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

2. 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 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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.)

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