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Academic Seminars

An academic seminar is a small discussion on a specific topic among a group of students. At university it can be a central part of the learning process which is often connected to pre-reading texts or post-lecture discussions. Commonly, at university English language centres, seminars have become a feature of testing English speaking through fluency, conversational skills and ability to discuss complex subjects.

Seminar Worksheet Topics

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Seminar Skills

What is a seminar?

Intro to a seminar [new]

Signposting Phrases

Speaking Cards

Signposting Game

Analysis & Evaluation

Pronunciation

Seminar Listenings

Seminar Discussion 1

Seminar Discussion 2

Seminar Discussion 3

Marking Criteria

Speaking Tests

Speaking Tests x5 [new]

Seminar Lessons

Plagiarism [new]

Academic Integrity

Graphs and Charts

Learner Autonomy

Self-Assessment Questionnaires

Independent Learning

Reflective Student

Seminar Lessons

Week 1- introduction

Critical Thinking

Designer Babies

Happiness

Procrastination

Teamwork

Video Games

Listening Circles

Terms & Conditions of Use

What is a seminar?

Generally, it is a small discussion on a specific topic among a group of students. At university it can be a central part of the learning process which is often connected to pre-reading texts or post-lecture discussions. Commonly, at university English language centres, seminars have become a feature of testing English speaking through fluency, conversational skills and ability to discuss complex subjects.

Why have seminars?

Explore topics in more depth.
Share ideas in a way that will advance your thinking.
Learn from other people’s experiences and background knowledge.
Improve transferable skills for career development.

Pre-seminar Procedures

Students are often given pre-texts and pre-listenings before the seminar to prepare. Students are expected to read and listen to texts carefully by making detailed notes and coming to the seminar fully prepared.

A Seminar Test

Students work together in groups of 4-6.
Teachers provide a set of questions.
Students discuss for 25-30 minutes (approx. 5 mins per person).
Students summarise the key points in the last 5 mins.
Students CAN refer to the texts and their notes.
Teachers monitor and give feedback at the end.

The seminar process

The group are called into a room, and they sit around a table.
The questions are given out and students have 2 minutes to read and prepare by taking notes.
The seminar begins with an opening statement: We’re here today to discuss…
The students then begin to discuss the first question.
Each student should make a contribution by referring to their notes / texts.
The seminar should flow with students adding to what was previously said.
Once everyone agrees the question has been addressed in full, then they move onto the next question.
Important: Not all the questions have to be answered but they should be discussed in order.
Once the students begin to approach 25 minutes, they should bring it to an end by each one summarising a main point raised.

key points to a seminar

It should be a flowing conversation with everyone involved and contributing.
The teacher / tutor should not intervene if it goes quiet but let the students manage the discussion.
Students have to show confidence and demonstrate thorough awareness of the texts.
Dominant students are penalised for excluding others.
Students are penalised for just reading notes.
Key debate phrases should be used to show conversation skills – agreeing, disagreeing, interrupting, etc…

Seminar speaking criteria x 2 (updated 2023)

This includes one basic seminar speaking criteria to assess seminar speaking skills and contains four key criteria: Language Accuracy (20%), Language Range (20%), Pronunciation (20%) & Communicative Effectiveness (40%), and one seminar criteria that includes ‘reference to materials’. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP

An Introduction to Seminars

An Introduction to Seminars (new 2023)

This lesson is designed to introduce students to seminars. It contains information on what is a seminar, the seminar procedure, seminar phrases, and academic seminar practice using two short academic texts (reading & lecture). Example. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Signposting Phrases

Download Seminar Phrases

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Downloads

Terms & Conditions of Use

Speaking Cards

Seminar Speaking cards

This lesson has twelve seminar topics on a variety of topics. Put students into groups of four/five. Give out a card and students have 1 minute to plan what they will say. Students then discuss the question for 10 minutes [webpage]. Use the seminar assessment criteria here Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]

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Seminar Signposting Language Game

