Lesson 1.0 Introduction

1.0.1 This unit is called Learning English. We are beginning the course with the following topics:

1. Alphabet

2. Days, Months, and Seasons

3. Basic Words and Phrases

4. Numbers

5. Personal Details

6. Clear Alphabet

7. Word Stress

Exercises:
Ex. 1.0.1 Speaking & Listening  Before you begin the course, complete the Student Self-Assessment Form [click here] and discuss the results with your teacher.

 
Ex. 1.0.2 Speaking & Listening  Discuss the following questions with a partner or small group:

1. Why are you learning English? Have you got any qualifications in English? Would you like to achieve a qualification? Which one(s)? Are you self-motivated, or do you have to study English?

2. When did you start learning English? Who was your first teacher? What did you do in your first lesson? How did you feel about it?

3. Who is your favourite English teacher, past or present? Why? How have they helped you? Describe a typical lesson.

4. Have you ever been to the UK? Tell me about it. Do you think you need to spend time in the UK or an English-speaking country to learn English well? Why? / Why not?

5. What kind of learner are you? Are you a kinetic learner, who learns by physically doing something practical; a language-orientated learner, who thinks in words and enjoys reading and listening; a visual learner, who thinks in pictures, and learns best by visualising concepts; or a logical learner, who thinks in terms of patterns and sequences, and enjoys puzzles and maths?

6. Do you use English outside the classroom? Do you… a) speak in English with friends and relatives; b) watch English-language TV shows with subtitles; c) listen to music with English lyrics; d) use the internet in English, e.g. social-networking sites, Skype, etc.? If not, why not?

7. Tell me about the other students in your English class. Who is your best friend in the class? Describe them. Who don’t you get on with? Why not?

8. What do you think about your level of English? Are you happy with it? What do you need to improve? Why? How will you achieve your goal?

 
Ex. 1.0.3 Speaking & Listening  Say whether you agree or disagree with these statements and give reasons. Find out what your partner or small group thinks:

1. English is the most important language in the world.

2. Learning English is boring.

3. My English is getting better all the time.

4.’The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.’ – Aristotle

5. I don’t like my English teacher.

6. I’m one of the best students in my class.

7. ‘Education is the movement from darkness to light.’ – Allan Bloom

8. I prefer group discussion activities to working on my own.

9. It’s easier to learn English than my language.

10. I never forget to do my homework.

11. ‘The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.’ – Diogenes

12. I feel confident enough to speak to strangers in English.

13. Life would be easier if everybody spoke the same language.

14. I will never get beyond this level of English!

15. ‘Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.’ – B. F. Skinner

16. English grammar just doesn’t make sense!

 
Ex. 1.0.4 Speaking & Listening  Work with a partner or small group. Study the vocabulary here [click here]. Think of some real-life situations where you could use the following functions, then create short dialogues or role plays:

– greeting somebody

– parting from somebody

– asking how somebody is

 
– agreeing with somebody

– disagreeing with somebody

 
– interrupting somebody

– saying sorry to somebody

– thanking somebody

 
Ex. 1.0.5 Spelling  Complete the Basic English Written Test [click here]. If you need any help, have a look at ‘Essential Spellings’ [click here].

 
Ex. 1.0.6 Writing  Write an informal email to a member of your family to tell them about your new English course [click here].