Objectives of the speaking component: (quarters 1 and 2):
At the end of spoken component of ACS, you:
• demonstrate that your proficiency both in terms of spoken production and interaction as well as listening is CEFR C1or higher;
• are familiar with the relevant CEFR descriptors and scales and will be able to interpret them and apply them to your own proficiency as well as that of your peers;
• have been taught to speak GA, but also recognize other major dialects of the US.
Objectives of the writing component (quarters 3 and 4):
At the end of the writing component of ACS, you know how to:
• apply the conventions of English academic writing;
• formulate an effective thesis statement to shape your writing;
• develop a sustained research paper;
• use bibliography software;
• formulate and motivate an effective research question;
• present information in tables and graphs where appropriate;
• summarize, synthesize, and critically evaluate academic sources;
• cite sources appropriately;
• revise a clearly structured, lexically and grammatically correct research paper. |
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ETC graduates are language professionals, many of whom will go on to become teachers, communication coaches or editors and in those capacities their knowledge and command of written and spoken English need to be exceptional.
The first two quarters of ACS are dedicated to oral communication skills, offering a wide variety of assignments and activities, such as taking part in discussions and giving formal presentations on a variety of academic subjects, e.g. issues in pragmatics The program has been created to help you improve your speaking as well as listening skills in English. You will also actively expand your active vocabulary by watching and listening to English radio, TV, and internet shows of your choice. You will store your new vocabulary in an Academic Vocabulary Notebook.
The second semester of ACS is dedicated to the writing of a research paper. The subject matter will be linked to one or more of the content courses in the NAS program. This allows you to concentrate exclusively on the writing process rather than on content. You develop your writing skills in constant dialogue with your fellow students. This also allows you to further develop your skills in terms of giving and receiving feedback. You learn how to structure a research paper with a precisely formulated research question, a clear paragraph structure with topic sentences, sound argumentation, correct incorporation of summaries, paraphrases and quotations, and solid referencing (MLA or APA). You also learn how to archive source material efficiently. |
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‘Oral communication Skills American English B’. Aan Academic Communication Skills American English kan wel worden begonnen als het onderdeel “uitspraak” van de B1 cursus 'Oral Communication Skills' nog niet is gehaald. Aan het schrijfgedeelte van 'Academic Communication Skills American English' in periode 3 kan pas worden deelgenomen als in het jaar daarvoor, of in het lopende jaar, de B1 cursus 'Writing English' en 'RADAr: Academic Language Proficiency' met een voldoende is afgesloten voordat periode 3 aanvangt
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One written exam on the academic vocabulary supplied by the course materials with which you have practiced during the semester.
An oral exam to test your proficiency in academic American English.
A pronunciation exam similar to that in year 1.
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