SG 6 ADVANCED ENGLISH COURSE FOR TESTERS BILC CONFERENCE, Estonia May 2019

DESCRIPTION Over the years, testers of English have stated their need for refreshing/upgrading their English proficiency in an immersion setting. After internal discussions, Canada is considering offering a 5 week long advanced course in English to BILC testers, with the first pilot course planned for late spring 2020. The task of the SG participants will be to (1) brainstorm on the course content, and (2) come up with recommendations as to what could be included in it. Advanced course will mean content associated with Level 3 proficiency; therefore the recommendations should reflect the topical domains associated with this level, the percentage of content devoted to the individual skills, activities etc.

GENERAL CONTENT& METHODOLOGY Mostly general proficiency Focus on the productive skills Language testing-related component Self-directed, self-motivated learning Development of cultural awareness

EXAMPLES OF CONTENT SPEAKING SKILL Discussing a variety of abstract topics, such as politics, environmental, social and other current issues; Giving formal and informal speeches, presentations Providing arguments, giving and justifying opinions, Formulating effective questions and follow-up questions on abstract topics, Discussing testing-related topics of personal choice, such as presenting on the latest research from the field of testing Moderating roundtable discussions on selected topics

EXAMPLES OF CONTENT LISTENING&READING SKILLS A Variety Of Written And Spoken Texts On Abstract Topics (Science, Technology Politics, Environment, Social Issues Etc.) Military Topics Editorials Canadian Literature, Movies, TV Current Events Social Media Humour And Satire Guest Speakers Colloquialisms, Slang, Idioms, Proverbs (As They Emerge In Context)

EXAMPLES OF CONTENT WRITING SKILL Formal and informal correspondence Various genres of reports and papers Peer assessment of writing Essays (argumentation, opinions, hypothesis, analysis, organizational patterns in higher level writing etc.)

OTHER Grammar discussed in context only Cultural outings Skills treated in an integrated manner Guest lectures from different fields of expertise Home stay