《North Star》第五版是培生教育集团(Pearson)为高等教育及成人学习者设计的学术英语综合课程,覆盖 CEFR B1-C1 级别。该教材以“学术能力与批判性思维并重”为核心,通过严谨的学术内容、真实语料及数字化工具,帮助学习者在听、说、读、写、研究技能上全面提升,适用于大学预科、学术英语(EAP)课程或备考托福(TOEFL)、雅思(IELTS)的学习者。第五版在原有基础上进一步优化主题内容,增强数字资源,并融入更多全球化视角。
2. 核心特点
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学术英语深度聚焦:
内容涵盖学术论文写作、文献分析、学术演讲等场景,强化学术语言规范(如APA/MLA引用格式)。 -
真实学术语料库:
采用期刊文章、TED演讲、学术讲座等真实材料,提升学习者对学术文本的解析能力。 -
批判性思维训练:
每单元设置“Critical Thinking”板块,引导学生评估论点、识别逻辑漏洞及构建学术论证。 -
数字化学习生态:
配套 MyEnglishLab 平台提供自适应练习、互动测评及学习进度追踪,支持混合式教学。 -
全球化议题:
单元主题围绕跨文化沟通、可持续发展、科技伦理等全球性挑战,培养国际视野。
3. 教材结构
教材分为 4个级别(B1-C1),每级别包含 8-10个单元,典型单元结构如下:
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Theme Introduction(主题导入):
通过图表、短视频或讨论问题引入学术主题(如“The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”)。 -
Academic Reading(学术阅读):
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预读活动:预测内容、激活背景知识。
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精读训练:分析文章结构、识别论点与论据。
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词汇拓展:学术高频词(如“hypothesis”“synthesize”)及学科术语。
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Listening & Speaking(听力与口语):
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学术听力:讲座节选、学术访谈,训练笔记整理与关键信息提取。
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学术讨论:小组辩论(如“Should genetic editing be regulated?”)、模拟学术会议发言。
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Academic Writing(学术写作):
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从段落构建到完整论文,涵盖议论文、文献综述、研究报告等文体。
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强调逻辑连贯、证据引用及学术规范。
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Research & Collaboration(研究与协作):
团队完成小型研究项目(如设计调查问卷、分析数据集),撰写小组报告。 -
Review & Assessment(复习与测评):
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单元自测题(语法、词汇、学术技能)。
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MyEnglishLab平台生成个性化复习建议。
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4. 适用对象
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大学生:需提升学术英语能力以应对全英文授课或撰写论文的学生。
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备考群体:准备托福、雅思等考试中学术类题型的考生。
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研究生及学者:需要强化学术交流与写作能力的进阶学习者。
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混合能力班级:任务分层设计,支持差异化教学。
5. 配套资源
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学生用书(Student’s Book):全彩印刷,含数字资源访问码及学术写作模板。
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教师用书(Teacher’s Book):
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分步教案与课堂活动建议(含小组研究项目指导)。
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可打印测试题库(含口语评分标准及写作评分细则)。
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学术诚信与反抄袭教学指南。
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MyEnglishLab在线平台:
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自适应语法与学术词汇练习。
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学术听力自动评分及写作批改工具。
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TED演讲视频库及互动理解测验。
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音频与视频资源:所有听力材料及学术讲座视频在线下载。
6. 教学理念
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任务型学术训练(Task-Based Academic Learning):通过研究项目、论文撰写等真实学术任务驱动学习。
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跨学科整合(CLIL):将英语学习与科学、社会科学等学科知识结合。
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自主学习支持:平台提供学术写作范例、参考文献管理工具及学习进度分析。
7. 市场反馈与优势
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学术实用性强:学生反馈其写作模块显著提升了论文结构和引用规范意识。
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教师灵活性高:数字资源支持课堂与在线教学无缝切换,节省备课时间。
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技术整合先进:MyEnglishLab的自动批改与反馈功能广受教师好评。
8. 与其他培生教材对比
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vs. 《Longman Academic Writing Series》:
《North Star》第五版更强调听、说、读、写综合技能,而后者专注学术写作单项提升。 -
vs. 《Focus on Academic Skills》:
两者均侧重学术英语,但《North Star》通过研究项目强化批判性思维与协作能力。
总结
《North Star》第五版以其学术严谨性、全球化议题及创新的数字支持,成为高等教育英语学习的标杆教材。无论是为学术研究奠基,还是为国际考试冲刺,其系统化的训练与真实语料都能有效助力学习者达成目标。教育机构可通过培生官网申请样章或试用MyEnglishLab平台。
Pearson’s North Star Fifth Edition is an advanced academic English course designed for higher education and adult learners (CEFR levels B1–C1). Focused on academic proficiency and critical thinking, this edition integrates rigorous academic content, authentic materials, and digital tools to develop listening, speaking, reading, writing, and research skills. Ideal for university preparatory programs, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), or TOEFL/IELTS preparation, the fifth edition features updated global themes, enhanced digital resources, and a stronger emphasis on scholarly rigor.