Signposting Language in Seminars: Free Download

This lesson develops students’ awareness and ability to use signposting phrases in seminars. It begins by introducing a list of seminar phrases, practicing these phrases in groups and finishes with a kinaesthetic card game to activate the phrases learnt. Really fun lesson! [webpage] Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Free Download

Seminar analysis and evaluation

Speaking Tasks – Analysis & Evaluation

This lessons includes six speaking task cards (halls of residence, speaking English, greener university, plagiarism, congestion, homelessness). In small groups students discuss the situation, analyse the key issues/areas and evaluate which are the most effective (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Week 1: Introduction to Academic English

Week 1 Book: Introductionary lessons to an EAP course

This PDF book provides a number of resources suitable for the first week on an EAP course (Presessional, Foundation, or University English study courses). It includes getting organised ideas, a getting-to-know you activity, classroom questions, essential language revision, and error correction. Example . Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] More information TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Terms & Conditions of Use

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Seminar Listenings

Seminar Discussion 1

Seminar Listening Worksheet 1 [5 minute seminar]

This listening worksheet is four different nationalities discussing ‘American Values’. Students listen and take notes on what the different nationalities (Indian, Ethiopian, Japanese, American) say about American Values and then answer the question sheet. (see example). Level * [B1/B2/C1] / Video (start 0:40 – 4:40) / MP3 TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Teacher’s Notes: Seminar Listening Worksheet 1

Explain the seminar is four different nationalities discussing ‘American Values’.
The different nationalities are an Indian man, Ethiopian woman, Japanese woman and an American woman.
Play the sound only (not the visual video) two times – students take notes.
Give out question worksheet – allow 5-10 minutes to answer.
Video (start 0:40 – 4:40)

Seminar Discussion 2

Seminar Listening Worksheet 2 [3 minute seminar]

This listening worksheet is four teachers discussing whether it is better to learn English online or in a regular classroom. Each teacher provider an opinion and a justification for their choice (see example). Level * [B1/B2] / Video (seminar: 1.11 – 4.44) / MP3 TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Teacher’s Notes: Seminar Listening Worksheet 2

Explain the seminar is four teachers discussing ‘whether it is better to learn English online or in a classroom’.
Show the picture of the four teachers with their names (Ronnie, Alex, James, Adam)
Play the video two times – students take notes.
Give out question worksheet – allow 5-10 minutes to answer.
Video

Seminar Discussion 3

Seminar Listening Worksheet 3 [5 minute seminar]

This listening worksheet is three teachers discussing their views on the TED Talk lecture: The Happy Planet Index by Nic Marks (see example). Level * [B1/B2] / Video (5.00) / MP3 TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Teacher’s Notes: Seminar Listening Worksheet 2

Students watch the TED Talk LectureThe Happy Planet Index’ by Nic Marks – go here
Explain the seminar is three teachers discussing parts of the TED Talk Lecture.
Show the picture of video and highlight its one woman, a Scottish man and another man.
Play the video two times – students take notes.
Give out question worksheet – allow 5-10 minutes to answer.
Video

Seminar marking criteria

Seminar speaking criteria x 2 (updated 2023)

Marking Criterion: writing, seminar & presentation criteria

This is a booklet of three marking criterion. It includes a writing criteria (two types: basic / academic sources), seminar criteria (two types: basic / academic sources) and presentation criteria. These are word documents so they can be adapted to your specific requirements. Example / Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Terms & Conditions of Use

Speaking Tests

Speaking Tests / Practice x5

These academic speaking tests are similar to the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) speaking exam but follow a university-based narrative. These tests (or lessons) are designed for lower-level students (A2, B1, B2 level) to provide valuable speaking practice around the social English aspect of university life and study. Each test is divided into four parts; general topics, photograph comparison, a task and opinion based questions (see example). Level ***** [A2/B1/B2] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Seminar Lessons

Academic Plagiarism

This lesson is designed to improve students’ understanding of academic plagiarism. It introduces students to university plagiarism definitions and asks them to create a ‘how to avoid plagiarism’ list. The lesson also includes a section on the university plagiarism system ‘Turnitin’ and a range of tasks on using plagiarism checker websites. Example. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1/C2] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity – Discussion Lesson

