Language for Living

 

Everyday English for Everyone

International Expressions, Idioms and Vocabulary

Conversation - Business, Formal or Friendly

 

EASY TO LEARN

 

QUICK RESULTS

 

TEACH YOURSELF

 

By Andrew Reimann

 

Copyright © 1996 - Montreal, Canada

 

Preface - Guide for Teachers and Students

 

Introduction

 

        The main objective of this book is to provide a communicative vocabulary building curriculum which can be used at different levels. The themes selected for each of the ten units are relevant to the needs of those wanting to learn English as an additional language and make the learning process easier and more interesting. The core of the material used in this book consists of the more ambiguous and idiosyncratic aspects of English, particularly idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and phrasal verbs.  Functional and technical areas of word usage are presented indirectly and learned effectively through modeling and extensive practice and repetition. With the proper guidance and a teachers enthusiasm this book will be an integral part of successful language acquisition.

 

 

Teacher’s Guide

 

        The book is divided into ten units based on themes and topics in everyday life which can be used as a functional classroom curriculum, each unit should be completed after three hours of instruction. Therefore this book is designed for a thirty hour course. Each unit is divided into four sections; Vocabulary and Idioms, Discussion and Conversation, Pronunciation and Exercises. Instruction should be communicative and the teacher should act more as a guide than as an instructor. Beginning with the vocabulary section the students should become familiar with the words on their own time before class and only go over difficulties and ambiguities with the teacher. The focus here should be on ability to use the word properly rather than on knowing its definition. Most time should be spent on learning idioms which tend to require more modeling and explanation. The second class should begin with a brief review and then move on  to the discussion and conversation section, for beginning levels, or where necessary, this may be substituted with the pronunciation section.  The teacher should stimulate conversation and encourage the use of words from the vocabulary section while also modeling correct pronunciation. Exercises should be done for homework and then gone over and discussed in class. Each section should be presented with enthusiasm and encouragement while providing a comfortable atmosphere where speaking opportunities, interaction and corrections are maximized.

 

 

Student’s Guide

 

        The book may be used within a lesson or as a method of self study. It is divided into ten units and designed to be completed after forty-five hours of study or thirty hours of instruction. Before beginning students should go over the vocabulary section becoming familiar with proper word usage rather than dictionary definition. The discussion and conversation section may be used as writing topics if you are studying alone. Pronunciation sections should initially be done under the guidance of a native speaker and then practiced alone. The exercises are designed to build vocabulary understanding and may be completed at the end of a unit or at the same time as vocabulary study. Only intermediate and advanced levels should use this book as a self study tool. All levels, however, will benefit more by completing this book with a teacher’s guidance. All the best and good luck!