Preparing to participate in academic conversations

Academic English reflects the the work that academics do: Research, review, analyze, compare, document, criticize, reconcile, refute, suggest, and so on.

Often it’s a matter of learning to form and express well-informed, reasoned opinions about other people’s well-informed reasoned opinions.

We can help you prepare for college by practicing these same skills: Reading and analyzing challenging material; conveying your impressions about what you’ve read; and understanding what your professors are looking for when they evaluate your performance in class, on papers and projects, and in exams.

Most important, our instructors will take best efforts to see that the guidance you receive is in line with the actual requirements of your degree program, as well as the broader communications protocols and quality standards of your university.

Here’s an example:

Willow Ong is a research biologist who studies songbirds. She asks her biology class to read a journal article she has written about the different theories surrounding bird song and why birds sing. The students check their class notes and confirm that they understand the assignment. They submit their rough drafts, and get feedback, before revising and resubmitting. Upon receiving their final grade they may once again consult with their professor.