English Language and Communication Program
Helping the students of KAUST develop the necessary skills to communicate their ground-breaking science to a global audience
Through our courses, workshops, and one-on-one support, we:
- support academic success with a strong foundational English language program and a range of skill-building courses
- empower students to present themselves and their research with confidence
- expand professional opportunity through the development of strong scientific writing, oral communication, and presentation skills
As a unit, we are dedicated to serving the student population, the majority of whom are non-native speakers of English. Students often need our support and additional English language instruction at the start of their academic programs and while writing their theses and dissertations.
Although the ELCP offers a range of courses and workshops, there may be something specific related to English you want your team at KAUST to concentrate on. Maybe you want your students to work on an elevator pitch or write a research proposal, for example? Whatever your needs, you can now send them directly to us using the form now available on our website. Just click on the Course & Workshop Requests tab in the navigation at the top of the page, or follow this link.
Academic Word of the Week
21 April, 2022
Hello and welcome to Academic Word of the Week!
Today we’re going to be talking about something we’ve never discussed before in any depth: abbreviations. In particular, there are two abbreviations, commonly used in academic writing, which are often confused:
1. i.e.
This abbreviation stands for the Latin expression ‘id est’, which in English simply means ‘that is’. We use i.e. to define something just mentioned more precisely.
Today we’re going to be talking about something we’ve never discussed before in any depth: abbreviations. In particular, there are two abbreviations, commonly used in academic writing, which are often confused:
1. i.e.
This abbreviation stands for the Latin expression ‘id est’, which in English simply means ‘that is’. We use i.e. to define something just mentioned more precisely.
Example sentence: Every student of genetics learns the two fundamental approaches in the area, i.e., reverse genetics and forward genetics.
2. e.g.
This abbreviation stands for the Latin expression ‘exempli gratia’, which in English means ‘for example’. It is used to give a limited number of examples of something just mentioned.
Example sentence: These products are imported from a great number many countries, e.g., Italy and Germany.
As you can see, these two abbreviations have quite different functions and cannot therefore be used interchangeably.
Please also note the following regarding punctuation:
• Neither abbreviation is italicized.
• Each letter in both abbreviations is followed by periods/full stops.
• Both abbreviations are followed by a comma in American English, but not in British English.
Have a great weekend and see you next week!
The ELCP Team
Basmah Alabdulaziz
Bioscience (MS)
“The English language program has helped me in my studies and also in my current moments as I navigate through various professional settings. The program's comprehensive curriculum has equipped me with the necessary language skills to communicate effectively and confidently, both in speaking and in writing. Additionally, the wide range of modules has allowed me to explore various aspects of the English language, improving my understanding and appreciation of language use”.
Zhilei Han
Energy Resources & Petroleum Eng. (PhD)
"The English for Academic Purposes course equipped me with the writing skills I need to be a successful academic. Also, learning with the ELCP team was interesting and fun.”
Hanan Alahmadi
Statistics (PhD)
"The course provided by the ELCP team gave me the language tools I needed for my academic studies at KAUST."
Auwalu Abdu
Plant Science (PhD)
"The Scientific Posters workshop was very useful and relevant to my studies. I learned a lot about what to include in a scientific poster, and I look forward to designing my first poster."
Wang Liu
Marine Science (PhD)
"The ELCP Scientific Research Writing course was very practical as it takes you through a paper step by step. Also, the teachers are very patient and professional. I would recommend any course offered by the ELCP to all students."
Mohammed Dayili
Mechanical Engineering (MS/PhD)
"The ELCP writing support service is excellent; the coach communicated clearly and helped me understand my mistakes. With this help I have become a better scientific writer."
Ricardo Pedraza Pohlenz
Marine Science (MS)
"I very much enjoyed the Scientific Research Writing course and look forward to more ELCP courses in future."
Altynay Kaidarova
Electrical & Computer Engineering (PhD)
"The ELCP Pronunciation course is a must; during the sessions you will gain practical skills that can be effectively utilized in real life."
Jordan Figueiredo
Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
"The ELCP Scientific Research Writing course helped me greatly to improve my academic writing skills. I strongly recommend it to every student here at KAUST."
Anastasiia Martynova
Marine Science (PhD)
"I enjoyed the Scientific Research Writing course and found it very useful in planning and writing a scientific paper. The instructors are really helpful and supportive, and it was a pleasure to be in the class. I am grateful to have this kind of learning opportunity at KAUST."
Abdullah Zaihi
Mechanical Engineering (MS)
"The English for Academic Purposes course was my favorite one this semester, and I had so much fun learning English. The instructors were really knowledgeable, professional and supportive."
Ammar Alamoudi
Chemical Science (MS)
"I was apprehensive about devoting so much time and effort to the English for Academic Purposes course, but actually it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable courses I have taken here at KAUST."