LilacBush
ACADEMIC ENGLISH FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Key course info
Learning mode Online (with 8 live lessons)
Duration 8 weeks
Time commitment 4-5 hours per week
Live online classes Once a week, 1 hour
Start dates 4 May 2026 at 18:00 GMT
Benefits 8 intensive lessons
Max 4 students per group
Immidiate application to your
coursework
Integrated skills development
Cost
$600
COURSE
University Success
Listening and Speaking for Academic Purposes
Develop the communication competencies for effective participation in seminars, lectures, presentations, and scholarly discussions.
Key course info
Learning mode Online (with 8 live lessons)
Duration 8 weeks
Time commitment 4-5 hours per week
Live online classes Once a week, 1 hour
Start dates
4 May 2026 18:00 GMT
Benefits
8 intensive lessons
Max 4 students per group
Immidiate application to your coursework
Integrated skills development
Cost
$600
Key course info
Learning mode Online (with 8 live lessons)
Duration 8 weeks
Time commitment 4-5 hours per week
Live online classes Once a week, 1 hour
Start dates 4 May 2026 at 18:00 GMT
Benefits 8 intensive lessons
Max 4 students per group
Immidiate application to your coursework
Integrated skills development
Cost
$600
University success requires more than understanding course content. Students must demonstrate that understanding through oral communication: following complex lectures, participating meaningfully in seminar discussions, delivering clear presentations, asking strategic questions, and engaging in scholarly debate.
The Academic Communication Gap
Many university students - particularly international students and first-generation students - arrive with strong foundational English skills but lack specific training in academic oral communication. They can construct sentences and hold conversations, but struggle with:
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Following rapid, complex lectures while taking strategic notes
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Entering seminar discussions productively and appropriately
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Challenging ideas respectfully within academic power structures
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Delivering presentations that guide listeners through complex arguments
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Responding to questions diplomatically while defending their positions
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Navigating the unspoken protocols of academic discourse
Why This Matters for Students
University Success: Listening and Speaking for Academic Purposes teaches the listening, speaking, and interactional competencies required for effective participation in university academic discourse. Students develop the strategic communication skills that distinguish confident, capable participants from passive observers:
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How to listen for participation opportunities, not just content
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When and how to challenge authority respectfully
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How to use silence productively rather than fill it anxiously
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How to signal structure through voice, not just slides
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How to position yourself in scholarly conversations with appropriate humility and confidence
What Distinguishes This Course
Intellectual Diplomacy Framework. Unlike general English speaking courses, this course explicitly teaches navigation of academic power structures, appropriate disagreement strategies, and positioning oneself in scholarly conversations with confidence and humility.
Integrated Skills Approach. Listening, speaking, questioning, presenting, and discussing are taught as interconnected competencies rather than isolated skills, reflecting authentic academic discourse contexts.
Progressive Skill Building. It follows a sequenced progression from receptive skills (listening, comprehension) to interactive skills (discussion, questioning) to productive skills (presentation, Q&A), with continuous integration throughout.
Extensive Practice. Each lesson includes multiple practice opportunities moving from guided to independent application, with immediate feedback and iterative refinement.
Academic Context Throughout. The materials, scenarios, and practice activities reflect genuine university discourse situations, ensuring immediate transfer to students' academic lives.
Course Overview
University Success: Listening and Speaking for Academic Purposes progresses through 8 weeks and develops the speaking and listening skills essential for university success: following lectures, participating in seminats, asking questions, and delivering presentations.
What You Will Master
Strategic Academic Listening (Weeks 1–3)
Many students listen to lectures to record information. This course teaches you to listen for something more valuable: the structure beneath the content, the logic behind the argument, and the moments that become great seminar questions. Over the first three weeks, you will develop the ability to follow academic discourse analytically - identifying key claims, recognizing how ideas connect and conflict, and generating substantive questions in real time. You will learn to take notes not just for study, but for participation, using structured methods that turn every lecture into preparation for the next discussion.
Strategic Questioning Across Academic Contexts (Week 4)
Asking questions well is a distinct academic skill, and one that most students have never been taught explicitly. This week focuses on formulating questions that demonstrate genuine analytical engagement, not just curiosity or confusion. You will develop context-specific strategies for lectures, seminars, and office hours, and learn to calibrate your language and formality appropriately for each setting. You will also practise the conventions of professional academic email, learning to communicate with faculty with the precision and respect that academic relationships require.
