Academic English self-assessment worksheet

Answer the following questions to identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you
have answered Yes to all of the questions below, well done. If you have answered No
to any of the questions, go back to the English Language pages on the Skills for
Learning website to learn more.

Academic Language

 Do you use a reputable dictionary to research new vocabulary? Y/N

 Are you familiar with the common features of Academic English (e.g. information-
focused, logical and formal) Y/N
 Are you familiar with common word patterns (e.g. recently published, densely
populated)? Y/N
If you have answered No to any of these questions, go to the Academic English
resources to learn more.

Academic Reading

 Do you use a range of reading strategies (surveying, skimming and scanning)

depending on your purpose? Y/N
 Do you know the difference between note-taking and note-making? Y/N
 Can you read and understand complex ideas easily? Y/N
 Do you know how to search for information using Discover and other library
resources? Y/N
If you have answered No to any of these questions, go to the Academic Reading
resources to learn more. You might also find Finding Information and Reading on
the Skills for Learning website useful.

Academic Writing

 Do you know how to organise different types of academic writing (e.g., report,
literature review or research proposal)? Y/N
 Do you know how to organise your ideas within a paragraph? Y/N
 Do you know how to include ideas from literature in your writing? Y/N
 Do you know what style of referencing you should use? Y/N
 Do you know the difference between critical and descriptive writing? Y/N
If you have answered No to any of these questions, you should go to the Academic
Writing resources to learn more. You will also find useful resources about: Essay
Writing, Report Writing, Reflective Writing, Referencing, Editing & Proofreading, and
Dissertations & Literature Reviews on the Skills for Learning website.
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Library and Student Services
Leeds Beckett University

https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/skills-for-learning
Academic Speaking

 Can you deliver an effective presentation on an academic topic? Y/N

 Can you contribute to group work on your course? Y/N
 Can you take part on seminars on your course? Y/N

If you have answered No to any of these questions, you should go to the Academic
Speaking resources to learn more. You will also find useful resources on
Presentations and Group Work.

Academic Listening

 Can you listen to a lecture and take effective notes? Y/N

 Can you watch lecture recordings, understand the meaning and take effective
notes? Y/N
 Can you follow what your tutor is saying in a tutorial? Y/N
 Can you follow what other students are saying in seminars or group work? Y/N

If you have answered No to any of these questions, you should go to the

Academic Listening resources to learn more.

Book an appointment if you would like to discuss how you can improve your
Academic English.

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