“An Introduction to EAP – Academic Skills in English” Lesson 1

English” Lesson 1

with those communication skills in English which are required for

study purposes in formal education systems”(ETIC 1975).

in everyday situations, but the kind of English you need

for study is rather different. It is what is known as ‘Academic English' and is the type of English you need for
reading and understanding your study materials
writing about your subject.
Academic English is different from everyday spoken English. It may be used to
describe an object, a situation, a process or how something works
explain something.

the relationship between ideas. Although the language may be more

complex than in everyday English, good academic writers aim to be as clear, precise and simple as possible. They think about what their readers know already, and aim to guide them towards less familiar areas and topics.

Research students
Undergraduates and post-graduates

relate to each other
How facts are established and theories disproved

dissertations
Books

refers to the language and associated practices that people need

in order to undertake study or work in English medium higher education. The objective of our course will be to help you learn some of the linguistic and cultural – mainly institutional and disciplinary – practices involved in studying through the medium of English.

Underline the phrases in the sentences below that you can

use to express an opinion.
a) Personally, I think that it was the worst film I've ever seen.
b) My impression is that the storyline was too weak.
c) It's my belief that she's an excellent actress.
d) My personal view is that she should win the Oscar.
e) I feel sure that she will win the Oscar this year.
f) I don't think there can be much doubt that the recent rise in the cinema ticket price has affected audience numbers.

that are used to express an opinion?
1.3 Write down your

views on the following topics and give reasons, e.g. Personally, I think that
Non-native speakers do not need to speak like native speakers, nor should they feel inferior to them.
Only one ‘correct’ and authentic variety of English exists and it is British English.
The English language is the most flexible and adaptable language in the world.
Fluent communication is more important than accuracy when you speak English.

the phrases you know for expressing agreement, disagreement and partial

agreement.
1.5 Discuss the opinions you wrote down in exercise 1.3 and comment on each others opinions using the expressions above, e.g.
Student A: Personally, I think that English is the greatest language on the planet.
Student B: You have a point, but don’t you think....?

Sometimes you won't understand clearly the point another student has

made, or you might want to hear their opinion on what has been said.
2.1 Look at the following phrases and mark them C (asking for clarification) or O (asking for an opinion).

What did you mean when you said…..?
c) Could you explain

in more detail?
d) What do you think about……?
e) If I understand you correctly, you're saying….
f) So what you're saying is that….?
g) Do you mean……..?
h) How do you feel about that?
i) What are your views on this?

below, using a suitable phrase from task 2.1.
a) Student A:

I think living in a flat is better than living in a house because you have fewer expenses.
Student B: ________________________________ you have to pay more to rent a house? 

b) Student A: In my opinion it's better to work from home than go to an office every day. ___________________________________________?
Student B: I'm not sure I agree with you about that.
 

educated at home rather than going to school?
Student

B: It's my belief that these children do not have an opportunity to develop strong social skills.

d) Student A: It's important that we acknowledge all the sources we refer to in our essays.
Student B:______________________________ we have to put the author's name and the date of the publication after each paraphrase?

may need express an idea on a topic more objectively

rather than give your own personal opinion. To show that your comment is not subjective begin your sentences with one of the following phrases.
In most cases, ….. Broadly speaking, ……
On the whole, …... In general, …..
e.g. In most cases, it is difficult to stay motivated when you work from home.

and you would like to give your opinion. Here are

some phrases you can use to politely interrupt.

Sorry to interrupt but…………
Can I just ask…………..?
Yes, but……………
Excuse me, can I just say…….?
Could I come in here, please?