Seminar Participation and Intellectual Diplomacy (Weeks 5–6)
Participating in seminars requires more than having something to say - it requires knowing when to say it, how to enter a conversation that is already in motion, and how to challenge ideas without damaging the relationships that make good discussion possible. These two weeks address what we call intellectual diplomacy: the specific language and strategies for disagreeing with peers, questioning professors' interpretations, and complicating class consensus with diplomatic precision. You will learn a spectrum of disagreement strategies - from exploratory soft challenge to direct intellectual pushback - and practise each in realistic seminar scenarios until they feel natural.
Academic Presentation Delivery (Weeks 6–8)
A well-structured presentation can still lose its audience if the delivery does not guide them through the argument. These weeks teach you to use your voice as an organizational tool: stressing the terms that matter, pausing before key points, slowing down for complexity, and using pitch and rhythm to signal transitions. We call these techniques vocal bolding and vocal italics - the spoken equivalents of typographic emphasis - and they transform presentations from information delivery into genuine communication. You will also learn to coordinate your verbal delivery with visual aids effectively, and to handle the Q&A that follows with the same confidence and diplomacy you develop in seminar discussions.
Productive Use of Silence and Wait Time (Throughout)
Of all the skills in this course, the strategic use of silence is perhaps the most immediately useful and the most consistently overlooked. In seminars and Q&A sessions, the urge to speak quickly - to fill a pause before someone else does - almost always produces a weaker contribution than taking three to five seconds to think. This course teaches you to recognize different types of silence in academic settings, use wait time deliberately before speaking and before responding, and treat pauses as a mark of intellectual confidence rather than hesitation. It is a skill that runs through every week of the course and noticeably changes how you are perceived in academic conversations.
This course is for university students at B2 (upper intermediate) level or higher, who need effective listening and speaking skills for academic context and beyond.
It is for students who:
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Are currently enrolled in university, or beginning their first year within the next semester
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Possess B+ English level with solid foundational grammar and vocabulary
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Understand course content and complete readings, but strucggle to demonstrate that understanding through active participation
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Experience difficulty entering seminar discussions, formulating questions, or delivering presentations with clarity and confidence
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Are preparing for disciplines where seminar participation and oral presentations make a significant portion of assessment
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Teaching Approach
LilacBush courses value deep understanding of concepts. Each lesson explains the underlying principles that govern how particular concepts, conventions, structures, formats, and organizational patterns work and achieve specific effects. This thorough theoretical foundation allows you to make intelligent decisions about which tool to use in new situations you have not explicitly studied, developing the kind of understanding that transfers across contexts and strengthens your ability to write effectively in any academic genre or discipline.
LilacBush courses are built on the principle that serious learners benefit from appropriate theoretical explanations. Each course provides thorough, grounded explanations of how different writing formats, organizational structures, and language patterns function in academic contexts - why chronological organization serves some processes while cause-and-effect structure serves others, why some contexts require formal passive voice while others benefit from active constructions, why particular transitional phrases signal different relationships between ideas. This theory-based approach respects your intelligence and analytical capabilities, treating you as a serious learner who can understand how writing formats and structures create meaning. The result is deeper, more durable learning that empowers you to select and use appropriate formats confidently and strategically, not just follow memorized patterns that work only in familiar contexts.
We learn language and organizational structures as meaning-making systems where every choice serves a communicative purpose. You learn to think about organizational structures, sentence patterns, transitional phrases, and format choices the way skilled writers do: as tools that control what readers focus on, how information is hierarchized, what receives emphasis, how clearly relationships are expressed, and how effectively our message is delivered. Understanding that different formats exist for different purposes - that instructions are structured differently than explanations, that scientific writing follows different conventions than historical analysis - helps you become a flexible, strategic writer who can adapt approach and format based on purpose, audience, and disciplinary context.
With a maximum of 4 students per group, we secure the thorough attention and personalized guidance that truly effective learning requires. This deliberately small format allows the instructor to review each student's work carefully, providing grounded, developmental feedback that addresses your specific writing challenges and builds on your particular strengths. It also allows the instructor to keep your needs in mind when planning and organizing the work of the group during the course. Unlike generic instructions that could apply to anyone, you receive instruction adapted to your current level - whether you need more foundational support with organizational basics or are ready for more sophisticated challenges with complex format applications. Throughout the course, your instructor tracks your individual development, identifying patterns in your progress, anticipating where you might need additional support, and adjusting guidance to ensure you're building skills systematically.
