Academic Teachers’ Lessons
Speaking Lessons
Presentations
Presentation Worksheet
What is an academic presentation? This lecture discusses the key ideas of giving a presentation including referencing, signposting, delivery and rehearsal. Teacher’s notes and 2-page listening worksheet with answers [webpage]. Example Video [7:00] Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / MEMBERSHIP
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Improve your Presentation Power Point Slides
These are PPT slides from our video ‘improve your PPT slides’ (go here). It’s a great way to explain how to present effective slides by using the correct fonts, focusing on key points and using animation to help audience engagement. The slides can be adapted to sort your style and method of teaching [webpage]. Video [12:00] Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP.
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Create PPT slides people will remember – Duarte Inc [CEO]
Harvard Business Review: How to plan an informed presentation and what is needed to create really effective slides that keep an audience engaged. More HBR listening worksheets are here [webpage] Example Video [03:08] Level: ***** [B2/C1] / MEMBERSHIP
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Presentation Speaking Criteria
This is a basic criteria to assess presentation speaking skills. It has three key criteria: Language accuracy & language range, fluency & pronunciation, and presentation & engagement. [webpage] Example / Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: presentations
Describing graphs – the basics
This lesson begins labelling the key features of a graph and naming different graph / chart types. It then provides a practice to see if students can describe a range of different lines (peak, plummet, etc..). This is followed by a fun activity where in pairs students describe and plot the lines on four graphs. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Describing graphs / presentation – analysis and evaluation
This lesson begins with describing basic graphs and suggesting what they could represent. It then provides the language necessary for describing, analysing and evaluating with a guided practice. This is followed by students researching and analysing graphs/charts/tables from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and giving a short presentation on their findings. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: graphs
‘Designer Babies’ Seminar Discussion – 1x listening & 2x texts
This is an academic seminar discussion lesson. Students take notes on a short scientific lecture and two short texts. The students use these notes to take part in a 20 minute academic seminar [webpage]. Example.Use Seminar Assessment Criteria (here) Level: ***** [B2/C1/C2] / Video [05.05] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Seminar Speaking Criteria x2
There is a basic seminar speaking criteria to assess seminar speaking skills which has four key criteria: Language accuracy, language range, pronunciation and communicative effectiveness. Also, another seminar criteria that includes ‘reference to materials’ [webpage]. Example / Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: seminars
Independent Learning worksheet
This worksheet is based on four videos. Listen to the videos and take notes. Then use your notes to answer the questions and compare your answers to the key answers [webpage]. Example / Video Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: Independent Learning
Teamwork Lesson – 1x reading, 1x activity & 1x listening.
This lesson develops an understanding of teamwork. The lesson includes a discussion, a reading on creating a good team, a FUN ‘Marshmallow Challenge’ team-building activity and a short TED Talk lecture worksheet based on the findings [webpage]. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1/C2] / Video [06:44] / PPT / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: Teamwork / team-building skills
Speaking: Procrastination new
Students start by discussing and writing a possible procrastination definition. This is then followed by a discussion about the causes, effects and possible solutions connected to procrastination. Helpful teacher’s notes to guide the discussion and links to university guides (example) / Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: Procrastination
The C.R.A.A.P Test – a guide to evaluating sources – UoSA
This University of South Australia video explains what is the C.R.A.A.P Test and how to use it to evaluate all types of information. This worksheet helps students to understand what is considered a ‘credible’ source and how to check this using an evaluation tool [webpage]. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [03.17] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
The Academic Journal Peer Review Process – NC State University
This video explains how an academic scholar submits a research paper to a journal publishing company and the full process the article goes through before it is published. This listening and worksheet helps students to understand what is considered a credible source [webpage]. Example Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [03.15] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Webpage Link: Evaluating Sources (CRAAP / Peer review)
Listening Lessons
Lots of listening lessons and worksheets – click here
Academic English: How is it different?
