Objectives

The course aims to help students strengthen their oral and written skills in order to enhance their language proficiency, a necessary contributory factor to the students' academic success. In this course, students learn to write clear and coherent academic essays. Students will also learn to speak clearly and confidently using the appropriate register and effective delivery techniques.

	write well organized paragraphs and essays;
	speak confidently and clearly during tutorials;
	read critically to interpret ideas and to distinguish main and supporting ideas;
	reinforce basic grammar usage; and
	build a larger vocabulary.

Format

The course focuses on integrating speaking, writing and reading skills. Materials used in the course are mainly expository in nature and they are generally related to science and current issues. Writing tasks focus on writing essays in response to given texts. The aim of this text-based writing approach is to inculcate critical thinking and analytical skills in students. Relevant grammar points are taught, reviewed and reinforced through appropriate activities like text editing. Students are given opportunities to practise their speaking skills through oral summaries and presentations. The tutor reviews the students' writing and speaking tasks and conferences with students to discuss their performance.

Assessment

The evaluation of this course consists of continual assessment (60%) and the final examination (40%).