Reading comprehension (Ic)

I. Competencies

A. Fast text reading:

skimming (focus on gist/ main idea);

scanning (focus on specific information);

careful reading to follow the development of an argument;

accurate reading for detailed understanding of argument support.

B. Extensive reading using various strategies.

C. Use of rubrics and non-verbal prompts (pictures, diagrams, graphs).

D. Deriving word meanings from context.

II. Text-comprehension components

A. Vocabulary. Multiple-meaning words, synonyms, antonyms, homonyms.

B. Text, sentence, clause structure.

Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and other logical connectors.

Cohesive devices (reference, substitution, ellipsis)

Discourse markers (show logical relation between ideas) and attitude markers (show writer’s attitude, point of view)

III. Text type sources:

textbooks, magazines, newspapers, journals: articles, interviews, abstracts, letters, etc.

I . Writing skills

The candidate can use efficiently and adequately

A. Communicative functions, such as: give advice, ask for help, compare, propose, make a request, thank, suggest, recommend, invite, give instructions, directions, inform, request, comment, apologize, assure, warn, encourage, confirm, express opinions, attitudes, need, gratitude.

and

B. Discourse modes: explain, describe, narrate, present, persuade, argue.

II. Language knowledge required:

accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary;

accurate spelling;

adequate range of grammatical structures to support clear and efficient written communication;

appropriate organization which results in logical progression of ideas;

explicit use of connectors within and between sentences and paragraphs;

appropriate text organization and use of punctuation;

use of appropriate formats, style and conventions specific to the text types required.
III. Text types:
S1. Answering an email.
S2. Argumentative essay.

I. Linguistic competence (lexical, grammatical, semantic and phonological).

II. Sociolinguistic competence (adjusting speech to social and cultural conventions, use of appropriate register – formal/ informal – and of politeness strategies).

III. Pragmatic competence

a. Discourse competence: thematic organization and discourse coherence.

b. Functional competence:

microfunctions: imparting/ seeking information, expressing/ finding out attitudes, socializing

macrofunctions: description, narration, commentary, explanation, demonstration, exposition, argumentation, persuasion, etc.

interaction schemata:

– question – answer

– statement – agreement/ disagreement

– request/offer/apology – acceptance/ non-acceptance

– greeting/ toast – response

Interview topics

Candidates introduce themselves (warm-up): family, studies, place of origin, personal living space, plans for the future, personal achievements, hobbies and pastimes, work/ study routines, reading preferences, etc.

Presentation and conversation topics

Friendship, free time, sports and fitness, professions, transport, communication today, holidays, travel, technology, global challenges of the modern world, etc.