What is academic English? This lecture by Cambridge University Press discusses the key differences between Academic English and General English. The listening worksheet has a variety of questions and is great introduction to understanding Academic English [webpage]. Example Video [5:20] Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / MEMBERSHIP
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Academic Plagiarism- Lecture Listening Lesson NEW
This lecture focuses on academic plagiarism, what are custom essay writing services and the associated problems and solutions. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / Power Point / Video [12.00] / MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage
Ethical Consumerism – Lecture Listening NEW
This is a lecture on defining the ethical consumerism, the associated problems with consumers and the positive advances in the ethical consumerism movement. It includes a video, test questions and PPT (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] PowerPoint Video [09.01] / MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage
U.S. Gun Culture – Lecture Listening Lesson new
This lecture focuses on the rise of gun related deaths and mass shootings in the U.S. It investigates the barriers that prevent stricter gun controls and calls for a ban on semi-automatic weapons. It includes a video, test questions, tapescript and PPT (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / Power Point / Video [11.31] / MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage
The Gig Economy Listening – AEUK Test
This is a lecture on the defining the Gig Economy and discussing the positives and negatives of three Gig Economies (AirBnB, Uber and Task Rabbit). It includes a video, test questions and PPT [webpage] (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] Video [12.14] PowerPoint Download / MEMBERSHIP
More information – webpage
The Future of Fair Trade [podcast]
This is a 28-minute Radio Podcast from BBC Radio 4. The podcast divides into two parts with the first 15 minutes discussing the positives of Fair Trade and the second part interviewing critics of Fair Trade. The worksheet has questions based on all the main points [webpage] (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] Podcast [27.54] / MEMBERSHIP
Business Accounting & Finance: Documentation
This is a 12-minute accounting lecture on the key terms connected to business transactions. It discusses purchase orders, invoices, terms of trade, statement of account, VAT, credit note etc.. It is a 4 -page test booklet with a variety of question types [webpage] (see example). Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Video [12:01] / MEMBERSHIP
Business Leadership: the most important skill
This is a 6-minute HBR lecture interviewing key leaders and academics on what they believe is the most important skill for future leaders. The worksheet is a table format to be filled in with the key skill and support [webpage] (see example). Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Video [5.41] MEMBERSHIP0
Reading Lessons
Reading Timeline: Richard Branson
A biographical account of British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin. Read the text and order the events of his life on the time line sheet provided [webpage]. Words: 731 Level ***** [B1/B2]
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Key Reading Strategies [Teachers]
Topic: Leadership & Management Styles.Use and practice a variety of reading strategies to understand how to read journal articles efficiently. 5-page worksheet on all reading strategies (scanning, skimming, genre analysis, reading for detail, summaries) & 8-page reading document [webpage]. Level ***** [B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
AEUK does not own the rights to the Journal: Text Download
Reading & Writing Argument Essay [Mergers & Acquisitions]
Topic: Mergers & Acquisitions. Two short texts (included) – students read the texts, make notes of key arguments, and write a 400-600 word essay using in-text referencing and paraphrasing. Lesson includes teacher notes, outline & a model essay [webpage] . Example Level ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Academic Plagiarism – the use of custom essay writing services / writing mills
The text discusses what is academic plagiarism, what are custom essay writing services and why university students use them. It highlights the key problems associated with using these sites and offers possible solutions to prevent students using them. The reading test worksheet tests headings, T/F/NG, short answers, summaries and vocabulary (see Example). More reading tests / Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Reading Test: Economic Inequality.
The text defines economic inequality. It discuses differences in income distribution between the rich and poor, it highlights how inequality is measured and offers a range of solutions to address income inequality. The reading test worksheet tests headings, T/F/NG, short answers, summaries and vocabulary (see Example). More reading tests / Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Reading Summary & Response Writing
Topic: The World is Going to University (The Economist, 2015). Two page text (Download from the Economist) – students read text, make notes of key ideas, relevant support & write a 250 word summary. Then write a 150-word critical response. Lesson includes a plan, outline, main points & support, a model summary and model response [webpage]. Level ***** [B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
AEUK does not own the rights to the article: Text Download
Reading Summary & Response Writing
Topic: 100 year study of A.I (Stanford Uni, 2016). Two page text (included) – students read the text, make notes of key ideas, relevant support and write a 250 word summary. Then they write 150-word critical response. Lesson includes a plan, outline, suggested main points and support, a model summary and model response [webpage]. Level ***** [B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
AEUK does not own the rights to the article: Full Text Source
Reading Tests: The path to Brexit.
