprises a video or audio tape and exercises and speaking activities based on it. The exercises used are approximately equivalent to Cambridge Advanced level, ALTE level 4, corresponding to 'Competent User' in the Council of Europe framework. Tapes and videos are at levels from Advanced to native speaker level to reflect the needs of students' other study at this university.

This course is only available to students whose native language is not English. Varied listening exercises from many sources are used to extend students' capabilities and confidence, along with speaking exercises and games which focus on fluency and accuracy.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -40% A student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above. A student has a basic ability to listen and understand spoken English and is usually able to respond appropriately, although there may be some errors of grammar and vocabulary and s/he may require the interlocutor or repeat or explain expressions. Pronunciation may be heavily accented.

-good -55% A student has achieved a good standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above. A student has good ability to listen and understand spoken English and is able to respond appropriately and effectively, although there may be occasional errors of grammar and vocabulary. S/he may occasionally require the interlocutor to repeat or explain unfamiliar or idiomatic expressions but this will rarely impede communication.

-excellent -70% A student has achieved an exceptional standard of competence in coursework and examination relating to the learning outcomes above. A student has excellent ability to listen and understand spoken English and is able to respond appropriately and effectively with very few errors of grammar and vocabulary. S/he will only rarely require the interlocutor to repeat or explain unfamiliar or idiomatic expressions but communication is excellent and approaching that of native speakers in pace and content.

Learning Outcomes

• Hold conversations on general topics with native English speakers with a variety of accents.

• Develop confidence in understanding and expressing English, understanding when fluency or accuracy should be the main focus.

• Understand the gist of listening materials at native speaker level and offer appropriate responses and comments.