By the end of the semester, students should achieve the following objectives in each skill area:

Writing

• Writing correct and effective sentences
• Writing effective paragraphs
• Writing effective essays
• Using the rules of grammar correctly and effectively
• Using vocabulary effectively in writing
• Developing content effectively
• Understanding/using the principles of style effectively

Listening and Study Skills

• Understanding short conversations in an academic context
• Understanding long discussions and academic lectures
• Taking and using lecture notes
• Speaking fluently and comprehensibly in an academic context
• Giving effective oral presentations based on Internet research
• Becoming familiar with the basics of computer technology

Grammar

• Knowing the terminology of grammar
• Mastering grammar rules and features
• Understanding the meaning of grammatical features
• Speaking grammatically
• Writing grammatically
• Using grammar in reading academic texts

Vocabulary

• Building a passive vocabulary
• Acquiring an active vocabulary
• Determining meaning from context

Reading

• Understanding the structure of written texts
• Improving reading comprehension
• Developing reading strategies and skills
• Reading critically