This course aims to enhance students' English proficiency, particularly in professional and scientific contexts. It focuses on developing both oral and written communication skills, emphasizing speaking in professional settings, giving presentations, and engaging in various types of conversations, from small talk to phone calls. Additionally, students will refine their writing through tasks such as essays, email writing, covering letter, CV, and covering topics ranging from everyday to the professional life. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, students will practice clear, fluent, and culturally appropriate oral and written communication.
Semester 1 consists of 20 hours of English instruction, or 10 two-hour sessions.
During class time, you should expect to engage in group and pair work, and to actively participate in class. The focus of this class will be on real-life language use.
By the end of this course, students should:
• Confidently engage in discussions on both science and everyday life.
• Improve professional and scientific writing skills.
• Expand their professional and scientific vocabulary for professional and academic communication.
After successful completion of semester 1 of this course, students will be able to:
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Ask and answer questions about one’s personal and professional interests
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Engage confidently in discussions on professional topics.
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Expand professional and academic vocabulary for effective communication.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Course Content:
1. Grammar Review:
• Active and Passive Voice
• Infinitives and gerunds
• Adjectives
• Basic grammar revision as needed (e.g., tenses, articles...)
2. Language Skills Development:
• Speaking:
• Role-playing professional scenarios
• Delivering short presentations
• Engaging in small talk
• Telephone conversations (e.g., asking information, making appointment, handling complaints, problem-solving)
• Writing:
• Formal and informal emails
• Essays, Covering Letters, CV
• Listening & Reading:
• Improving comprehension through current news on global and technological issues.
• Additional Focus:
• Expanding vocabulary for everyday, professional, and business use
• Using numbers, measurements, and technical terms accurately in English
Class will be conducted in person. Resources will be available on SAVOIR.
1. Group Oral Presentation (20%) – week 3 and 4:
• In groups of 2-3, present any scientific topic of your choice
2. Short Written Test (20%) – week 6:
• Test on Email writing, Cover Letter and Vocabulary learnt in class
3. Oral Presentation and Discussion (20%) – week 7 and 8:
• Presentation on current press or online article/video on any topic of your choice and Discussion.
4. Final written Test (40%) – January 10