English For Agricultural Sciences

Preface
English for Agricultural Sciences, Elementary, is a reading textbook
designed for University undergraduate level students pursuing studies in the
field of agriculture or other closely related fields. It is intended primarily for
EFL students who already have a basic knowledge of the English language
for general purposes and need to be acquainted with English patterns and
specialized vocabulary in their field in order to enable them to do their studies
and function in their workplace by placing an emphasis on the vocabulary and
topics used in agricultural sciences.
English for Agricultural Sciences is made up of twelve thematically-based
units, each of which contains one reading. The readings are authentic texts
presenting a variety of agricultural topics in order to familiarize learners
with relevant vocabulary as well as with different genres that learners may
encounter in the course of their studies and careers. Skill-building and
vocabulary-building activities accompany each reading.
The book is accompanied by four progress tests, one test for every three
units. The tests are designed to be conducted online where every student can
use his/her username and password to do the tests and gets his results at the
end of the test. The usernames and passwords appear on every copy of the
books and are valid for one user only and not to be shared, i.e. the student who
holds the original copy can access the website and do the relevant test.
An important goal of English for Agricultural Sciences is to help
students become confident readers by increasing their vocabulary base and
improving their word-comprehension skills. It engages them in the process
of reading thoughtfully and encourages them to move beyond merely passive
reading. To accomplish this, the book addresses the reading process in a
direct manner, and various reading and vocabulary skills are presented as
part of that process. The instruction and practice with reading skills help
students increase their reading fluency, and equip them with skills they
need for academic achievement. Focus on vocabulary-building promotes
their language acquisition and academic advancement. Also, the lexical and
syntactic content of the readings has been controlled. The tasks are varied,
accessible, and engaging, and they provide stimuli for frequent student-teacher
and student-student interaction.
Student awareness of reading and thinking processes is further encouraged
in many parts of the book by exercises which require students to work in
pairs or small groups. In discussions with others, students formulate and
articulate their ideas more precisely, and so they acquire new ways of talking
and thinking about a text. These activities present opportunities for real-world
contact and real-world use of language. Students are asked to write, and then
to read each other’s work so they can experience the connection between
reading and writing. Speaking and writing skills are practiced through
‘Discussion Questions and Discussing the Reading’ sections where questions
can be dealt orally and in writing.
English for Agricultural Sciences does not aim at teaching the subject
matter of agriculture; rather it aims to show how English is used as a medium
of communication and expression of scientific thought in this field. Therefore
the range of topics presented through the twelve units is wide, yet not
exhaustive. Attempts have been made to explore as many different topics as
possible and for this reason various university syllabi for agricultural sciences
were consulted.
Within each unit, students will not only practice reading, but they will
also receive instruction in various skills and strategies incorporated into the
reading process.

Publications By Prof. Suleiman Mazyad – QELA AL ELM (QEH) FOR PUBLISHING
Publication Year 2019
An integrated textbook.
First Edition.
ISBN: 978-603-03-0762-3