Skip to content
Subjects

GAC Academic English

Tips

GAC Academic English runs across all three levels of the programme as six modules, split into a listening and speaking strand and a reading and writing strand. Level I builds everyday academic language, Level II adds note-taking, describing data and structured paragraphs, and Level III expects critical listening, seminar work, argument from sources and an in-depth essay.

The units are themes, not topics. Communicating, Human Health, Political Issues and the rest supply the material; what is actually assessed is the skill practised on them. The same theme therefore comes back at a higher level with a harder task attached to it.

Referencing and plagiarism are taught as content. Avoiding plagiarism, citing sources and building an annotated bibliography are named outcomes here, not general advice, and they carry marks in the written events.

You are assessed continuously at your own teaching centre. Presentations, group discussions, listening tests, essays and a seminar are spread through the semester and moderated by ACT afterwards, so there is no single final paper to revise for.

The notes follow ACT's published module outcomes unit by unit. Our practice tasks are original and written to match the shape of those events.

GAC Academic English Study Materials

  • 1

    GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills

    • 1.1 Communicating

      Unit 1 of 6 in GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to use listening and speaking skills for academic purposes and to communicate in English with increasing confidence, in preparation for higher education.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC001.1: Distinguish between general and academic spoken text types, and state the purpose, audience, and level of formality of each type.

      Learning Objective GAC001.5: Communicate with accuracy on a variety of general and academic topics in a range of interactive situations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.2 Countries and Cultures

      Unit 2 of 6 in GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC001.2: Apply a variety of listening skills to obtain meaning from spoken texts.

      Learning Objective GAC001.5: Communicate with accuracy on a variety of general and academic topics in a range of interactive situations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.3 Modern Lifestyles: Sports and Leisure

      Unit 3 of 6 in GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC001.3: Respond to spoken texts in a range of ways including following instructions.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.4 Journeys and Travel

      Unit 4 of 6 in GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC001.2: Apply a variety of listening skills to obtain meaning from spoken texts.

      Learning Objective GAC001.4: Prepare and deliver short formal oral presentations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.5 Living Things

      Unit 5 of 6 in GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC001.3: Respond to spoken texts in a range of ways including following instructions.

      Learning Objective GAC001.5: Communicate with accuracy on a variety of general and academic topics in a range of interactive situations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 1.6 Technology

      Unit 6 of 6 in GAC001 Academic English I: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC001.4: Prepare and deliver short formal oral presentations.

      Learning Objective GAC001.1: Distinguish between general and academic spoken text types, and state the purpose, audience, and level of formality of each type.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

  • 2

    GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills

    • 2.1 Communicating

      Unit 1 of 6 in GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to use reading and writing skills for academic purposes with increasing accuracy and confidence in preparation for higher education.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC002.1: Apply key reading skills to obtain meaning from general and academic text types.

      Learning Objective GAC002.3: Write complex sentences that link ideas in a variety of ways.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.2 Countries and Cultures

      Unit 2 of 6 in GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC002.2: Decode unknown vocabulary through contextual clues, and use an English- English dictionary effectively.

      Learning Objective GAC002.4: Identify and explain the function of the parts of a paragraph and use them when constructing paragraphs.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.3 Modern Lifestyles: Sports and Leisure

      Unit 3 of 6 in GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC002.4: Identify and explain the function of the parts of a paragraph and use them when constructing paragraphs.

      Learning Objective GAC002.6: Compose a range of text types for general and academic purposes, demonstrating awareness of style, purpose, and audience.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.4 Journeys and Travel

      Unit 4 of 6 in GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC002.1: Apply key reading skills to obtain meaning from general and academic text types.

      Learning Objective GAC002.6: Compose a range of text types for general and academic purposes, demonstrating awareness of style, purpose, and audience.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.5 Living Things

      Unit 5 of 6 in GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC002.5: Describe plagiarism in the western educational context and demonstrate an understanding of how to avoid it in academic writing.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 2.6 Technology

      Unit 6 of 6 in GAC002 Academic English I: Reading and Writing Skills (Level I). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC002.7: Demonstrate an ability to plan and synthesize ideas in a short essay format.

      Learning Objective GAC002.6: Compose a range of text types for general and academic purposes, demonstrating awareness of style, purpose, and audience.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

  • 3

    GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills

    • 3.1 People and Society

      Unit 1 of 6 in GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to listen and communicate effectively in English in preparation for higher education.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC007.1: Compare and contrast differences in general and academic spoken text types, and analyse speech functions within these text types.

      Learning Objective GAC007.6: Communicate and encourage discussions in a range of interactive situations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 3.2 Living Environments

      Unit 2 of 6 in GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC007.2: Apply a range of listening skills and strategies to comprehend spoken text types.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 3.3 Work and Business

      Unit 3 of 6 in GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC007.3: Demonstrate understanding of spoken text types through note-taking and summarising strategies.

