Introduction and programme

13 Setembro 2023, 11:00 • Cláudia Rute Canelas Pereira Duarte

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The general theme for the course will be crime/thriller novels, covering different eras, with the objective of developing a critical sense of language and how it is expressed by different authors. The syllabus also includes video resources to ensure the variety of exposure to spoken English and to increase students’ knowledge of vocabulary and register. Learners should also be able to follow and take part in more abstract/technical discussions and to adapt to new circumstances efficiently and with few mistakes. The main objective is to broaden linguistic knowledge in terms of register and of more complex grammatical structures. The objective is also to understand some aspects of English culture and how it articulates with language, and to be able to describe their own culture and view of the world in a complete and honest perspective.

 Punctuality is considered part of the participation mark and attendance is compulsory. The remainder of this mark involves active participation in class by taking part in class activities as much as possible.

Required elements of evaluation are: two assignments, participation in class (debating and otherwise), the final test and participation in a final debate. Assignments should be dropped in the shared drive.

 

Deadlines for homework are discussed in class and will not be accepted late unless you have special dispensation. Extra homework related to the written and video resources as well as writing practice will be assigned weekly by the teacher. Attendance of the class is compulsory and all absences must be justified.

Evaluation

 

Test 1 – Final Debate	30%
Test 2 – Final Essay	30%
Participation in class + 2 assignments	40%

 

Syllabus

12 Setembro 2023, 12:30 • Rui Vitorino Azevedo

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Students received and reviewed the syllabus including course requirements and assessment. We also went over the presentation guidelines where students have been asked to give a TED talk. 

Programme and assessment criteria

12 Setembro 2023, 09:30 • Daniel Gregg Lopes da Silva

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Assessment criteria

INTROCTIONS

12 Setembro 2023, 08:00 • Gaile Parkin

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Introduction to the course and student introductions.

Presentations; Assessment; Semester Planning Speaking: Just a minute!

11 Setembro 2023, 14:00 • Ana Rita Martins

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ENGLISH C1.1 (ENGLISH PROFICIENCY)

TP4

2023/2024 – First Semester

Ana Rita Martins (anaritasilva@edu.ulisboa.pt)

 

1. OBJECTIVES

English C1.1 builds on the competencies gained at English B2.2 level. While it works on all four language skills, this course will focus specifically on descriptive writing and vocabulary building. Sensory description will play a key role in getting students to transition from vague to concrete and sensory-packed discourse (vivid vs. vague language; show don’t tell;). In addition, students will expand their vocabulary and improve their knowledge of complex grammatical structures using Cambridge examination materials.

 

These aims will be achieved by means of specific written and oral activities, which will serve as the basis for continuous assessment. These activities will include:

§  Reading: Short stories will be selected for in-class discussions and activities. A novel will also be read independently and discussed in class;

§  Academic Writing: Descriptive writing; Writing about literature;

§  Speaking: In-class discussions and oral descriptive exercises;

§  Listening/Viewing: A film and short videos on relevant topics will be screened and discussed.

 

2. ASSESSMENT AND GRADING SYSTEM

Assessment will be continuous. Students are expected to attend all classes and to complete assignments prior to the class. Students will also be required to perform a variety of in-class activities (both written and oral).

The assessment criteria are as follows: 

Grammar Test:               15%

Descriptive Writing Assignment:     20%

Oral Assignment:                           20%

Written Test:                                 25%

Attendance & Participation:           20%

 2.1. Date for the Grammar Test:        November 24

 2.2. Date for the Descriptive Writing Assignment:     October 16

 2.3. Dates for the oral assignments:       November 10 | November 13 | December 15

 2.4. Date for the Written Test:    December 11

 NB: §  If you do not come to class on the day you are meant to do your in-house written assessment or participate in the oral assignments, you will get zero.

 

3. BIBLIOGRAPHY

§  C1.1 Coursebook (a collection of essays, articles and stories) will be made available online.

§  Compulsory reading: Small Things Like These (2023) by Claire Keegan

 §  Dictionaries: students are expected to have at least one of the following dictionaries:

o   Cambridge International Dictionary of English

o   Collins Cobuild Dictionary of English Language

o   Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture

o   Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English

o   The New Penguin English Dictionary

Schedule & Rooms

§  TP4: Mondays (room: C013) & Fridays (room: C015) | 2.00-3.30pm

§  Online: Wednesdays | 2.00-3.00pm