English

B2.1 (Vantage) level

2023/2024

S1 (TP3) 

Lecturer: Daniel Gregg 

Email address: daniel.silva@edu.ulisboa.pt

 

AIMS

 

Based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), at the end of this level, students should be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation; be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party; be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

 

SYLLABUS OVERVIEW

 

Students will be exposed to a variety of written and audiovisual materials focusing on contemporary issues in society with a view to encouraging them to learn and practice the language of argumentation and express their opinions. This course unit will build on the narrative and more descriptive approach of the previous level to introduce students to discursive strategies at both written and oral levels, which may take the form of newspaper/journal articles for discussion and comprehension and videos. Areas of the grammar will be addressed during the course of the semester according to students' identified needs.

 

STUDY MATERIALS

 

All the materials required for class activities will be uploaded onto Moodle.  

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Optional:

Swan, Michael. 2005. Practical English Usage. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

The Longman Dictionary Of Contemporary English For Advanced Learners. 2009. 5th edition. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

The Oxford Phrasal Verbs Dictionary for Learners of English. 2006. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

 

Individual oral presentation- 20%

Test 1- 35%

Test 2- 40%

Attendance 5%

 

 

TUTORIAL

Tutorial session via Zoom Wednesday at 11 am.

 

REQUIREMENTS

Having successfully completed English (B1.2) or having been placed in English (B2.1) as a result of a placement test done at the beginning of the academic year.

 

*PLEASE NOTE

 

Worker students may opt for continuous assessment (in which case they will have to comply with all the assessment criteria set for regular students) OR sit the Época Especial de Avaliação examination. The examination will focus on the contents of the syllabus adopted for the B2.1 level.