English for Academic Study: Speaking - English Teachers Association of Switzerland

Garnet Education and University of Reading 2007

Coursebook

Joan McCormack and Sebastian Watkins

ISBN: 978-1-85964-990-9

Do not be put off by the somewhat lurid pink cover or the brightly coloured contents page which make this book look more suitable for primary school children than university entrants. If you can get beyond that, this coursebook has a lot to offer.

It was designed, although not necessarily exclusively, for international students for whom English is a second language, set to embark upon their studies at English-speaking universities. Its aim is to help such students develop the speaking skills they need to participate fully and effectively in academic seminars and discussions.

The ultimate goal of the course is to develop that bedrock of academia - critical thinking. And for that, you need, of course, the right language skills to express your ideas effectively.

Each of the ten units is topic-based, the subjects ranging from the media to the environment. The first five units form the core of the book, covering aspects of presentation and seminar skills. That input is then consolidated in unit 6, while units 7 to 10 provide the opportunities and materials for further practice. After every second unit there follows a review to allow for consolidation, while each individual unit closes with a learner diary giving learners the chance to assess their improvement.

What I particularly liked: The reading texts are fresh, contemporary and genuinely interesting to read

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English for Academic Study: Speaking - English Teachers Association of Switzerland

Underlying [cultural] assumptions are examined, e.g. if we are to discuss the future of the family, what does the notion of family mean in different cultures? Lots of useful language expressed in helpful chunks in separate boxes, e.g. the language of reporting back: Point X provoked the most discussion; signpost expressions such as Moving on to my next point, or the importance of clarification: So, if I understand you correctly, what youre saying is that... (all augmented by very useful appendices with fuller lists) Insider tips on how to develop those all-important academic skills, e.g. looking at issues from different perspectives, thinking beyond ones own experiences (leading to a box of useful language such as From a scientists point of view... or The employees would no doubt argue that...); or on the need to anticipate problems Complete transcripts of the listening exercises The point made that in authentic discussions, language and content are often not very tidy promptly followed by another useful language box: If I could just come in here/say something..; or Coming back to the point Peter made earlier

This is definitely a book for all students of English as a second language, looking to operate in any professional context. It would also be helpful for native speakers - as the speaker in one dialogue put it: non-native speakers get a much better introduction to academic skills than native speakers who are just expected to know what to do.

Somehow the book pulls off the neat trick of teaching the language, but with lots of relevant

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English for Academic Study: Speaking - English Teachers Association of Switzerland

content too - so as one is led through the language of the Chair (Shall we begin? or Were running out of time so...), the role of the Chair is also covered (getting discussion started, encouraging everyone to participate, clarifying points, summing up at the end, etc.). This book can be used alone or in conjunction with the other English for Academic Study (EAS) coursebooks in the series, e.g. EAS Writing Skills and EAS Pronunciation (a review of which is coming up soon).

I did not have access to the accompanying Teachers Book; Im sure it would be most helpful, but with a little preparation you could probably manage quite well without it.

Alison Wiebalck

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