Teacher: GAILE PARKIN

email: gaileparkin@letras.ulisboa.pt


Course Description

In accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for English level B2, this B2.1 course provides the first part of preparing students to complete the B2 level (which is fully completed in the B2.2 course). This course therefore builds the foundation of students’ competence in: understanding the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization; interacting with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party; producing clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explaining a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Through the theme of Children’s Literature in English, the course covers:

  • Reading and analyzing a range of texts written for children, and identifying explicit and implicit meanings
  • Speaking about, discussing and presenting topics relevant to the theme
  • Writing reviews, summaries, essays and creative piece
  • Academic English, with particular reference to its features and characteristics, understanding academic texts, and paraphrasing and citing sources correctly to avoid plagiarism
  • Grammar with particular reference to appropriate use cohesive devices, idiomatic expressions, word families, and the of elimination of common errors, in preparation for the Language in Use section of the Cambridge B2 First exam. 

Grading and Evaluation

In accordance with the regulations of the Faculty, evaluation takes place continuously throughout the semester. The course has 4 points of formal evaluation, each with equal weighting:

  • ·         An essay written in class (25%)
  • ·         An essay written at home (25%)
  • ·         A grammar test written in class (25%)
  • ·         An individual oral presentation recorded on video and defended live in class (25%)

 

Bibliography

·*  B2.1 Coursebook (a collection of essays, articles and stories on the theme of Children’s Literature in English, compiled by Gaile  Parkin)
*  Murphy, Raymond. English Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
*  Tayfoor, Susanne. Common Mistakes at First Certificate and How to Avoid Them. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
·A selection of children’s literary texts will be supplied during the course.
· Students are expected to have access to a good English dictionary (physical or electronic).