Spring 2014
Dr. Csilla Sárdi
Amb. 114; 14.15-15.45 Tuesday
Communication in the EFL Classroom
Aims and content of course:
The course aims at enhancing students’ speaking skills in order to help them become
proficient in English and sucessfully pass the oral proficiency exam at the end of their study
programme. The focus is on the development of their communicative competence in English.
Thus, aspects of linguistic competence (accuracy, pronunciation & intonation, vocabulary) as
well as fluency, appropriacy and the proper use of communication strategies are in the centre
of attention during the course. In order to achive these aims, students will be given
opportunities to engage in tasks and discuss topics similar to those of the oral exam.
Course materials:
MCCARTHY, M. & O’DELL, F., English Vocabulary in Use (Advanced). CUP, 2010.
Additional materials to be given during the seminars
Requirements:
You are expected to
 attend seminars
 participate in discussions actively
 read assigned materials for seminars
 complete tasks in class and as homework
 give a presentation and lead a class discussion based on the topic of your presentation
(1) The presentation should be about a contoversial issue or a problem within the context of
an oral exam topic which you look at from different points of view offering alternative
approaches (duration: approx. 15ms).
(2) After the presentation, you are axpected to lead a group discussion based on the issues you
raised and furter issues relating to the same topic (duration: approx. 15 ms)
(3) You are also expected to compile a glossary of 8-10 phrases, idioms, collocations relevant
to your issue. The glossay should contain the phrase, its definition in English and an
example sentence including the phrase. The Hungarian transalation may also be given, but
this is optional. You are expected to hand in one printed copy of the glosary when your
presentation is due and send it every member of the course via email.
Assessment:
You will be assessed on your oral contributions in seminars, oral presentations, feedback and
reflections on readings and listening materials as well as the results of vocabulary tests.
Spring 2014
Dr. Csilla Sárdi
Amb. 114; 14.15-15.45 Tuesday
Topics for the oral proficiency exam:
1 Communication
2 Man & Nature
3 People & Relationships
4 Buying, selling, & advertising
5 Law & Order
6 Media
7 Safety & Danger
8 Travel & Movement
9 Arts & Entertainment
10 Social problems
11 Health & Lifestyles
Tasks:
1. comparing & contrasting photographs and discussing the wider issues they raise
2. commenting on the style, register and context of a passage related to the general theme of
the interview
3. taking part in a communicative activity (e.g., a discussion, rank-ordering, etc.) related to
the general theme of the interview
Evaluation criteria:
1. Communicative competence
2. Fluency
3. Accuracy
4. Vocabulary
5. Pronunciation/Intonation