Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

The course will focus on B2 grammar as well as listening skills using a variety of materials. Furthermore speaking will be encouraged at all times.

Overview of B2 grammar programme:

 Determiners  (Articles – a/an, the); 

 Prepositions:  Prepositions with adjectives/nouns/verbs; 

 Adjectives;  Comparative structures; 

 Past tenses;  Used to/would (nb ≠ be/get used to); 

 Present perfect simple;  Present perfect continuous;  Past perfect simple/continuous; 

 Past & Present perfect simple with superlatives  (It was / is the first time that …); 

 Present simple with future meaning in time clauses starting with when, as soon as, once, after, until etc.; 

 Future in the past  (was/were going to);  Other expressions with future meaning  (to be + to-inf., etc.); 

Conditionals:   Mixed conditionals;  

Conditionals – Formal style:  conditionals without if,  use of should for if in 1st cond.;     use of should / were… to+inf  for if in 2nd cond.;  inversion of had + subject instead of if in 3rd cond.;   

Wish / If only  +  past tense,   + past perfect;   + would;  + could ;   

Subjunctive – use after certain verbs (suggest, demand, insist, recommend etc),  and the ‘unreal’ past; 

Verbs  with – ing forms & infinitives; 

Reported speech:  Reported questions;  Orders/requests/advice:  Reporting verb patterns; 

Relative and other clauses; 

(Linking words:  Differences (contrast) );  

Causatives  (have something done, etc.); 

Passive reporting verbs  (He is thought to be rich, etc.)  (+  Infinitive phrases/ clauses);.  

Phrasal verbs.

Listening

Listening and oral production – B2: 

A variety of material will be used to practise listening such as recordings, videos online and so on. Attention will also be paid to vocabulary enhancement.

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

Course books

The grammar text to use for independent study is  Mark Foley, Diane Hall,  MY GRAMMAR LAB – Intermediate B1/B2, with key,  Pearson, 2012. 

For further information regarding texts and exams see the file “Guidelines – LIN-OC – 2” on Moodle (› blended.uniurb.it).