The text discusses the background history of the EU, its three key treaties and the economics of the EU. It then highlights the dissatisfaction of EU policy in the UK that led to the referendum. The reading tests include a range of questions (TFNG / table completion / short answers / open answers / summaries / vocal development. More reading tests / Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Summary Writing: The causes of the 2008 Financial Crisis
The text discusses the background history of the financial crash including the key reasons behind the profitable trading systems of that time and the banking regulations that were introduced in 2009/2010. Students read the text, identify key points and write 150 word summary. Also includes a critical thinking section. More reading summaries / Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Burj Khalifa: SPSE Reading & Writing Lesson
Three texts on how the Burj Khalifa was built, the problems it encountered in the building and planning stages and what solutions were implemented. Students read three short texts, create an outline and then write an SPSE essay. The lesson includes all texts, teacher’s notes, an outline plan and model answer. More information / Example / Level: ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Fracking: SPSE Reading & Writing Lesson
Three texts on what is fracking, associated problems with the disposal of fracking waste water mixed with hazardous chemicals and a possible solution using modern technology. Students read three short texts, create an outline & then write an SPSE essay. The lesson includes texts, teacher’s notes, outline plan & model answer. More information / Example / Level: ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Nuclear Power: SPSE Reading & Writing Lesson
Four texts on the construction of HPC Nuclear Power Plant and the associated problems with the company financing it and unreliable nuclear reactor technology. Students read four short texts, create an outline and then write an SPSE essay. The lesson includes all texts, teacher’s notes, an outline plan and model answer. More information / Example / Level: ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Gig Economy Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Six Lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test, summary writing, Lecture listening & seminar. More information / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Writing Lessons
Academic Style: 20 key features to writing
This lesson brainstorms academic style / formality in writing. Teacher feedbacks using the visual highlighting and explaining the concepts and then there are 10x practice exercises from informal to formal. Time: 60mins Example Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
How to write an academic introduction.
This lesson / worksheet presents the key sections to an academic introduction with particular attention to the thesis (question / topics / stance). It finishes with writing an introduction using a range of titles [webpage]. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
How to write a thesis statement.
This lesson / worksheet presents the key sections to an academic introduction. It focuses on different writing structures using words like however, although, despite and then includes a writing task. Students write three thesis statements using the introduction models [webpage]. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Paraphrasing Lesson – how to paraphrase effectively!
Excellent lesson to teach paraphrasing. It starts by discussing the differences between quotation, paraphrase and summary. The lessons uses four websites to help student paraphrase (go here). It takes students through the basics of identifying key words, finding synonyms and then changing the grammatical structure [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Error Correction Practice & Answers
Teachers or students: This is a much harder worksheet of 12 sentences with 3 or 4 mistakes in each sentence. It includes answers. Good introduction to the correction code [webpage]. TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Topic Sentences – the basics
This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. Then writing topic sentences from the content of paragraph and then writing the paragraph from a topic sentence [webpage]. Time: 60mins Example Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Cohesion & Coherence Worksheet – AEUK
This worksheet helps to consolidate what is ‘cohesion’ with a focus on pronouns, word forms and summary nouns. It also includes a coherence sheet on key connections and two practice activities [webpage]. Example Level: ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Parallelism Worksheet: Free Download
This worksheet provides an explanation of the key concepts of ‘parallelism’ and provides an error correction exercise to practise the key concepts. An awareness of this writing element really helps establish unity and readability in sentence structure [webpage]. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]
Reading & Writing Argument Essay [Mergers & Acquisitions]
Topic: Mergers & Acquisitions. Two short texts (included) – students read the texts, make notes of key arguments, and write a 400-600 word essay using in-text referencing and paraphrasing [webpage]. Lesson includes teacher notes, outline & a model essay. Example. Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Argument Essay Writing: Obesity
Question: Is obesity a disease? This essay argues both sides. These lessons are based on a key argument text and includes a variety of different lessons – reading and highlighting arguments, writing an argument using key points or writing an argument and comparing to model. Academic Sources:9 / Words:765 / Level ***** [B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
More argument writing lessons – click here
Argument essay writing: Advertising
Question: Is advertising a benefit for society? This essay investigates the negatives of a materialistic focused society against the economic benefits of advertising. Words: 550 Level ***** [B1/B2] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
More argument writing lessons – click here
Referencing Lessons
Credible Sources – what is a credible source?
