Browse Hierarchy EAL7831: Critical Thinking & Writing for Applied Linguistics

This module is offered to students at level 7 and responds to their linguistic and discipline specific needs in terms of reading, analysis and synthesis, argument structure and essay writing skills. Students joining this module are already at IELTS level 7 (minimum 7.0 in writing), which equates to C1 on the CEFR framework. Queen Mary currently benchmarks this to level 6 on the NQF framework. This module helps students to deliver what is expected from them in their Applied Linguistics' masters' programmes. The academic skills needed to succeed in the Applied Linguistics programmes have been itemised and are presented in three main strands, namely 'study skills', `reading and demonstrating knowledge', and `critical thinking and writing¿. Students are given the tools to manage their time efficiently and plan their work accordingly. They are guided through the process of understanding and successfully delivering assignments, are encouraged and expected to reflect upon their own practice, and are provided with formative feedback to ensure the learning outcomes are achieved. The module is needs driven and therefore the syllabus is necessarily flexible and the content delivered in workshop format. However, the basic syllabus is likely to include: - Reading skills (navigating the genre of applied linguistics academic articles) - The process of writing - Revision, proof reading and editing skills - Development of the argument, including synthesis of sources, argument validity, and development of conclusions - Macro structure of a paper, planning and development of a position; micro structure of sections and paragraphs - Coherence and cohesion at macro and micro levels - Readability and recognition of the audience and development of the writer's voice - Referencing - Accuracy (grammar, vocabulary and punctuation)