This is a great speaking lesson on the values and principles of academic integrity. It begins with defining ‘academic integrity’, followed by a kinaesthetic speaking activity on the key terms of academic misconduct and finishes with a yes/no questionnaire on professional proofreading (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] More information. TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Describing Graphs and Charts Lesson

Describing graphs – the basics [updated 2023]

This lesson begins by labelling the key features of a graph and naming different graph / chart types. It then provides practice in describing a range of different lines (peak, plummet, etc..). This is followed by a fun activity where in pairs students describe and plot the lines on four graphs. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Describing graphs / presentation – analysis and evaluation

This lesson begins with describing basic graphs and suggesting what they could represent. It then provides the language necessary for describing, analysing and evaluating with a guided practice. This is followed by students researching and analysing graphs/charts/tables from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and giving a short presentation on their findings. Example . Level: ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Webpage: https://academic-englishuk.com/graphs

Learner Autonomy

Self-Assessment Questionnaires

These academic English self-assessment questionnaires focus on the four key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Each questionnaire focuses on the individual elements of each skill and students rank their confidence level accordingly. These questionnaires help students evaluate and assess their learning and encourage learner autonomy. Questionnaire worksheet example. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1/C2] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Independent learning

Independent Learning worksheet

This worksheet is based on four videos. Listen to the videos and take notes. Then use your notes to answer the questions and compare your answers to the key answers [webpage]. Example / Video Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Independent Learning seminar

This worksheet is based on four videos. Students listen and take notes on the videos and then summarise their ideas on the worksheet. Using their new knowledge they formulate an Independent Learning action plan. With all this information they have a 20-30 minute seminar using a set of questions. Videos Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Reflective student

The reflective student: reflection on study & goal setting

This is a seminar lesson to reflect on studying. It asks students to look at and examine the way they study and to identify possible areas that could be improved. It includes reflective questions, a 6-minute video on what SMART goals are and a SMART goal worksheet to set a goal(s) to be achieved (see worksheet example) / Video [4.00] / MP3 / Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Lesson PDF Book

AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, text analysis reading, lecture listening test, and speaking discussion. Example.

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Designer Babies

‘Designer Babies’ Seminar Discussion – 1x listening & 2x texts

This is an academic seminar discussion lesson. Students take notes on a short scientific lecture and two short texts. The students use these notes to take part in a 20 minute academic seminar. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1/C2] / Video [05.05] More information TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Happiness

Happiness Lesson PDF Book

AMAZING VALUE – Six lessons in one book. Introduction, definitions, questionnaire, reading test & summary writing, 1 x lecture listening & seminar / Example / Webpage link

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Procrastination

Procrastination Lesson Resource Book

This lesson includes three resources: A definition writing (including a dictation / dictogloss), a discussion worksheet about the causes, effects and possible solutions connected to procrastination, and a TED Talk lecture listening with comprehension questions and PPT (see example). Level * [B2/C1] / Power Point / Video [14.00] More information TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Teamwork

Teamwork Lesson – 1x reading, 1x activity & 1x listening

This lesson develops an understanding of teamwork. The lesson includes a discussion, a reading on creating a good team, a FUN ‘Marshmallow Challenge’ team-building activity and a short TED Talk lecture worksheet based on the findings of the activity. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1/C2] / Video [06:44] / PPT More information.TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Video Games

Video Games Lesson PDF Book

AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test, summary writing, lecture listening & seminar. Example.

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Listening circles

Listening Circles Lesson & Worksheet

This download includes teacher notes and student copies of all worksheets necessary to run a listening circles class. It creates an integrative part of classroom learning. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]

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Pronunciation Skills

Pronunciation: Worksheets

This is a download of the two pronunciation sheets. The first sheet is a general English sheet to practise the basics and the second is based on academic vocabulary. Video Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]

Pronunciation: Arabic & Chinese speakers

This is a download of the two pronunciation sheets. It focuses on the individual sounds that Arabic and Chinese speakers have problems with. Webpage Link Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]