English for Scientific and Academic Discussion: part one

This course is designed to enhance students’ proficiency in English, specifically tailored for academic and scientific contexts. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing essential skills required for engaging in academic discussions, presenting research, and articulating complex ideas. Throughout the course, students will participate in various activities and exercises aimed at refining their ability to communicate their thoughts clearly and effectively. By the end of the course, students will have a robust foundation in academic English, enabling them to confidently present their research, contribute to scholarly debates, and collaborate with peers in an academic setting.

Entry requirements for the course:
The entry requirement for the course is knowledge of English at the B1.

Requirements for course completion:
Active participation in the class, processing of assigned tasks for the period of the winter semester, reading assigned sections of texts as a basis for the discussion during the classes, final test

1. Critical thinking
Taking part in a discussion
2. Evaluating evidence
Note-taking techniques
Organizing a presentation – the introduction
3. Critical thinking – fact or opinion
Recognizing signposts
Presentations – organizing the main contents
4. Recognizing causes and solutions
References to earlier comments
Presentation – facts and figures
5. Critical thinking – anecdotal evidence
Conducting interviews
Presenting results
Presentations – graphics
6. Establishing criteria
Summarizing data form a table
Presentations – the conclusion
7. Making inferences
Recognizing the plan of a talk
Presentations – preparing and describing visuals
8. Reviewing and organizing notes
Successful interviews
Presentations – logical organization
9. Interpreting data in maps
Describing results in a presentation
Analysing data critically
Presentations – presenting a survey report
10. Active listening – asking questions
Giving and supporting opinions
Presentations – delivery
11. Critical listening
Recognizing an opposing view
Presentations – establishing rapport
12. What makes a good presentation and a good speaker?
Presentation checklist
Presentations – delivery)
13. Course summary, final test


Available study materials:
1. DE CHAZAL, Edward a ROGERS, Louis. Oxford EAP: a course in English for academic purposes : intermediate/B1+. Oxford: Oxford University Press, c2013. ISBN 978-0-19-400201-1.
2. DE CHAZAL, Edward a MCCARTER, Sam. Oxford EAP: a course in English for academic purposes : upper-intermediate/B2. Oxford: Oxford University Press, c2012. ISBN 978-0-19-400178-6.
3. BOOTH, Wayne C.; COLOMB, Gregory G. a WILLIAMS, Joseph M. The craft of research. 3rd ed. Chicago guides to writing, editing and publishing. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-226-06566-3.