2. Key Features
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Academic Skill Mastery:
Covers academic writing, literature analysis, presentations, and research skills, including APA/MLA citation formats. -
Authentic Academic Materials:
Uses journal articles, TED Talks, and lecture excerpts to build analytical and interpretive skills. -
Critical Thinking Focus:
Dedicated Critical Thinking sections train learners to evaluate arguments, identify biases, and construct academic reasoning. -
Digital Ecosystem:
Enhanced by MyEnglishLab, offering adaptive exercises, interactive assessments, and progress tracking for blended learning. -
Global Perspectives:
Explores themes like cross-cultural communication, sustainability, and tech ethics to foster global citizenship.
3. Course Structure
The series spans 4 levels (B1–C1), each containing 8–10 units. A typical unit includes:
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Theme Introduction:
Launches topics (e.g., “The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”) through infographics, videos, or discussion prompts. -
Academic Reading:
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Pre-reading: Predict content and activate prior knowledge.
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Close Reading: Analyze text structure, arguments, and evidence.
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Vocabulary: Academic keywords (e.g., hypothesis, synthesize) and discipline-specific terms.
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Listening & Speaking:
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Academic Listening: Lectures and interviews for note-taking and key idea extraction.
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Academic Discussions: Debates (e.g., “Should genetic editing be regulated?”) and simulated conference presentations.
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Academic Writing:
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Paragraph-to-essay writing (argumentative essays, literature reviews, research reports).
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Emphasis on logic, evidence, and citation standards.
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Research & Collaboration:
Group projects (e.g., surveys, data analysis) culminating in research reports. -
Review & Assessment:
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Unit quizzes (grammar, vocabulary, academic skills).
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Personalized revision plans via MyEnglishLab.
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4. Target Audience
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University Students: Preparing for English-medium courses or thesis writing.
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Exam Candidates: Targeting TOEFL/IELTS academic sections.
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Graduate Students & Scholars: Enhancing academic communication and writing.
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Mixed-Ability Classes: Tiered tasks support differentiated instruction.
5. Supplementary Resources
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Student’s Book: Full-color print with digital access codes and academic writing templates.
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Teacher’s Book:
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Lesson plans, group project guides, and activity ideas.
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Printable tests (speaking/writing rubrics, answer keys).
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Academic integrity and plagiarism prevention guidelines.
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MyEnglishLab:
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Adaptive grammar and vocabulary exercises.
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Automated essay scoring and listening assessments.
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TED Talk library with comprehension quizzes.
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Audio/Video Resources: Downloadable lectures, interviews, and academic content.
6. Pedagogy
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Task-Based Academic Learning: Research projects, essay writing, and presentations drive skill application.
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CLIL Integration: Connects English with science, social studies, and other disciplines.
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Self-Directed Learning: MyEnglishLab provides writing samples, citation tools, and progress analytics.
7. Market Reception & Strengths
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Academic Practicality: Learners praise improved essay structure and citation awareness.
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Flexibility: Digital resources streamline lesson planning for in-person or online classes.
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Tech Innovation: Teachers value MyEnglishLab’s automated grading and feedback features.
8. Comparison with Other Pearson Courses
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vs. Longman Academic Writing Series:
North Star integrates all four skills, while Longman focuses solely on academic writing. -
vs. Focus on Academic Skills:
Both target EAP, but North Star emphasizes critical thinking and collaborative research.
Conclusion
North Star Fifth Edition sets the benchmark for academic English education, combining scholarly rigor, global relevance, and cutting-edge digital support. Whether preparing for university studies, exams, or research, its structured approach equips learners to excel in academic and professional settings. For sample units or a MyEnglishLab trial, visit Pearson’s official website or contact local distributors.
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