Frequently Asked Questions
What level of English do I need for this course?
If you are studying at University in Hong Kong, you have a good enough English level. If you are at secondary school in Hong Kong, you're English level is probably good enough. For participants outside Hong Kong, we recommend that they have an English level equilvalent to IELTS Band 5 (TOEFL score 35). You can
test your English level here. A score from this test recommending you take Cambridge English First Certificate (FCE) means that your English is good enough for this course.
Which book should I read first?
(1) First answer this question:
☛ Do you already read English books?
☛ If yes, start on a book in the
Moderate or
More Challenging levels. If no, start on a book in the
Warm up level.
(2) Next, choose a book that you are interested in. Which cover and title attracts you?
(3) Finally, start working through the activities connected to that book, and read the book!
What are the Assessments?
There are
Assessment Activities for each book in the course.
Multiple Choice (50%)
Peer Assessment (50%)
is used to show Multiple-Choice Question Assessments. When you see this icon, your score counts towards your final grade.
is used to show Peer Assessments. When you see this icon, your score counts towards your final grade.
You only need to do the Assessment for one book in order to complete the course.
What is the Peer-Assessment?
The Peer-Assessment counts for a total of
up to 50% of the total grade. Depending on the book you have read, you will need to write some type of reflection. This will then be assessed by a number of your peers (i.e. your fellow students). You will also need to assess some of your peers.
Can I download the videos?
The videos are all available on
YouTube. Depending on the browser that you use, if you view the the video on YouTube, you will then be able to download it.
What time zone is used in the course?
Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for this course. You just need to enjoy reading.
What do the different icons mean?
is used to show a Reading Activity. This course encourages you to read for pleasure!
is used to show Multiple-Choice Question Assessments. These count towards your final grade.
is used to show Peer Assessments. These count towards your final grade.
is used to show Quizzes. These do not count towards your final grade.
is used to show Discussions. You are encouraged to take part in discussions as much as you can. Watch the Discussion Forum Guidelines Video to understand how you can participate effectively and productively in the discussions.
is used to show Videos. The videos are used to introduce the authors and the books.
is used to show Dive Deeper. Here you will find extra readings and videos which we think you will find useful.
is used to show information About the Author. It's good to find out more about the person who wrote the book.
is used to show a Listenings. This is useful if you prefer listening to an extract to reading it.
Who wrote the course?
The writer of the course is Ellen Mok, with help from the team that created the
English@Work MOOC
I have spotted a typo / I have a suggestion for some new materials. Who do I contact?
Please go to the
About Page and contact one of the people listed on that page.