The course aims at strengthening English language skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing. The learning goals are achieving B2 level for reading and writing and B1 level for listening and speaking, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (www.coe.int/lang-CEFR).

The following grammar topics will be covered: revision of verb tenses and modal verbs; if-clauses (1°, 2° and 3° types); use of infinitives and of present and past participles; relative clauses; passive forms; indirect speech; adjectives and adverbs (comparatives and superlatives).

The development of lexical competences will be encouraged in the domains of everyday life and science.

The strengthening of linguistic skills will be based on the improvement of reading comprehension and writing skills in general topics (ex. comprehension of articles for non-specialist audiences, email writing) and in academic topics (comprehension of popular science articles; abstract writing). In addition, listening and speaking skills will be strengthened, with a focus on social interaction in everyday life (travels, conversation about current affairs and personal interests).

Students are expected to have a knowledge of the English language at least at B1+ level for reading and writing and A2+ level for listening and speaking, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (www.coe.int/lang-CEFR). In any case a test will be administered at the beginning of the course to verify the real initial level of the students.

Knowledge and understanding

Students have reading and writing skills at B2 level and listening and speaking skills at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (www.coe.int/lang-CEFR).

Applying knowledge and understanding

Students can understand popular science written texts and speeches about familiar topics, uttered clearly and slowly.

Making judgements

Students are guided to critically assess their performance, in order to identify their strengths and elements to improve and have guidelines for self-study.

Communication skills

Students will practice comprehension and communication skills in English in order to use the language in real contexts, especially in everyday life and in academia.

Learning skills

Students have studied and understood the teaching material presented during the lessons, and apply their knowledge appropriately in comprehension and production activities in English.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Grammar exercises; interactive lessons; individual, pair and group works.

 

Attendance

No mandatory attendance.

 

Course books

Latham-Koenig, Christina e Clive Oxenden (2017) English File Digital Gold B1/B1+. Student's Book, Workbook and NEW eBook with key. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0194524896.

Further teaching materials will be available in the Moodle platform.

 

Assessment

The exam will be divided into a written part and an oral part.

The written exam consists of two parts: the reading of a written text followed by multiple-choice questions about its content; the writing of an abstract.

In the oral exam students will listen to a text about one of the topics dealt with during the course twice and will be asked to answer some questions about its content orally. Then there will be a short dialogue with the lecturer about the topic of the text.

 

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Non-attending students shall refer to the materials uploaded on the Moodle platform. The book parts done during the lessons will be reported, as well as instructions on further exercise.

 

Attendance

 

Course books

 

Assessment

It is strongly recommended that non-attending students contact the lecturer by email before taking the exam to plan a meeting during office hours or via Skype.

 

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.