82723 - English Language Workshop II - (A)

Course contents

English language and culture. A brief revision of English grammar from B1.1 to B2. Students will still be divided into proficiency groups based on the first year groups. The text used in class will depend on the level of each group.

Readings/Bibliography

The text used in class and at home will be published in September 2019. 

Teaching methods

Teaching methodology

The methods and techniques used include: reading and comprehension exercises in small groups, form-focussed grammar revision individually and in small groups, listening practice with small group exercises, flipped classroom student presentations of lexical and grammatical material, production of short texts, poems, scripts based on the language presented in the book, Grammar-Drama activities (acting out original scripts exemplifying grammar and pronunciation issues), Total Physical Response activities, songs, role-play, videos, collaborative and individual writing on paper and on digital platforms like Padlet, Edmodo, etc.

Assessment methods

The final test will take place at the end of the workshop in written form: it will be a B2 grammar test based on the materials in the book above with a composition on everyday topics. Continuous assessment during the workshop may be also adopted by some tutors.

Here is a facsimile of the final exam. There are several sections: on Grammar, Lexicon, Idioms, a Reading comprehension (with 10 True/False questions), a Listening (with a transcription of the audio and 10 gaps to fill) and a Writing (at least 150 words). Ideas of possible Writing topics will be offered during the lessons. The marking system assigns 1 point to each correct item, and zero points for null or wrong answers. There is a total of 180 points, and the pass mark is 108/180 (that is 18/30). The final result registered on AlmaEsami is not in marks but a straight IDONEO/NON IDONEO.

In case of a fail, exams can be taken in consecutive appelli (i.e. there is no session skipping or salto di appello). Marks will be sent via the University email to each student, and details will be quoted for each part of the test. Students do not have to accept the ID result, registering (verbalizzazione) will be done by default.

In order to take the exam it is absolutely necessary for a student to have enrolled on Almaesami. It is not possible to take any exam without formal enrolment there. In case of problems with the enrolment process students MUST CONTACT THE UFFICIO DIDATTICO BEFORE THE ENROLMENT DEADLINE. Once the enrolment lists are closed, no student can be added.

Teaching tools

Teaching tools

Apart from the book, students will work with presentations, audio clips, photos, videos from the book CDs and online, Moodle, Padlet or similar, own cellphones to contribute materials on shared platforms or to ask questions online, OHP, besides traditional paper-based tools.

Listenings will relate to the first and second year language coursebook or to recommended pedagogical texts/videos. Find inspiration here and here.

Office hours

See the website of Linda Vacondio