      Learning Objective GAC007.5: Deliver formal oral presentations using relevant digital media.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 3.4 Health Science

      Unit 4 of 6 in GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC007.2: Apply a range of listening skills and strategies to comprehend spoken text types.

      Learning Objective GAC007.3: Demonstrate understanding of spoken text types through note-taking and summarising strategies.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 3.5 Processes and Production

      Unit 5 of 6 in GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC007.4: Describe graphs, procedures and processes using visual materials as prompts.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 3.6 The Environment

      Unit 6 of 6 in GAC007 Academic English II: Listening and Speaking Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC007.5: Deliver formal oral presentations using relevant digital media.

      Learning Objective GAC007.6: Communicate and encourage discussions in a range of interactive situations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

  • 4

    GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills

    • 4.1 People and Society

      Unit 1 of 6 in GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to use reading and writing skills with increasing accuracy, fluency and confidence for academic purposes in preparation for higher education.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC008.1: Identify and analyse the features of general and academic text types, and apply this knowledge to create written texts.

      Learning Objective GAC008.2: Demonstrate key reading skills.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 4.2 Places Where People Live and Work

      Unit 2 of 6 in GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC008.3: Decode unknown vocabulary and idiom.

      Learning Objective GAC008.4: Write complex sentences which link ideas in a variety of ways.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 4.3 Doing Business

      Unit 3 of 6 in GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC008.5: Write well-constructed paragraphs containing topic sentences with supporting statements, and a range of cohesive devices.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 4.4 Human Health

      Unit 4 of 6 in GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC008.2: Demonstrate key reading skills.

      Learning Objective GAC008.6: Demonstrate writing skills which assist students to avoid plagiarism.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 4.5 Human Progress

      Unit 5 of 6 in GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC008.7: Use acquired knowledge and skills to research and create academic texts demonstrating synthesis of ideas.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 4.6 Man-made Environmental Issues

      Unit 6 of 6 in GAC008 Academic English II: Reading and Writing Skills (Level II). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC008.8: Demonstrate information literacy through selecting appropriate research materials and using accurate referencing and citation conventions.

      Learning Objective GAC008.7: Use acquired knowledge and skills to research and create academic texts demonstrating synthesis of ideas.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

  • 5

    GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills

    • 5.1 Education

      Unit 1 of 6 in GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to listen and communicate effectively and collaboratively in English in preparation for higher education.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC014.1: Apply a wide range of critical listening skills and strategies to comprehend and analyse spoken text types.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 5.2 Medicine

      Unit 2 of 6 in GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC014.1: Apply a wide range of critical listening skills and strategies to comprehend and analyse spoken text types.

      Learning Objective GAC014.2: Communicate on general and abstract topics in a range of interactive academic situations.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 5.3 Legal Studies

      Unit 3 of 6 in GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC014.3: Evaluate points of view or arguments demonstrating awareness of validity, reliability and bias.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 5.4 Political Studies

      Unit 4 of 6 in GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC014.2: Communicate on general and abstract topics in a range of interactive academic situations.

      Learning Objective GAC014.3: Evaluate points of view or arguments demonstrating awareness of validity, reliability and bias.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 5.5 Communications

      Unit 5 of 6 in GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC014.4: Deliver oral presentations using relevant digital media.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 5.6 The Future

      Unit 6 of 6 in GAC014 Academic English III: Listening & Speaking Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC014.5: Conduct a formal class seminar on an academic topic.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

  • 6

    GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills

    • 6.1 Issues in Education

      Unit 1 of 6 in GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      Module purpose: On completion of this module, students should be able to use reading and writing skills accurately, fluently and confidently for academic purposes in preparation for higher education.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC015.1: Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking skills when reading and writing for academic purposes.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 6.2 Issues in Medicine

      Unit 2 of 6 in GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC015.2: Select, evaluate and reference relevant ideas from valid and reliable sources.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 6.3 Legal Issues

      Unit 3 of 6 in GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC015.3: Analyse and create logical arguments using data from valid and reliable sources.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 6.4 Political Issues

      Unit 4 of 6 in GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC015.2: Select, evaluate and reference relevant ideas from valid and reliable sources.

      Learning Objective GAC015.3: Analyse and create logical arguments using data from valid and reliable sources.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 6.5 Communications

      Unit 5 of 6 in GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC015.4: Research and evaluate in-depth academic texts in an annotated bibliography format and identify suitable material to include in academic writing.

      Learning Objective GAC015.6: Demonstrate information literacy through selecting appropriate research materials and using accurate referencing conventions.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

    • 6.6 The Future

      Unit 6 of 6 in GAC015 Academic English III: Reading & Writing Skills (Level III). The module is taught over about 40 class hours plus 20 hours of independent study, and is assessed at the teaching centre and moderated by ACT — there is no external exam.

      The module outcomes this unit works towards:

      Learning Objective GAC015.5: Use acquired skills and knowledge to plan and create an in-depth academic essay demonstrating synthesis of complex ideas.

      Source: Cambridge International syllabus

Log in or create account

IGCSE, A-Level & AP