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Studying Academic English in Aurora

Languages are complex, and how we use them go far beyond expressing our ideas, desires, thoughts, and questions. We use language to learn, share technical information, tell stories, and develop complex streams of thought.

When it comes to English, the way we write and the texts we read in school use a type of language that you may not encounter in everyday life.

Academic English, or the type of English used in tasks like essay writing or presenting research, use specific types of transition words and content-specific vocabulary we would not use in everyday contexts like chatting with friends or going to a restaurant.

For this reason, it is not uncommon for students to experience difficulty in academic English courses. Many students do not hear these types of words in their daily lives, and struggle with reading and listening comprehension when encountering the specialized vocabulary in school.

If you or your loved one is struggling with academic level English or university track English courses, you may want to consider hiring a tutor for support. Let's tale a closer look at why academic English is so important.

Why Study Academic English?

Academic English classes are important because they are typically a pre-requisite for most university programs. Many university courses require that students must demonstrate the ability to comprehend and communicate using more complex, specialized language.

Furthermore, if you want to work in any professional field, like law, business, education, or government, knowledge of profession specific words is essential.

When we learn how to pick up new words in classes like science, history, or English literature classes, we develop a skillset that enables us to master new words in other fields.

Students taking academic English courses may wonder - if learning complex vocabulary is the reason I'm here, then why am I learning stories?

Reading high quality literature is a stepping stone to being able to build valuable vocabulary acquisition skills. The more difficult texts are, the more work we must do to decode and comprehend. It is this "productive struggle" that makes us more proficient and sophisticated users of language.

It is important not only to be successful in academic English courses in secondary school, but to continue building your academic language skills throughout your studies.

Should I Look for Academic English Classes Near Me or Online?

There is a lot of debate over which model of instruction is better - in person or online? The answer is always more complex than we might think.

It is important to remember first and foremost that academic English classes can be high quality in both formats. Unlike classes like chemistry or physical education, there isn't as much of a hands-on element. So if you are choosing a course to take online, academic English could be the right one!

However, it is important to consider your preferences, needs, and even if the course is being taught at the right time of the year for you.

For example, if an in-person section of academic English is offered only in the fall but you want to take it in spring so you can focus on another course, you may want to take the class online.

In any event, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of different course options based on your individual needs. If you are the kind of learner that thrives in a social setting and prefers being out of your home, then you will certainly want to look for an in-person offering of any course you are taking. Conversely, if you would prefer to learn in your home, then an online course will always be the best option.

Are Individual Academic English Classes Worth Taking in Aurora?

Individual, non-credit bearing academic English classes or tutoring are certainly worthwhile for anyone who needs more practice with reading comprehension and essay writing.

A tutor can target your specific needs, give you feedback on your writing, and help you to use a variety of transition words or vary your sentence structures.

You may find that you need to only take individual classes for a short period of time, or throughout the entire school year if you want someone to give you ongoing support in all of your classes. Consider finding the right academic English tutor in Aurora on Superprof Canada!

What Qualifications Should I Look for in an Academic English Tutor?

When looking for an academic tutor, be sure to find someone who has a degree in English, or is working toward a graduate degree in the subject. Ideally they will also be certified teachers, and have experience working with students who need help with reading and writing in different courses.

When you are looking for a prospective English tutor on Superprof, be sure to read their profiles carefully and ask the right questions when you contact them for more information.