Learning outcomes

The course targets level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in the following skills:


Reading and Listening Comprehension

Understanding documents: identifying the structure of a text, distinguishing main ideas from details, understanding simple technical information, and inferring the meaning of a word from its context.


Speaking (individual and interactive)

Producing simple, coherent speech (with or without preparation) on familiar topics and areas of personal interest: narrating an event with sufficient detail for it to be understood, describing feelings and reactions, explaining a problem and suggesting solutions, developing arguments/explanations clearly enough to be generally understood, and checking comprehension by asking questions.


Writing

Writing straightforward, connected texts on a range of topics within one’s field, linking separate elements into a linear sequence: reporting experiences while describing feelings and reactions, adopting a simple formal style, clearly and coherently presenting the main ideas of a document, and taking notes during a simple lecture provided the subject is familiar, the delivery straightforward, and the speech clear in everyday language.


Following the diagnostic test, students who already demonstrate a B1 level in the relevant skills are admitted directly to the course LCDLB022 (English 2).

Goals

The foreign language skills frameworks for secondary education indicate a level of proficiency in English between B1– and B1+ (depending on whether English is studied as a first or second foreign language). The priority of this course is to ensure that by the end of Bloc 1, each student is confirmed at level B1 in the relevant skills, in line with the expected exit profile of the Bachelor’s degree: reading, listening and audio-visual comprehension; and written and spoken production.

Content

Diagnostic Test: September

A diagnostic test is available on Webcampus at the start of the academic year. Certain skills (reading comprehension, listening comprehension, vocabulary and grammar) are assessed according to the CEFR descriptors.

Based on the results of this test, students who demonstrate level B1 in all the assessed skills will be required to take the course LCDLB022.


Course LCDLB021: Terms 1 and 2

This course engages students with written and audio documents in English. It also includes written and oral expression, with the aim of improving communication and interaction in English up to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Teaching methods

  • The course is delivered in person and in relatively small student groups. It takes the form of interactive seminars in English and is structured around a variety of themes. Each semester concludes with a summative assessment.
  • Attendance is compulsory. Opportunities to practise oral and written production are provided in every class.
  • The objectives and activities are designed in line with the philosophy of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Language communication is developed with regard to the necessary linguistic competences (vocabulary, syntax, phonology), sociolinguistic competences (social conventions, politeness rules, etc.), and pragmatic competences (organisation, adaptation, discourse structure) required for target tasks. The course does not restrict itself to linguistic knowledge alone.

Assessment method

The breakdown of marks is as follows:


A) Continuous assessment (all year; 80%)

At the end of the first term (outside of the exam session), you are expected to

-       take a grammar and vocabulary test* (15%)

-       take a reading comprehension (15%)

-       write an email (10%)

 

At the end of the second term (outside of the exam session), you are expected to

-       take a grammar and vocabulary test* (15%)

-       take a reading comprehension (15%)

-       write an opinion piece based on a listening comprehension (10%)


B) Oral exam (during the exam session; 20%)


a.     The oral exam will consist of an informal discussion with your teacher and a classmate. The first part will be a dialogue between the two students about themes discussed in class (e.g. first year at university, daily routine, holidays and travel plans).


August session

You will only have to retake the parts for which you did not get at least 10/20 (continuous assessment and/or oral exam). The final grade and breakdown of marks for the August session are the same as during the year.  

a.     Continuous assessment – 80%

b.     Oral assessment – 20%



* The grammar/vocabulary tests will cover the vocabulary units listed under the self-study section and the grammar and vocabulary covered in class (course notes, videos and texts). More specifically, you will be asked to: (1) identify and correct mistakes (vocabulary, grammar and style) in sentences/paragraphs, (2) complete sentences with the appropriate word (vocabulary, grammar and style), and (3) use the words in a meaningful context. 


Sources, references and any support material

  • The course notes are available on WebCampus.
  • Vocabulary book: Stuart Redman, English Vocabulary in Use – Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press (2017).


Language of instruction

English