What is a credible source? This lesson highlights the key components of identifying credible and reliable resources. It also includes a check list on 20 different sources and students have to decide whether these are credible or not? Good lesson to do before students begin researching for sources [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]
Harvard Referencing Worksheet
Two part worksheet that is a paragraph and reference list. Students have to put in the correct in-text reference. The second part is a reference list exercise where students have to put the sections in the correct order. A nice lesson to introduce students to referencing and becoming aware of key referencing principles [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
A Harvard Referencing Guide – click here
APA 6th Edition Referencing Worksheet
Two part worksheet that is a paragraph and reference list. Students have to put in the correct in-text reference. The second part is a reference list exercise where students have to put the sections in the correct order. A nice lesson to introduce students to referencing and becoming aware of key referencing principles [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
An APA 6th Edition Referencing Guide – click here
Paraphrasing Lesson – how to paraphrase effectively!
Excellent lesson to teach paraphrasing. It starts by discussing the differences between quotation, paraphrase and summary. The lessons uses four websites to help student paraphrase (go here). It takes students through the basics of identifying key words, finding synonyms and then changing the grammatical structure [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Writing a paragraph – using quotes about smoking
Should smoking be banned completely in public? Students are given a worksheet with nine quotes taken from credible sources. They use these three quotes to write a paragraph trying to paraphrase the quotes and produce a cohesion piece of writing [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Grammar Lessons
Tense Review (3 exercises – analysis, gap fill, speaking )
This is a great lesson to introduce / revise the English Tense structures. The 1st lesson asks students to dscuss a selection of sentences & identifying the structure / the rule of use. Give out Tense Structure handout (here) to consolidate. The 2nd lesson is tense review gap fill and the 3rd lesson is productive speaking [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Passive Structures / Nominalisation
An introduction to the impersonal passive structure ‘it is said that…’ and to infinitive passive form ‘ it is claimed to be…’. Also, how to nominalise verbs to nouns to show formality in writing. This worksheets provides key information and 10 writing questions [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Nominalisation (verbs to nouns)
An introduction to nominalisation. This worksheet shows the basics of nominalising, practices changing verbs to nouns, and includes three exercises from guided through to free practice. Good writing practice activity with a fair amount of challenge for all levels [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Vocabulary Lessons
Collocation (verbs / adjectives)
Collocation is words that go naturally together. This sheet refers students to use a collocation website (www.ozdic.com) to ensure fluency through the correct use of adjectives and verbs with key nouns [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]
Nouns – countable & uncountable
This lesson introduces countable/uncountable nouns. It starts with a matching activity, then goes into a worksheet of identifying common mistakes in quantifiers of uncountable nouns, and finally finishes with a speaking activity [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
A.W.L. – Academic Word List Download
This is a download of the Academic Word List in PDF format. It contains 540 non-subject specific words, divided into 10 sublists based on frequency (sublist 1 = most frequent). Overall, including all word forms = 3,000 words. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]
Academic Word Formation: Sublist 1- 4 NEW
This lesson is a word formation activity. Each table contains approximately 20 verbs and students need to add the corresponding nouns and adjectives. This then follows with a contextualised sentence gap fill using these words. Good motivating activity encouraging students to use online dictionaries and help develop academic vocabulary. Time: 30mins Example Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Word List Exercise x4
Four Academic Word List gap fill exercises. 10 sentences in each sheet with 10 words to choose from. Words must be put in correct form. Great way to improve awareness of academic words and word formation [webpage]. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Word game – Verbs to Nouns
100 high frequency words taken from the Academic Word List and put into grid. In groups of four, students guess the noun for each verb. The objective is to get as many four-in-in row as possible. This is a fun lesson to improve awareness of academic words and formality [webpage]. Medium Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Word game – Nouns to Adjectives
100 high frequency words taken from the Academic Word List and put into grid. In groups of four, students guess the adjective for each noun. The objective is to get as many four-in-in row as possible. This is a fun lesson to improve awareness of academic words and formality [webpage]. Difficult Level ***** [B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Word game – Word + preposition
100 high frequency words taken from the Academic Word List and put into grid. In groups of four, students guess the corresponding preposition for each word. The objective is to get as many four-in-in row as possible. This is a fun lesson to improve awareness of academic words and formality [webpage]. medium Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Word game – Word forms [n/v/adj]
100 high frequency words taken from the Academic Word List and put into grid. In groups of four, students guess the correct form (each word in the grid has an acronym of the word to be guessed). The objective is to get as many four-in-in row as possible. This is a fun lesson to improve awareness of academic words and formality [webpage]. Medium Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP