OVERVIEW

This 30-hour intensive unit is is designed to help students develop the four main language skills and reach B2-level competence, gaining confidence and effective communication strategies for using English in academic and professional contexts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide a level of knowledge and understanding of English equivalent to level B2.1 of the European Framework. By the end of the module the student will be able to understand the key topics of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions; express themselves with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, interacting with native speakers without effort on either side; produce a clear and detailed text on a wide range of topics and express an opinion on a topical issue, indicating advantages and disadvantages of different options.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Develop the four main language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking through realistic and engaging contexts.

Expand vocabulary and improve grammatical accuracy, with particular focus on appropriate language use in academic, professional, and everyday situations.

Build confidence in spoken communication by participating in conversations on a wide range of topics, expressing opinions, agreement/disagreement, and narrating experiences in a structured way.

Understand and analyse complex texts, identifying specific information, viewpoints, arguments, and text structures.

Produce coherent and well-organised written texts, such as formal/informal letters, articles, descriptions, and opinion pieces, using an appropriate register.

Develop autonomous learning strategies to consolidate and maintain the B2 level after the course ends.

PREREQUISITES

Minimum level required: A solid B1 level (Intermediate) according to the CEFR.

Basic knowledge of grammar structures, including present perfect, past simple vs. present perfect, conditionals, comparatives, modals.

Ability to understand and participate in short conversations on familiar topics.

Willingness to participate actively in class discussions and complete weekly assignments.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is delivered through different and complementary activities, the main being:

- theoretical lessons and seminaries;

- group activities (debates, brief, brainstorming, project reviews…);

- external visits;

- practical lessons (exercises and short projects).

The second part of the module is expressly dedicated to the development of the project theme organised in mixed working groups and with the support of the lecturers, a theme that will be the subject of presentation and evaluation during the examination.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The unit explores a variety of lexical fields through practical activities aimed at developing the four language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), while promoting active student participation:

Education & Learning

Work & Employment

Travel & Holidays

Health & Fitness

Environment & Nature

Science & Technology

Society & Social Issues

Relationships & Emotions

Money & Economy

Food & Lifestyle

Nautical and Maritime

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA MOROZZO DELLA ROCCA E DI BIANZE' (President)

CLAIRE MARIE O'NEILL (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/9008/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final course assessment includes two main parts:

Written Test

Reading comprehension based on B2-level texts

Grammar and vocabulary exercises

Duration: 60 minutes

Oral Test

Guided pair conversation on general and subject-related topics

Description of pictures, opinions, and personal experiences

Simulations of real-life communication situations (e.g. booking, making arrangements, discussions)

Duration: 10–15 minutes

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final assessment aims to verify the achievement of the competences required at B2 level of the CEFR, with particular focus on the following areas:

Reading comprehension: Ability to understand medium-length texts, identifying specific information, arguments, and points of view.

Speaking (production and interaction): Ability to interact fluently and spontaneously in everyday or professional contexts, engaging in conversations, expressing opinions, recounting experiences, and simulating real-life situations.

Linguistic competence (Grammar & Vocabulary): Correct use of grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate to different contexts, with attention to accuracy and lexical range.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the Delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities. Students are invited to contact the teacher of this course and copy the Delegate (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html).