Undergraduate and graduate students with an intermediate level of English (B2) who wish to improve their speaking skills and gain a better understanding of English pronunciation.

There are no special entry requirements except for the students’ level of English (see ‘Target audience’).

You will be asked to come to the EMA before the beginning of the semester to take a Placement Test.

By the end of the course, successful students will be able to:

• express their views on a variety of topics
• master some of the vocabulary needed to engage in conversation on various topics
• give a short presentation on a given topic
• identify the different sounds of English
• recognise phonemic symbols and make occasional use of phonetic transcription
• demonstrate a greater awareness of problem areas such as word stress, silent letters, minimal pairs and connected speech.

Class work will consist in a variety of exercises including reading, vocabulary and speaking activities, with an emphasis on oral communication. Pronunciation practice will focus on the sounds of English, elements of word stress, connected speech as well as a number of problem areas (including silent-letter words, minimal pairs, homonyms and homophones).

To receive a course certificate, students are expected to:

• Regular attendance (no more than three absences per semester)
• Completion of weekly assignments
• One oral presentation
• One end-of-semester assignment (recording)

The course material will be distributed in class. Students will be required to contribute CHF 10.- towards the cost of photocopying.