1. Target Audience

This course is tailored for the IOU students at the CEFR B2 level who are granted conditional confirmation to IOU’s degree programmes. The ultimate goal is to propel them to the advanced CEFR C1 level and equip them with the linguistic skills necessary for success in academic settings.

2. Course Duration

The course spans one semester, during which students enhance their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The curriculum is meticulously designed to foster critical thinking, discussion abilities, and an advanced grasp of vocabulary and grammar.

3. Key Learning Objectives

1. Develop and enhance speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
2. Cultivate advanced vocabulary for nuanced expression.
3. Foster critical thinking through engaging discussions.
4. Navigate complex academic environments with linguistic confidence.

4. Course Structure and Topics

The course covers study modules that delve into the following subjects:
communication and cultural diversity, education, lifestyle, health, travel, the media, work, the environment, people, society, technology, and the future.

5. Focus

The course adopts a holistic approach, focusing on both receptive (reading, listening) and productive (speaking, writing) skills. Additional emphasis is put on expanding vocabulary and mastering advanced grammar structures.

6. Teaching Methodology

• Interactive Live Sessions
Five weekly live online sessions, facilitating real-time engagement and personalized interaction.
• High-Quality Textbooks
Meticulously selected textbooks to ensure a well-rounded and top-tier educational experience.
• Multimedia Resources
Dynamic materials, including videos, podcasts, and articles to enhance the learning experience.
• Online Games
Gamified elements to make learning enjoyable and effective.
• Discussions
Platforms for collaborative learning, encouraging students to express opinions and ideas.
• Authentic Materials
Real-world materials to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

7. Schedule and Timings

• Five weekly live online classes held in mixed-gender groups.
• The schedule is announced at the start of the semester. Students may select a morning or an evening slot.
• The class hours are stated according to the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC).
• Weekly classes are conducted via Zoom with cameras turned off. However, please note that during the speaking exam later in the semester, students will be required to turn their cameras on as part of the standard assessment procedure.

8. Registration Details

Students who are granted conditional confirmation to IOU’s degree programmes will be required to first pay the semester fee and enrol in their respective courses. Afterwards, they will be automatically enrolled in the English Support Course.

Important:
Students are granted a maximum of two attempts to pass the English Support Course. If they fail this course twice, their IOU course studies will be temporarily suspended until they clear the English Support Course.

9. Assessment and Grading

We employ a comprehensive assessment system to gauge our students’ linguistic progress and ensure a deep understanding of the material.

The following are the key assessments:

• Weekly Module Tests
Regular assessments to check understanding and provide ongoing feedback.
• Final Written Semester Test in Moodle
Cumulative test evaluating overall comprehension.
• Final Semester Oral Test
Oral assessment to measure verbal communication skills.
• Written Assignments
Tasks promoting advanced writing skills.
• Attendance
Regular participation ensures engagement and collaborative learning.

Note: Only those who secure a minimum passing grade of 50.00 in attendance, weekly module tests, written assignments, and the semester final written exam will be eligible to attend the semester oral exam. Students will be required to turn their cameras on and show their identification cards during the oral exam as part of the standard identity verification procedure.

Note: To pass the course, a student needs to score a minimum of 50% in EACH component. Failure to achieve the minimum mark in even a single component will result in failing the course.

10. Costs and Fees:

The course is for students enrolled in an IOU degree programme as a prerequisite for programme entry. The student incurs no fee.