What is Academic English?

Not Just Conversational English

Academic English is much more than conversational English. To be successful in classes that are conducted completely in English, students need to be able to read large amounts of academic material in English, understand lectures given in English, think critically about the ideas they have read and heard, and express their understandings and critiques of ideas through speaking and writing in English.

We believe that the ability to express logical arguments in clear language is the hallmark of an educated person, and we consciously aim to develop both coherent thinking and effective use of English by our students. Thus, the focus in the AEP is both on English itself and on ways of thinking about academic subjects, on language and thought. In this way, the AEP aims to help students become active and thoughtful users of English in order to expand their intellectual and cultural horizons.

Studying Hard

To be successful in the AEP, students are expected to attend class regularly. There is a clear correlation between class attendance and success in the AEP: those students whose attendance is good are usually the ones who make fast progress. Students also need to become fluent readers in English so that they can access a wide range of new ideas and internalize language (vocabulary, grammar, and patterns of text organization) that will help in writing coherent English essays and reports.

Therefore, the AEP places major emphasis on developing English reading abilities. Active participation in responding in writing to ideas derived from readings and lectures is another important focus of the AEP. Students should try to use English as much as possible, both in class assignments and in out-of-class interactions with teachers and other students.

The Key to Success

The key to success in the AEP is active engagement in learning and using English. So, motivation is one of the most important factors. If students take responsibility to open their minds to new ideas and new language for dealing with them, they are very likely to be successful. Thus, students have the primary responsibility for their own learning, but the AEP has many programs and support systems, both in class and out of class, to assist them.