CLIL and scientific English : Focus on syntax

CLIL and scientific English: Focus on syntax This talk will take develop along four main steps: 1. Needs analysis 2. The role of syntax 3. Teaching syntax (EFL teachers) 4. Checking syntax (CLIL teachers) As regards the needs, these are identified as to be chosen between Italian technical and professional (vocational / occupational, T/P) as opposed to academicoriented (A/O) secondary schools, i.e. resulting in either T/P CLIL or A/O CLIL. The role of syntax emerges as necessary at various levels, and in particular for the following purposes of the students identified in the previous step: - entering / exiting university: entry / exit tests; ‐ entering the market: job interviews, cover letters; ‐ moving within the market: presentations, confcalls, report writing, job interviews; ‐ social purposes: networking, travelling, IT literacy. These apply to all the four linguistic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Teaching syntax is seen as a key skill for EFL teachers, while checking syntax for CLIL teachers. In particular, one reccomendation for EFL teachers could be that of focusing on verb tenses and modality; and for CLIL teachers to employ translation for language check.