Skills - Headway Academic
To see in action, consider this typical exercise from the "Writing" strand.
| Aspect | Typical EAP Coursebook | Headway Academic Skills | |--------|----------------------|--------------------------| | Tone | Formal, dense, text-heavy | Academic but approachable, visually clear | | Pacing | Fast, assumes prior academic culture | Step-by-step, scaffolded | | Integration of general English | Minimal | Transitions smoothly from general to academic | | Student engagement | Can be dry | Retains Headway’s engaging topics and design |
One of the standout features of Headway Academic Skills is its heavy emphasis on Critical Thinking. In many ESL textbooks, questions have a clear "right or wrong" answer based solely on the text. Headway Academic Skills challenges this. headway academic skills
Headway Academic Skills is a series of skills-based books designed specifically for students who are preparing to study at an English-medium university or who need to engage with academic content in English. Developed by the same trusted team behind the renowned Headway course (Liz and John Soars), this series bridges the gap between general English proficiency and the specific competencies required for higher education. Unlike traditional EAP (English for Academic Purposes) materials that can feel dry or overly dense, Headway Academic Skills retains the clarity, accessibility, and learner-friendly approach that the Headway brand is known for.
Targeted practice in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking to address specific student "spiky profiles". Practical Tools: To see in action, consider this typical exercise
Unit: “Work and Motivation” (Psychology/Business)
The series is excellent for providing a clear, structured roadmap to academic English. It is best suited for students who need to understand how to study in an English-speaking environment. However, teachers should be prepared to supplement the exercises with their own materials to ensure students get enough hands-on practice. Headway Academic Skills Audio - Oxford University Press Headway Academic Skills challenges this
Available in four levels, it’s the perfect companion to your general English studies. Stop just studying English—start it to succeed!