ELSP
Introduction
This is an outline of the generic English Language Support Programme (ELSP) for UEA students. It has the theme and learner outcomes for each session.
Some sessions are accompanied by online activities. Look for the ⭐ Extra activities links.
For more information, see the ELSP page on the UEA website.
Listening
1. Introductions
Be familiar with how lectures commonly begin and how to use this information to facilitate understanding of the content.
2. Digressions
Be aware of how lecturers commonly digress from the core content and how to identify these digressions.
3. Data & statistics
Be aware of the common use of statistics and data are used in lectures. Be more familiar with the ways of presenting data as support for claims.
4. Lecture structure
Be aware of common patterns of organisation of information within lectures and how this facilitates better comprehension of the content.
5. Conclusions
Be familiar with how lectures commonly end and how to use this information to facilitate understanding of the previous content.
Pronunciation
1. Phonemes
Raise awareness of phonemes in British English focusing on vowel sounds. Look at ways of developing independent learning strategies for improving pronunciation of phonemes.
2. Word stress
Identify how spelling relates to phonological units in multi-syllable words. Recognise common stress patterns in two-syllable and multi-syllable words.
3. Sentence stress
Identify stress patterns at sentence level. Examine how stress can influence meaning in longer utterances.
4. Intonation
Review how change in pitch can influence meaning in English. Practise common intonation patterns.
5. Connected speech
Identify some key features of connected speech. Practise weak forms and liaison features of spoken English.
Reading
1. Strategies for improving comprehension
Understand the importance of prediction in reading. Be able to use text clues to assist comprehension of academic articles.
2. Importance of vocabulary knowledge in reading
Be aware of the relationship between vocabulary and reading comprehension. Understand the importance of general reading to improve vocabulary. Be able to use context and co-text to understand lexis.
3. Critical Reading I: Argument (position and reasoning)
Understand what a critical approach to reading is. Be able to identify an argument in an academic text
4. Critical Reading II: Conclusions (explicit and implicit)
Understand the difference between conclusions and overall argument. Be able to identify both explicit and implied conclusions within academic texts
5. Critical Reading III: Framing an issue
Understand how figurative language is used to frame concepts/theories/ideologies. Be able to identify conceptual metaphor within academic texts.
Speaking
1. Experiences of learning English. Motivation for learning English
Be aware of common difficulties in learning and speaking a second language. Be able to communicate and reflect on own difficulties. Understand the role of motivation in improving speaking ability.
2. Intercultural communication. Functional English
Understand the inherent problems with communicating across cultures. Understand the functional aspect of communication and use associated strategies to speak more effectively.
3. Giving definitions/explanations
Understand common ways of defining and explaining academic terms. Be able to define and explain abstract and complex terms using a variety of strategies.
4. Agreeing and disagreeing
Understand the conventions of agreeing and disagreeing in academic English. Be able to use language and strategies to contribute to discussions more effectively.
5. Presenting
Learn how to give an effective, clearly structured and designed presentation that elaborates on content and uses appropriate gestures, body language and visual aids. Learn how to recognise and respond to questions from the audience.
Writing
1. Academic style/Text types
Understand the basic conventions of academic writing style. Be able to recognise the main types of written text that academic courses commonly require.
2. Academic vocabulary
Identify the difference between formal and informal vocabulary. Be able to use tools to help build up a working vocabulary for their discipline.
3. Using sources of information
Become familiar with the reasons and conventions for using other people’s work in your own writing. Understand the role of synthesis in using sources.
4. Hedging
Be aware of the use of and reasons for hedging in academic writing. Be able to understand and use hedging language in your own writing.
5. Taking a critical approach
Understand what defines a critical approach to writing. Be able to understand and use evaluative terms and phrases in your own writing.