English Language Programme

Certificate Course in English for Academic Purposes - Level 1, 2 and 3

English for academic purposes is a certificate course that can be taken alongside other programs. English is a prominent medium of education. This course is designed to help you gain proficiency in English. It improves your language skills and consequently helps you succeed in your academic field. The course helps instill confidence in non- native English speakers. Students can later go on to take higher level English courses as well.

English is a West Germanic language that originated in the Anglo-Saxon empires of England and then spread to Scotland and the rest of the world. Modern English has a very large vocabulary, as it is an integration of words from numerous different languages. English is not just influenced by European languages but by languages from all around the world. Some words have African and Indian roots.

With the extended use of English, several dialects and variations in the language have come about. Australian English and American English are some such examples. English is so popular that it has lent words to other languages. There are more than 250,000 different words in the Oxford English dictionary. However, several scientific, slang and technical terms are not included.

English in considered a dominant language in several countries. After the British colonized different countries, it became the main language in places like the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The growth of the US as an economic power caused English to spread across the globe more rapidly. During the former half of the 19th century, English outdid French as the language of the diplomacy. In the 20th century English replaced German as the official language of science.

It is due to the phenomenal spread of the language that it is required in almost all fields. It is one of United Nations six official languages and is spoken by more than one billion people worldwide. Around 375 million people speak English as their first language. Based on the number of native speakers, it is considered the third largest language.

English is often required for international communication. Industries like aviation, entertainment, science, information technology, diplomacy, business and communications are a few fields where the knowledge of English is a criterion. Basic English is a simplified version of the language that is used around the world. English, unlike several other languages, has a very low level of inflection. There is no adjectival agreement or grammatical gender in English. Several words in English can be easily traced to Latin and Greek origins.

Academic English course is not the same as basic or conversational English. In order to be able to understand and interpret courses that are taught in English, students need to able to read academic literature that is give in English, understand the classes and then analyze and critically think about what has been taught and read. Being able to express thoughts logically, clearly and precisely is vital to education. The aim of this English course is to enable students to completely understand all aspects of the language while using it for academic purposes. It helps student broaden their intellectual and cultural perspectives.

About the Course

The certificate in English for academic purposes level 1, 2 and 3 focuses on teaching English skill required for education. This course helps to improve your reading and note taking speed, organization abilities, and presentation skills. The subjects aim to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for undertaking any course that is taught in English. Some of the areas covered under level 1, 2 and 3 English for academic purposes are:

• Language
• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Learning Skills
• Additional Activities

Language: This subject teaches students how to use alphabets, tenses, verbs, adjectives and basic forms of questions among other things. It also teaches students basic vocabulary and, how and when to use it. The primary focus of this section is to develop the grammatical skills of the students. It is a vital part of constructing sentences and speaking.

Topics covered under this module include; introduction to vocabulary, language for classifying, idiomatic language usage, creating words with suffixes and prefixes, homographs, homophones and homonyms, vocabulary development and confusable words. The grammar module in this subject covers topics such as cause and effect grammar, writing and review of modal verbs, dependent propositions, tense choices, the use of punctuations and self-assessment.

Speaking: The speaking module teaches you how to greet, introduce people and construct leave-taking expressions. It trains students on the methods of asking and answering simple questions. These questions are usually on familiar and common topics. Framing statements that are simple and useful in everyday scenarios like shopping, ordering food and discussing costs are a fundamental aspect of this subject. The subject places emphasis on academic style speaking in relation to relevant subjects.

Listening: The primary focus of this subject is to teach students to grasp what is being said, and to understand it. It helps students comprehend instructions and directions, and interpret what is being said. Topics covered under this module are introduction to note taking, purpose and method of note taking, the role of symbols and abbreviations.

Understanding meaning in terms of implications, voice emphasis, conceptual connotation, and speaker attitude, and finally deducing the significance of words which are unfamiliar is also covered. It emphasizes understanding of relationships between distinct parts of lectures and discussions through different cohesive methods. Evaluating important information and disregarding irrelevant data, scanning and skimming are also taught.

Reading: The aim of this subject is to train the non-native English speaker to read and comprehend material. Reading is important because it is often the main method of communicating information as only a limited amount of knowledge can be imparted in classrooms. The topics covered under this subject help in deciphering meanings, understanding main points, interpreting relationships in the text and reading efficiently.

