English I

Objectives

At an elementary level of linguistic proficiency, English I students are expected to:

Listening: Understand simple sentences, basic vocabulary and frequently used expressions in student’s area of study. Follow clearly articulated speech and participate in simple dialogues related to field of interest. Speaking: Communicate ideas and opinions in everyday situations requiring a simple, direct exchange of information on familiar matters. Ask and answer questions and respond to direct statements with limited ability to keep conversation going of own accord.

Reading: Comprehend straightforward texts related to student’s interests and field of study. Identify the main thesis of a written text and elaborate an outline of the main points.

Writing: Write straightforward texts on a range of familiar subjects within student’s area of study by linking ideas into a linear sequence. Write accounts of experiences describing feelings and reactions in a simple text.

Program

GRAMMATICAL CONTENT:

1. Present Simple

2. Present Continuous

3. Negatives

4. Yes-No Questions (auxiliary verbs and word order for all tenses)

5. Information questions

6. Past Simple and Past Continuous

7. Present Perfect Simple and Continuous

8. Talking about the future (“going to,” future simple, present continuous and present simple)

9. Review of common modal verbs

10. Phrasal Verbs

11. Guidelines to pronunciation: consonantal and vowel sounds; elision; word stress; intonation.

 

FUNCTIONAL/NOTIONAL CONTENT:

1. Asking for and providing general and personal information

2. Describing people, places and situations

3. Talking about interests and hobbies and past experiences

4. Expressing and exchanging opinions on topical issues

5. The future: plans, ambitions and predictions

6. Writing and responding to informal and semi-formal messages

 

Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's objectives:

Building on previous study of the language, English I reinforces and expands the language skills of the student at the A2.2-B1.1 stage of the Proficiency Level defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Language. Focusing on the parameters of the various degrees, this language study is based on two fundamental dimensions: English Grammar and usage presented in relation to the various areas of study. As such, classes combine the review and study of essential aspects of English grammar with the discussion and practice of basic aspects of the different areas. By reinforcing English usage at this level, practiced in relation to the various professions, English I treats the following topics: asking and talking about friends, relatives and well-known people; describing relationships and family life and recounting stories of relationships; helping people and dealing with stressful situations; talking about hobbies, interests and past experiences; transmitting information and evaluating news presented in the media; and considering aspects of European reality.

Teaching Methodologies

A selection of video and audio clips, news articles, essays and other texts will be used to stimulate discussion and/or to introduce the different topics. There will be an integrated approach to the four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), which will be complemented by the intensive study of grammar topics and/or the use of English. Ample opportunity will be provided for students to practice language skills, individually and in pairs or groups.

Bibliography

AZAR, B. S. (1990). Understanding and Using English Grammar, Textbook and Workbooks A and B. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

BLAND, S. et al. (2012). Grammar Sense 3. Oxford: University Press.

BRYSON, B. (2000). The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way. London & New York: Harper Collins.

CELCE-MURCIA, M. & LARSEN-FREEMAN, D. (1998). The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher’s Course. Boston: Heinle & Heinle.

COE, N. et al. (2019). Oxford Practice Grammar: Basic. Oxford: University Press.

EASTWOOD, J. (2019). Oxford Practice Grammar: Intermediate. Oxford: University Press.

FUCHS, M. (2006). Focus on Grammar 3: An Integrated Skills Approach. New York: Pearson Longman.

MURPHY, R. (2004). English Grammar in Use. Cambridge: University Press.

NAYLOR, H. (2007). Essential Grammar in Supplementary Exercises. Cambridge: University Press.

PAVLIK, C. (2012). Grammar Sense 2. Oxford: University Press.

SWAN, M. & WALTER, C. (2011). Oxford English Grammar Course: Basic & Intermediate. Oxford: University Press.