ACADEMIC ENGLISH

Academic English

Develop university English for lectures, seminars, research, academic reading, essays, presentations, peer review, and conferences.

Open the lessons
Academic English course illustration
20 LESSONS • 30 MINUTES EACH

Choose a lesson

01Campus Orientation02Following a Lecture03Joining a Seminar04Planning Research05Reading an Article06Writing an Essay07Giving a Presentation08Managing a Group Project09Preparing for an Exam10Meeting a Professor11Choosing a Major12Building a Bibliography13Paraphrasing Sources14Avoiding Plagiarism15Describing a Graph16Comparing Studies17Writing a Literature Review18Defending a Proposal19Peer Review Workshop20Research Conference
ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 01 • 30 MINUTES

Campus Orientation

Today I can: find important places and services on campus.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Campus Orientation”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
lecture hall
seminar room
registrar office
student ID
course catalog
office hours

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AExcuse me, where is the registrar office?

BIt is beside the main lecture hall.

AI also need a student ID and the course catalog.

BYou can ask about both during office hours.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AExcuse me, where is the registrar office?

BIt is beside the main .

AI also need a student ID and the course catalog.

BYou can ask about both during .

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AExcuse me, where is the ?

BIt is beside the main lecture hall.

AI also need a and the course catalog.

BYou can ask about both during office hours.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Use location phrases and polite questions to navigate campus.

Model: Could you tell me where the seminar room is?

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

Could you tell me where the seminar room is?

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a campus guide. Explain locations and services.

STUDENT B

You are a new student. Ask for three things you need.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 02 • 30 MINUTES

Following a Lecture

Today I can: identify and organize key information from a lecture.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Following a Lecture”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
take notes
main point
supporting example
key definition
slide deck
lecture handout

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AWhat was the main point of today’s lecture?

BThe professor gave a supporting example on the slide deck.

AI missed the key definition while taking notes.

BIt is also printed on the lecture handout.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AWhat was the main point of today’s lecture?

BThe professor gave a on the slide deck.

AI missed the key definition while taking notes.

BIt is also printed on the .

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AWhat was the of today’s lecture?

BThe professor gave a supporting example on the slide deck.

AI missed the while taking notes.

BIt is also printed on the lecture handout.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Listen for signposting phrases such as “first,” “for example,” and “in conclusion.”

Model: The main point is supported by two examples.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

The main point is supported by two examples.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a student comparing notes.

STUDENT B

You are a classmate explaining the lecture structure.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 03 • 30 MINUTES

Joining a Seminar

Today I can: express and support ideas in a seminar.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Joining a Seminar”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
seminar discussion
supporting evidence
central claim
counterargument
in-text citation
credible source

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AWhat is the author’s central claim?

BThe claim is supported by evidence from a credible source.

AI see a possible counterargument.

BPlease explain it and include an in-text citation.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AWhat is the author’s central claim?

BThe claim is supported by evidence from a .

AI see a possible counterargument.

BPlease explain it and include an .

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AWhat is the author’s ?

BThe claim is supported by evidence from a credible source.

AI see a possible .

BPlease explain it and include an in-text citation.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Use “I would argue…” and “The evidence suggests…” for academic discussion.

Model: The evidence suggests a different conclusion.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

The evidence suggests a different conclusion.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are the seminar leader. Invite and challenge ideas.

STUDENT B

You are a student. State a claim and respond to a counterargument.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 04 • 30 MINUTES

Planning Research

Today I can: describe the main parts of a research project.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Planning Research”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
hypothesis
methodology
questionnaire
research participant
data set
key finding

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AWhat is your hypothesis?

BI will test it with a questionnaire.

AHow many research participants are in the data set?

BFifty. The key finding will appear in the final report.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AWhat is your hypothesis?

BI will test it with a .

AHow many research participants are in the data set?

BFifty. The will appear in the final report.

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AWhat is your ?

BI will test it with a questionnaire.

AHow many s are in the data set?

BFifty. The key finding will appear in the final report.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Use future forms for plans and the past tense when reporting completed research.

Model: The methodology combines a questionnaire with interviews.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

The methodology combines a questionnaire with interviews.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a research supervisor. Ask about the study design.

STUDENT B

You are a researcher. Explain the hypothesis and methodology.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 05 • 30 MINUTES

Reading an Article

Today I can: locate and summarize information in an academic article.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Reading an Article”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
article abstract
opening section
body paragraph
technical term
context clue
author summary

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AStart with the article abstract to understand the topic.

BThis technical term is new to me.

AUse the context clue in the body paragraph.

BThen write an author summary in your own words.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AStart with the article abstract to understand the topic.

BThis is new to me.

AUse the context clue in the body paragraph.

BThen write an in your own words.

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AStart with the to understand the topic.

BThis technical term is new to me.

AUse the context clue in the .

BThen write an author summary in your own words.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Skim headings first, then scan for specific evidence and terminology.

Model: The abstract gives a concise overview of the study.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

The abstract gives a concise overview of the study.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a reading tutor. Guide the reading process.

STUDENT B

You are a student. Explain the article’s purpose and one key idea.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 06 • 30 MINUTES

Writing an Essay

Today I can: organize a clear academic essay.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Writing an Essay”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
thesis statement
topic sentence
supporting detail
linking phrase
final conclusion
reference list

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AYour thesis statement is clear.

BDoes each body paragraph have a topic sentence?

