Introduction

Course Code: GED-1101 to the course

Functional English
Prepared by
Shakila Akter,
Lecture 1
Lecturer in English,
Bangladesh University
Professionals
World Epics
Everyone dies. Today
or after 50 years.
What does it matter?
What is Functional English?
Functional English refers to the usage of English language
required to perform some specific functions. It is taught-

 as a foundation course.

 because a good command of English is often required for academic

study and career progression.

 because a particular form of technical English may be required for

a particular vocation.
Discussion outline

– Course description

– Importance of the course

– Objectives of the course

– Fundamental concepts of the course

– Students expectations from the course

– Orientation with the reference books

Course description

Functional English helps to -

develop English skills needed for academic purposes.

become a clearer communicator.

develop into a more confident presenter.

develop fluency in conversation and efficiency in interactional

skills.
Course description

Functional English helps to -

use grammar accurately both in written and verbal

communication.

become effective and efficient communicators in English.

become efficient academic writers.

Importance of the course
– This course helps to improve the learners’ English communication skills.

– It covers different areas of English including reading, writing, listening,

grammar etc.

– This course is important to give the students basic ideas about academic
language (both written and spoken) needed at tertiary level.

– It helps the learners to gain confidence and skills needed for everyday
communication in English.
Importance of the course

This course will help to prepare for the demands of

English in academic arena and future career.
Objectives of the course

– To provide the students’ with English skills needed in academic

field
– The main focus is on how English is used in real-life situations.
– To develop learners’ academic writing skills needed at tertiary level

– To prepare the students as effective communicators

– To guide them one step ahead in their future career

Fundamental concepts of the course

– Common mistakes in academic writing

– Developing vocabulary

– Taking notes

– Introductory discussion on writing

– Creative writing on a selected topic

– Paragraph writing
Fundamental concepts of the course
– Essay writing

– How to write a letter

– Mid term exam

– Letter writing

– CV/Resume

– Writing biography & autobiography

Fundamental concepts of the course

– Summary writing

– Proposal writing

– Writing research report

– Referencing & bibliography

– Reading comprehension
Fundamental concepts of the course

– Comprehensive reading and writing

– English in situations

– Listening from IELTS & British Council resources

– Practice and drilling of IPA symbols

– Phonetics & its application

Reference books

1. English Skills 7th edition by John Langan

2. From Paragraph to Essay by Maurice Imhoof and Herman Hudson

3. New GRE Vocabulary Solution 3.0 by S. M. Fajlay Rabbi and MD

Mustafizur Rahman

4. Grammar and Composition 3rd Course by Houghton Mifflin

Students’ expectations from the
course
Further reading

Creative Writing and Grammar Test

 Creative writing on a given topic

 How to start writing on an unknown topic?

 Grammar Quiz