The course is intended for repeating general English and developing English for Architecture. The core of the course is based on expanding the professional vocabulary, being able to express one’s professional opinion in English, and learning some grammatical structures that can aid in English sounding more professional and academic. In other words, the course will focus on oral skills in professional setting.

Instead of a textbook, links to the texts will be available on the MS Teams platform, and students will read them prior to classes. During the classes, students will discuss the set topic from different perspectives, and will be awarded between 1-10 points. The total number of points for practicing oral skills can be in a range from 1-90 points.

Additionally, point need to be obtained for written tasks, which will also occur on MS Teams, and will be awarded from 1-10 points each, depending on the grammar, usage of professional vocabulary, and the use of predetermined grammar structures. The total number of points for presenting written skills can be in a range from 1-90 points.

For students who do not want to participate in discussions or write the assignments, and would like to pass the exam, the written and oral examination will be organized at the Faculty, during the exam terms.

PREREQUISITES, EXAMS AND POINTS:

Each student needs to have points from the oral part and points from the written part. The ratio will depend only on student’s preferences. The points will be provided during and after the course, as explained in this document.

The evaluation will be based on the “Combine and mix” principle. The only rule is that the points have to be obtained both written and oral.

The possibilities are as follows:

1. (oral) active participation in classes with pre-given topics and vocabulary lists (1-10 points per class).

After the initial grammar classes, each class will have a topic and links (hyperlinks) will be provided for texts to be read. The aim of the classes is to improve oral skills and express one’s own opinions and attitudes in English. Points will be awarded for activity, expressing one’s own opinion, familiarity with the topic, grammar and professional vocabulary.

1. (oral) recorded oral presentations (1-10 points)

You can make a YouTube presentation or record yourself discussing a topic from the class for 3-5 minutes. Send me a link or a file to listen and grade. (After you read information about the topic on the platform, your task is to discuss some of the questions asked, or state your opinion on the issues presented.) This is suitable for students who are sick, or have some issues related to speaking English in front of the group. These recordings should be sent a few days prior or after the class.

1. (oral) oral exam (1-40 points)

During the exam term, you can take the oral exam. Possible topics will be those discussed in classes, and after picking a topic, you will have to say something about it and be able to answer questions.

1. (written) paragraph writing (1-10 points)

From the middle of the course, writing exercises will be uploaded to the platform. Students will be given written instructions on writing topic sentences, supporting sentences, and paragraphs. Each week a new task will be uploaded, and we will agree on deadlines that fit everyone.

1. (written) written part of the exam (1-50 points)

The written part of the exam tests the understanding of professional texts and professional terminology. Knowledge related to grammar is also evaluated. Details will be discussed at the end of the semester.

POINTS AND FINAL GRADE RANGE: following the scale accepted at the Faculty.