How the Course Works
How We Learn
This distant learning course is delivered fully online. You can learn anywhere. Live lessons are delivered through Lessonspace, where each group has a dedicated classroom throughout the course. Course materials are located on Canvas. Instructions on how to use both the platforms are sent upon enrollment. Both the platforms are available 24/7, so you can log in and study when and where it suits you.
Live Sessions
Live lessons are scheduled weekly on the same day and time (e.g., Wednesday at 3 PM GMT) and take 60 minutes of intense learning in a small group (up to 4 students). The group is permanent throughout the course.
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Learn and practice applying concepts from that week's lesson
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Receive personalized feedback on your progress
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Ask questions and work through challenges
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Learn from an experiences tutor, your peers' questions and examples
Independent Study
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Read the Student's Book with detailed explanationsof the material covered during the live lesson to deepen your knowledge (approximately 20-30 pages)
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Take end-of-lesson quiz to check understanding
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Complete Workbook exercises with guided practice and submit for assessment and personalized feedback (typically 10-15 exercises per lesson)
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Reflect on application to your own writing
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Review your peers work (optional) to learn from your peers
Your Instructor
You will learn from a dedicated educator and benefit from her expertise in developing academic English skills and nurturing cohorts of successful international students. She will provide you with first-class teaching, guidance and support throughout the course, as well as individualized feedback and ways of further improvement.
Missing a live lesson must be an exception, rather than a rule. If a student must miss a lesson, they learn the lesson material by the Student's Book - the material in each lesson is designed to be easily understood by a self-paced learner. Despite the missed lesson, the exercises which are compulsory for submission and feedback are required to be submitted in due time.
If you must miss a lesson, we strongly advise and require that you (or people you trust) contact your tutor as early as possible so she can suggest a personalized action plan for you to still cover the topic seamlessly and ensure the necessary skills are gained.
If you tutor must miss a live lesson, she will notify your group as early as possible and suggest alternative dates and times.
Your progress will be assessed during live classes, through checking your individual work from workbooks, and self-assessment quizes. There is an option of peer review, though it is upon the student's discretion whether to share their work with others.
Some workbook tasks develop the necessary skills but do not require submission and assessment. Other tasks (3-5 per lesson) will have set deadlines (usually at least 24 hours before the next live lesson) and are expected to be submitted for the tutor's check and feedback. Assignments are submitted through Canvas.
This course consists of 8 lessons delivered over 8 weeks. It takes approximately 32-40 hours of study totally over 8 weeks, that is 4-5 hours per week (a 1-hour online session and 3-4 hours of independent work). This is an indicative guide for a typical student to achieve the learning goals. This time includes online lessons, time for independent study , self-assessment and reflection.
Your tutor is always here to help. Support from your tutor is available through Canvas, your group chat in WhatsApp, email, and one-on-one, depending on the type of support you need. The enrollment package you will receive upon enrollment details the support provided along with suggested means of communication.
What's Included
Comprehensive Learning Materials:
8 Student's Books (one per lesson)
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15-25 pages each of in-depth instruction
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Clear explanations of the techniquesand why they work
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Worked examples with before/after comparisons
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Grounded in actual academic scenarios across disciplines
8 Workbooks (one per lesson)
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Diagnostic exercises to identify your specific challenges
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Guided practice building from identification to application
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Revision exercises using real academic writing samples
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Progressive difficulty - each exercise builds on the last
8 End-of-Lesson Quizzes
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Check your understanding of key concepts
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Immediate feedback on common misconceptions
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Identify areas needing review before moving forward
Reflection Questions for Each Lesson
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Connect concepts to your own writing patterns
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Plan specific applications to upcoming assignments
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Develop metacognitive awareness of your writing process
Live Instruction & Support:
8 Live Sessions
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1 hour per week
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Personalized feedback on your writing
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Real-time practice and application
Direct Access to Instructor
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Ask questions during live sessions
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Get clarification on concepts between sessions
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Receive feedback on writing samples
Cost & Enrollment
Course Cost: $600
Choose Your Payment Plan
Both plans include the full University Success: Listening and Speaking for Academic Purposes course experience
Option 1: Pay in Full
$600 one-time payment when you enroll
Option 2: Split Payment
Two payments of $300 each
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First payment: After the introductory call
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Second payment: Beginning of Week 4 (Lesson 4)
Money-Back Guarantee
We are confident that our courses transform your academic experience. If you complete Lesson 2 and feel this course is not right for you, contact us within the second week for a full refund.
