Listening & Speaking Basic

Students at this level are feeling out the unfamiliar rhythm and blends of English native speakers. They are learning to distinguish content words from function words to get the gist, and to pick out specific details. Conversely, they may be focusing on adding function words (aux verbs, prepositions, articles) to their own speech. Inappropriate use of rhythm, stress, and intonation may add to disfluency, in addition to incorrect or omitted syntax and vocabulary. Some language will remain formulaic as new patterns are learned such as phrases to indicate chronology, sequence, frequency, comparisons and superlatives, etc. Many opportunities to speak in discussions, role plays, pair activities, recordings, dialogues are offered on a daily basis.