Skills that are taught under the subject include an understanding of conceptual meaning, deduction of implications, interpretation of complex sentences and their value, understanding of punctuations, and surveying and skimming reading material. Other reading skills include understanding of graphs and tables, referencing of information and library skills. The importance of understanding opinions and claims is highlighted in this module and the cohesion between sentences is also examined.

Writing: This module aims at teaching students how to write academic content. This is a vital part of the course because most assessment is done based on writing. It is essential for exams, thesis and so on. Research and use of relevant information teaches students how to find information from books, journals and other sources. Once data is in hand, it teaches you how to paraphrase, summarize and quote. It also teaches you to describe places, objects, processes and developments.

Classifying, reporting, comparing and contrasting - these are also covered under this topic. The writing section educates students on how to answer exams by understanding the question, and planning and executing the answer. Essay writing is an important part of the module and it includes punctuations, content structure, organization, academic writing and proof reading. Developing an argument and expressing opinions are an essential part of academic writing.

Learning Skills: These skills equip students with the necessary abilities needed to study English. Topics taught under this module include; stress management, assessment of different types of dictionaries, teamwork, and journal and log keeping. Active learning skills, prioritization studies, goal setting and time management are also taught. Other topics covered are identification of necessary academic skills and optimal learning conditions, organization of your workload, understanding of stress, use of the dictionary to learn and, feedback and improvement.

Additional Activities: The course also includes some additional tools that enhance learning in the students. Topics that are covered under this include; assignment writing, internet research exercises, critical review writing, self-assessment projects and quizzes. Some self-study and cultural exchange programs are also included to make learning English more enjoyable.

Why Choose this Course?

The certificate in Academic English - level 1 is a course designed to train you in invaluable academic English skills. Most international educational institutions deliver their courses in English. This course incorporates the most effective learning tools to ensure the best possible results.

The course offered by Victoria International College is recognized by various institutions and can aid in getting entry into a college for further studies. It can also act as a foundation for level 2, English for academic purposes, which is an intermediate English course that improves on the skill gained during level 1. Several countries have an English proficiency level as a visa requirement. This course helps fulfill that need as well.

The course is shaped around the specific needs of non-native English speakers and provides a flexible environment for the students to learn. The primary goal of this course is to inculcate reading, writing and listening skills that will enhance the student's learning capabilities. Regular assessments and workshops help regulate and monitor students' progress. Different teaching techniques make this course versatile. The techniques include regular chat sessions and other interactive activities like games and tasks that help in improving English.

Students who have no prior knowledge of English are eligible for this course. It uses advanced teaching techniques to promote the best possible learning. Victoria International College attracts students from all over the globe; this multi-cultural environment is an added plus for the students.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to speak and write in basic English, participate in seminars and discussions, and improve performance in exams and tests. This course also aims to teach students to listen effectively. It helps you recognize your own weak points and ensures improvement in these areas. It develops the ability of the student to use sources and materials efficiently.

Career Prospects for Students

The certificate in Academic English opens up a lot of new avenues for students. The ability to read, speak and write English, which is considered a dominant language in many nations, is indispensable. There are a number of employers that look for the knowledge of English as primary criteria for selection. The skills gained through the course can prove very helpful in this regard. This English course is also beneficial for students interested in further studies in the English language.

About Victoria International College

Victoria International College (VIC) located in Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1976 and since then has been known for excellence in the field of education. The vision of the institution is to be a leading center for learning. The goal of the college is to impart education that is holistic and industry driven.

The programs offered by VIC are up to date and relevant to the needs of the industry. VIC is associated to several international organizations. The courses are structured to suit the international requirements of these organizations. We strongly believe that education is the key to the transformation of society through individual development.

VIC is proud of its team of faculty members that are well known experts in their respected fields. They are not only recognized for expertise in their own subjects but are also well- known for their teaching abilities. The staff is constantly reviewing its teaching methods and acquiring training in diverse teaching techniques. The college is dedicated to providing these students with all the support and tools necessary for them to excel in their chosen fields and to achieve their personal and professional goals.

The atmosphere at the college encourages focus. It is a highly interactive environment, and student-teacher relationships are given utmost importance. The versatile surrounding gives students a stimulating environment to study in. Small class size ensures that all students get personal attention. This makes VIC one of the most desirable universities for international students.

Victoria International College is affiliated to, Victoria University, Griffith University, London Metropolitan University, Lincoln University, Strathclyde University, La Trobe University and Keele University. These affiliations further widen the future prospects of students and enable them to apply for exchange programs or pursue further education.