Using English language
You may have concerns about one or more of these aspects of your English language skills.
Reading
Reading is a core skill for study and you will do a lot of reading during your course, so if you find reading in English difficult you will spend more time on it than other students do. When you are deciding whether you can manage to study a course you should remember to add this extra time. Most students take about 16 hours each week to study a 60-point course. Students who need additional time could find themselves studying for 20 hours or more each week. Would you be able to spend that much time on study?
A good way to improve your reading skills is to read in English as much as possible. This helps you learn more words and improves your understanding. Start off by reading newspaper articles and magazines, and looking at English websites, then read longer stories and books as you become more proficient. Your local library can help you find what you need.
Try these reading and writing activities. You will need your OU computer username and password as they are on license from Southampton University.
Also try Skillswise to improve your reading skills.
Writing
You will write your assignments in English. An assignment may ask you to write an essay, a report or short answers, or may include scientific or mathematical notation.
You may also have to write an examination in English under timed conditions.
You will need to make notes as you are studying, but you can do this by recording your voice, or using visual or other methods.
During your university study your general English writing skills will develop by practising and by getting advice from your tutor on how to improve. Students also learn how to write in an academic way that suits the subject being studied.
Try these reading and writing activities. You will need your OU computer username and password as they are on license from Southampton University.
Listening
You will need to be able to understand spoken English if your course includes tutorials or day schools where you meet your tutor and other students, a residential school, or audio material. Some students and tutors talk over the telephone during the course.
All teaching and administration at the OU is done in English, and understanding what is said to you is important.
Try these activities. You will need your OU computer username and password as they are on license from Southampton University.
Speaking
You will not be expected to talk very much during your studies, although it will help if you can speak to others at tutorial meetings, day schools or residential schools so you can ask questions and find out what you need to know about the course. During some courses your tutor may telephone you to discuss your work.
Until you are more sure about your ability to express yourself in English perhaps you could use email to communicate, so you get enough time to work out what you want to say. You could also let other people know what would help you, for example for them to speak more slowly or to give you more time to reply.
Try these activities. You will need your OU computer username and password as they are on license from Southampton University.
British Council has audio files to download and listen to, and the transcripts to read – first try to repeat what is said, then speak along with the presenters. The podcast support pack has further ideas for using the material.
Some ideas to help
- The British Council has information about developing English language skills for students and some online resources.
- Test your level of English or get answers to some common questions about learning English.
- Learning English from the BBC World Service includes advice on how to keep your English up to date.
General skills resources
We also have help with improving your general reading and writing skills. Look in particular at the sections on Assignments and Thinking, reading & taking notes or the following