Interested in taking this course privately? Contact us to discuss this option.
Interested in the course but unable to attend on the scheduled day and time? Contact us to leave your preferred days and times.
What Comes After You Apply
1. Introductory video call: Your tutor will write you to schedule a 15-minute introductory video call at mutually convenient time
2. Payment: We will send you the invoice for payment
3. Welcome Email: Details about your assigned group, live session schedule, and how to prepare for the first session
4. Access to course platforms and materials: You will receive login credentials to the course platforms and can start reading available materials.
5. Week before start: Reminder email with technical setup instructions and what to expect in the first live session.
6. Throughout the course: Weekly reminders, access to new materials, and support as needed
FAQ
How does this course differ from general English speaking courses?
General English speaking courses develop conversational fluency. This course focuses specifically on academic discourse conventions: participating in seminars, delivering presentations, asking strategic questions, and engaging in scholarly debate. The language, conventions, and power dynamics of academic contexts differ significantly from casual conversation.
Do I need to complete other LilacBush courses first?
While our other courses provide optimal foundation, students with B2+ English and strong academic backgrounds may enter directly. Contact us for individual consultation if you are uncertain about readiness.
Will this help with presentation anxiety?
Yes. The course addresses anxiety through systematic skill development, extensive practice in a supportive small-group environment, strategic preparation techniques, and confidence-building through demonstrated competence. However, this is an academic skills course, not therapy; students experiencing severe anxiety may benefit from additional support resources.
Is the course recorded? Can I complete it asynchronously?
Live sessions are essential and not recorded (to create safe practice space). If you cannot attend synchronously, this course may not be appropriate for your situation.
What happens in the live sessions?
Live sessions provide essential speaking practice: mini-presentations with peer feedback, discussion simulations, question-answer practice, role-plays, disagreement scenarios, and collaborative exercises. Maximum 4 students ensures extensive individual speaking time.
Can I take this course while completing other LilacBush courses?
This course requires weekly speaking practice and preparation. We recommend focusing on this course exclusively during the 8-week period, or pairing it only with lower-intensity reading/writing courses if time permits.
My English is B1 level. Is that sufficient?
B2 is the minimum recommended level. You should be able to construct complex sentences, understand academic readings with effort, and hold extended conversations. If you are uncertain, contact us for a brief consultation to assess readiness.
I've never done presentations in English before. Is this course too advanced?
The course is designed for students developing these skills. We begin with receptive skills (listening, note-taking) before moving to productive skills (presenting). However, you should have some presentation experience in any language and be willing to practice extensively.
I'm not a native English speaker. Will I be able to keep up?
This course is designed specifically for non-native speakers navigating English-speaking academic contexts. The explicit instruction approach particularly benefits students who didn't grow up absorbing these conventions implicitly. Your instructor understands the challenges international students face.
I'm naturally quiet/introverted. Will I be forced to speak constantly?
Academic success doesn't require constant speaking, but does require strategic participation. The course teaches you to contribute meaningfully rather than frequently. Small groups (max 4) provide supportive environments. Introverts often excel at strategic, thoughtful contributions - we help you develop that strength.
How quickly will I see improvement in my actual university courses?
Many students report increased confidence and improved participation within 2-3 weeks. Presentation skills develop progressively throughout the course. The goal is sustainable competence, not quick fixes, so full development requires the complete 8-week sequence.
Can I use my actual university assignments for practice?
Absolutely. Students are encouraged to apply course concepts to their current coursework. Use actual presentations you are preparing, discussion questions from your courses, or scenarios you are experiencing.
Will this help with job interviews or professional presentations?
This course requires weekly speaking practice and preparation. We recommend focusing on this course exclusively during the 8-week period, or pairing it only with lower-intensity reading/writing courses if time permits.
What if I need to miss a session?
Attendance at all 8 sessions is strongly encouraged as speaking skills require consistent practice. If emergency absences are necessary, contact the instructor immediately. Sessions are not recorded.
What technology do I need?
Reliable internet connection, computer or tablet (phone not recommended for live sessions), functioning microphone and camera, quiet space for speaking practice. Good audio quality is essential for pronunciation and intonation feedback.
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