AYes, with a supporting detail and a linking phrase.

BGood. Add a final conclusion and check the reference list.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AYour thesis statement is clear.

BDoes each body paragraph have a ?

AYes, with a supporting detail and a linking phrase.

BGood. Add a and check the reference list.

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AYour is clear.

BDoes each body paragraph have a topic sentence?

AYes, with a and a linking phrase.

BGood. Add a final conclusion and check the reference list.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Each paragraph should make one clear point and connect it to the thesis.

Model: This essay argues that flexible study improves participation.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

This essay argues that flexible study improves participation.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a writing tutor. Give structural feedback.

STUDENT B

You are a student. Explain and improve the essay plan.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 07 • 30 MINUTES

Giving a Presentation

Today I can: deliver a clear academic presentation.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Giving a Presentation”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
visual aid
target audience
eye contact
verbal signpost
presentation rehearsal
question period

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AWho is your target audience?

BFirst-year students. I prepared a simple visual aid.

ARemember eye contact and a clear verbal signpost.

BI will practice those during the presentation rehearsal.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AWho is your target audience?

BFirst-year students. I prepared a simple .

ARemember eye contact and a clear verbal signpost.

BI will practice those during the .

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AWho is your ?

BFirst-year students. I prepared a simple visual aid.

ARemember and a clear verbal signpost.

BI will practice those during the presentation rehearsal.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Preview the structure, signpost each section, and finish with a concise takeaway.

Model: First, I will outline the problem; then, I will present the evidence.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

First, I will outline the problem; then, I will present the evidence.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a presentation coach. Give delivery advice.

STUDENT B

You are a presenter. Practice the opening and answer a question.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 08 • 30 MINUTES

Managing a Group Project

Today I can: coordinate tasks and communicate progress.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Managing a Group Project”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
assign roles
action list
shared document
status report
peer comment
submission date

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

ALet’s assign roles before we begin.

BI will create the action list and shared document.

APlease add a status report by Friday.

BThen we can exchange a peer comment before the submission date.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

ALet’s assign roles before we begin.

BI will create the and shared document.

APlease add a status report by Friday.

BThen we can exchange a before the submission date.

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

ALet’s before we begin.

BI will create the action list and shared document.

APlease add a by Friday.

BThen we can exchange a peer comment before the submission date.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Use clear action verbs, owners, and dates when coordinating a group.

Model: I will draft the introduction and upload it by Friday.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

I will draft the introduction and upload it by Friday.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are the project coordinator. Assign tasks and dates.

STUDENT B

You are a team member. Accept a role and report progress.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 09 • 30 MINUTES

Preparing for an Exam

Today I can: discuss effective exam preparation.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Preparing for an Exam”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
study guide
mock exam
multiple-choice item
written response
time limit
revision session

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AHave you finished the study guide?

BYes, and I completed a mock exam.

AThe written response was difficult under the time limit.

BLet’s practice it in our revision session.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AHave you finished the study guide?

BYes, and I completed a .

AThe written response was difficult under the time limit.

BLet’s practice it in our .

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

AHave you finished the ?

BYes, and I completed a mock exam.

AThe was difficult under the time limit.

BLet’s practice it in our revision session.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

Use a study plan that mixes recall, timed practice, and error review.

Model: I will complete one timed section and analyze my mistakes.

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

I will complete one timed section and analyze my mistakes.

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are a study partner. Plan a revision session.

STUDENT B

You are a student. Identify a challenge and choose a strategy.

8QUICK CHECK

ACADEMIC ENGLISH • LESSON 10 • 30 MINUTES

Meeting a Professor

Today I can: ask for academic feedback and negotiate a solution.

Anime illustration for Academic English
1 Start · 2m 2 Picture Words · 6m 3 Listen · 5m 4 Fill Gaps · 5m 5 Easy English · 4m 6 Speak · 3m 7 Role-play · 3m 8 Check · 2m

1LET’S START

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Look at the illustration and say what situation you see.
What could you say first in “Meeting a Professor”?

2PICTURE WORDS

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Tap each speaker, listen, and repeat twice.
feedback request
deadline extension
grading rubric
first draft
revise carefully
resubmit work

3LISTEN & SAY

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen once, then repeat each line with your teacher.

AThank you for meeting with me during office hours.

BWhat would you like feedback on?

AMy first draft and the grading rubric.

BRevise carefully, then resubmit the work by Monday.

4FILL THE GAPS & SWITCH

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Complete Part A as Speaker B. Then switch: complete Part B as Speaker A. Speak every completed line aloud.

PART A

Teacher reads A • Student completes and speaks B

AThank you for meeting with me during office hours.

B would you like feedback on?

AMy first draft and the grading rubric.

B, then resubmit the work by Monday.

PART B

Teacher reads B • Student completes and speaks A

A you for meeting with me during office hours.

BWhat would you like feedback on?

AMy first draft and the .

BRevise carefully, then resubmit the work by Monday.

5EASY ENGLISH

Easy rule

State the issue briefly, show responsibility, and ask for a specific next step.

Model: Could you explain which section I should revise first?

6SPEAK IT

STUDENT INSTRUCTION Listen to the model, then say it three times without reading.

Could you explain which section I should revise first?

7ROLE-PLAY

STUDENT A

You are the professor. Ask questions and give a next step.

STUDENT B

You are the student. Request feedback or a reasonable extension.

8QUICK CHECK