Library Guides: English as an Academic Language: Overview

Resource Key

When accessing content use the numbers below to guide you:

LEVEL

Brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)

LEVEL

Provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.

LEVEL

Lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)

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This guide contains online resources to support students with English as a second language as well as use English in a school and academic setting.

English as an Academic Language EAL | Keywords

Keywords and phrases

Click on the terms to access a simple definition from the Oxford Dictionary online. The definitions for words and phrases marked with a hash # come from alternative sources.

Academic voice #, Adjectives, Argument #, Bias, Cite, Grammar, Idioms, Literature review #, Nouns, Persuasive text #, Plagiarism, Pronunciation, Punctuation, Reference, Research, Verb, Vocabulary.

English as an Academic Language EAL | Online resources

Learning English (BBC, n.d.)
BBC Learning English has been teaching English to global audiences since 1943, offering free audio, video and text materials to learners around the world. Many of the BBC materials are delivered as full length courses but each component of the course is standalone and can be studied on its own. This means the learner can choose the best way to study for them; by following a full course or by following the individual materials most appropriate to them.
University of Victoria English Language Centre
The Study Zone is for students of the English Language Centre (ELC) at the University of Victoria... but all are welcome to read the lessons and use the exercises. Exercises are graded from Upper Beginner to Advanced.
Tim's Pronunciation Workshop (BBC)
"Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker. " (BBC)

English as an Academic Language EAL | eBooks

English Exposed: Common mistakes made by Chinese Speakers by Steve Hart
ISBN: 9789888390755
Publication Date: 2017
Having analysed the most common English errors made in over 600 academic papers written by Chinese undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers, Steve Hart has written an essential, practical guide specifically for the native Chinese speaker on how to write good academic English. English Exposed Common Mistakes Made by Chinese Speakers is divided into three main sections. The first section examines errors made with verbs, nouns, prepositions, and other grammatical classes of words. The second section focuses on problems of word choice. In addition to helping the reader find the right word, it provides instruction for selecting the right style too. The third section covers a variety of other areas essential for the academic writer, such as using punctuation, adding appropriate references, referring to tables and figures, and selecting among various English date and time phrases. Using English Exposed will allow a writer to produce material where content and ideas--not language mistakes--speak the loudest.