English

English Course and English Examinations Preparation Course (IGCSE, IB, A-Level, AP, ACT)

The English Language and Composition course develops students’ critical reading, writing, and research skills, with course materials structured around essential parts of the academic writing process.  Key topics include reading strategies, grammar and mechanics, multiple stages of the writing process, and the study of literary works.  

It is undeniable that reading is the most effective way to get new vocabulary.  When we read, we see words being used in context, and that’s what makes it much more effective than, for example, merely memorizing word lists.

With context information surrounding each new word, there is a good chance we can guess its meaning just by understanding the overall text.  Finding out the meaning of words in such a way is the natural way of learning language, and reading provides the best opportunity to get exposed to this natural way of learning.

As an active reader, we will need to first identify the patterns that the author used to construct the essay, and then evaluate how well these patterns fit with the purpose of the text.  Organization is important to effective writing because it provides readers with a framework to help them fulfill their expectations for the text.  A well-organized piece of writing supports readers by making it easy for them to follow, while a poorly organized piece leads readers through a maze of confusion and unmet expectations.

Grammar is important, in spoken English as well as in the written word, for many reasons.  When we speak, we project our level of intelligence and thoughtfulness.  We also demonstrate how organized we are, in our thoughts and in our intentions.  If we can get our sentences straight before we say them, we are promising that we are more likely to master tasks at work.  The other thing good grammar suggests is that we are listening closely to the other person, and we are serious about what we want to convey to that person.