Students for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL)
Learning Advisors work with International students and support students for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL).
If English is an additional language for you, you are encouraged to check out any relevant workshops being offered. Don’t forget that you can also receive assistance at the Learning Advice Desk in Townsville and Cairns.
Below you'll find links to resources to help you with your academic English skills.
The Learning Centre
Choosing the right word (pdf)
This list of frequently used academic words will help you build your academic vocabulary.Academic Vocabulary
This site will help you expand your academic vocabulary using the Academic Word List (AWL). Learning vocabulary from the AWL will help you improve your comprehension of academic texts. It will also help you write assignments in an academic style.Academic Phrasebank
The Academic Phrasebank developed by The University of Manchester can assist you with your academic writing. It aims to provide you with examples of some of the phraseological "nuts and bolts" of writing organised according to the main sections of a research paper, e.g. describing methods, reporting results or discussing findings.List of Reporting Verbs
This list will help you to use a variety of reporting verbs when referring to other people’s research in your writing.
Editing
Editing (pdf)
This guide provides some valuable hints on how to successfully edit your own writing. The guide includes common error codes used by editors and examples of common errors and their corrections.Proofreading (pdf)
Once you have finished editing your work, you should move on to proofreading. Use this guide to help you focus on the detail of your writing: formatting, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Grammar
Preposition List (pdf)
This booklet by Josef Essberger lists 150 English prepositions and shows you examples of their use in context. You can also test your understanding of prepositions with quiz questions at the end of the booklet (answers are provided).
External EAL Resources
EAL Resources for Students
This is a page with links to resources that assist EAL students by answering general questions about the English language and helping with grammar problems, idioms, and academic conventions. It includes a large number of links to online courses, grammar sites, vocabulary activities and help with specific tasks.Academic English Café
On this site you can take free English language quizzes on grammar and writing topics, practice with real academic vocabulary, read model essays on many academic topics and listen to authentic English language programs.Edufind
The EduFind Online Test Centre is a site where you can work through fully interactive tests and educational games to improve your skills. There is no charge but you do have to register to use this resource and your browser must accept cookies and have Flash Player installed. Once you are registered you can also keep track of your test scores over time. While the test itself is free, it is part of a commercial site so there are some optional extras that require payment.EAL Writing and Reading
On this site, you can learn writing and reading skills that will help you through your academic career.
JCU Subjects
In consultation with your Academic Advisor and JCU International, you may also wish to consider taking one of the following subjects as part of your degree: