In academic discussions, especially during standardized English tests like the ITEP Academic-Plus, students are often asked to reflect on past experiences and express their views clearly and fluently. This lesson will prepare students to confidently answer opinion and experience-based prompts, using appropriate grammar, precise vocabulary, and natural conversational flow. Today’s topics—valuable courses and mandatory attendance—are directly related to academic life and are common on English proficiency tests.
Vocabulary
To express personal beliefs and evaluations in an academic tone, it's important to use structured opinion phrases and discipline-appropriate vocabulary. This section provides students with useful expressions that signal reflection and justification.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| In my opinion | Used to introduce a personal viewpoint | In my opinion, attendance policies should be more flexible. |
| From my experience | Refers to one’s personal history or past | From my experience, group projects lead to better learning outcomes. |
| Course content | The material taught in a course | The course content covered a wide range of historical case studies. |
| Assignment deadlines | Due dates for submitted work | Meeting assignment deadlines taught me time management. |
Grammar
Reflecting on past academic experiences requires consistent and appropriate use of verb tenses. A common error among advanced learners is tense inconsistency, particularly when shifting between personal narratives and general reflections.
Using the Past with Reflection
When describing a course you took, use the simple past tense to narrate what happened. For example:
The most valuable course I took was Introduction to Cognitive Science. It challenged the way I think about perception.
When you shift to how that course continues to impact you now, you may need the present perfect or present simple. For instance:
Since taking that course, I’ve become more analytical in my research.
Consistency means maintaining the same temporal reference within a sentence or paragraph unless a clear shift is intentional. Avoid sentences like:
I was taking Psychology 101 and it helps me a lot now.
I took Psychology 101 and it has helped me a lot since.
Fluency Drill
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