Speakout

Speakout follows a balanced approach to topics, language development and skills work. Speaking activities are prominent, but not at the expense of the other core skills of reading, writing and listening, which are developed systematically throughout.

Speakout is a comprehensive English course that helps adult learners gain confidence in all skills areas using authentic materials from the BBC. With its wide range of support material, it meets the diverse needs of learners in a variety of teaching situations and helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world.

Speakout Advanced

Moving from C1 to C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) involves reaching a near-native level of proficiency.

Speakout Upper Intermediate is for learners at the B2 proficiency level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Each lesson guides students to a ‘Can do’ goal in line with the Global Scale of English and Common European Framework ‘Can do’ statements.

Reaching the C2 level is a significant accomplishment, and achieving it often involves extensive exposure to authentic materials, regular practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement. It’s important to engage in a variety of language activities, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, to maintain and enhance language skills.

What does the Advanced Plus course cover?

  • Comprehensive review of advanced language concepts.
  • Fine-tuning of grammar, vocabulary, and language functions.
  • Acquire an extensive and precise vocabulary across all domains, including specialized fields and academic subjects.
  • Emphasis on idiomatic expressions, figurative language, and nuanced vocabulary usage.
  • Engage in sophisticated and nuanced discussions on complex topics, demonstrating a high level of fluency and eloquence.
  • Focus on expressing subtle nuances of meaning and navigating intricate conversational situations.
  • Mastery of advanced grammatical structures, syntax, and stylistic elements.
  • Advanced writing skills for different purposes, including academic, professional, and creative writing.
  • Enhancement of listening skills to understand a variety of accents and complex spoken English in various contexts.
  • Exposure to authentic materials, including formal lectures, seminars, and expert interviews.
  • Reading and critically analyzing complex texts, including academic literature and specialized articles.
  • Advanced critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate arguments and synthesize information from diverse sources.
  • Writing in a variety of genres, demonstrating a high level of precision, coherence, and originality.
  • Advanced writing skills for professional and academic contexts.
  • Development of language skills for advanced professional and academic communication.
  • Domain-specific vocabulary for various professional and academic disciplines.
  • Deepening cultural understanding and navigating cultural nuances with ease.
  • Engagement in discussions on global issues, societal trends, and cultural diversity.
  • Engaging in complex and dynamic interactive language activities.
  • Demonstrating leadership and contributing effectively to group work.
  • Application of language skills to real-life scenarios with a focus on advanced professional communication and strategic problem-solving.
  • Advanced critical thinking skills and analysis of complex issues.
  • Pursuing independent learning, exploring advanced topics, and conducting in-depth research.
  • Contributing to scholarly discussions and demonstrating a high level of autonomy in learning.
What Grammar will I study?

Reaching the C2 level is a significant accomplishment, and achieving it often involves extensive exposure to authentic materials, regular practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement. It’s important to engage in a variety of language activities, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, to maintain and enhance language skills. The grammar points below are areas for revision:

  • verb patterns
  • continuous and perfect aspect
  • if and related expressions
  • nominal relative clauses
  • expressing modality
  • passives
  • participle clauses
  • introductory it and there
  • noun phrases
  • concession clauses
  • indirect speech
  • subjunctive; adverbials
  • understanding complex sentences
  • prepositional phrases
What functions will I learn?
  • presenting survey results
  • leading a discussion
  • managing interaction
  • evading a question
  • persuasive techniques in presentations
  • fronting
  • headers and tails
  • informal turn-taking
  • talking about customs
  • telling anecdotes
  • giving opinions
What vocabulary will I learn?
  • transformation
  • prepositional phrases after nouns
  • adjectives: needing and giving
  • collocations: sharing economy
  • learning
  • idioms: feelings
  • collocations: education
  • creativity
  • job hunting
  • honesty
  • metaphors
  • collocations: politics
  • influence
  • three-part multi-word verbs
  • social media
  • persuasion
  • collocations
  • compounds
  • fashion and looks
  • well-being
  • cities
  • binomials
  • summarising verbs
  • conventions
  • film
  • relationships
  • adverb-adjective collocations
  • travel
  • idioms for choices
  • connotation
  • ways of reading
  • wildlife
/ʤ/ What pronunciation will I do?
  • word stress: collocations
  • word stress: syllables
  • word stress: syllable patterns
  • chunk language: natural pauses
  • connected speech: linking
  • stress patterns: multi-syllable words in collocations
  • intonation: rising falling and flat
  • primary and secondary sentence stress
  • connected speech: passive phrases
  • cleft sentences: stress and intonation
  • three-part multi-word stress
  • weak form: there
  • word stress: adjectives
  • word stress: compound adjectives
  • chunking and pausing
  • intonation: interruptions
  • weak sounds: /ə/ and /ɪ/
  • connected speech: and, but, for
  • word stress: stressed syllables
  • stress and intonation: intensifying adverbs
  • using ellipsis
  • connected speech: weak vowels
  • word stress: idioms
  • connected speech
  • intonation: pitch
‘Can do’ statements for C2 Advanced
  • I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided. I have some time to get familiar with the accent.
  • I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works.
  • I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.
  • I can present a clear, smoothly flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.
  • I can write clear, smoothly flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.
  • I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.
What are ‘can do’ statements?

‘Can do’ statements are descriptors that outline what learners can do at different proficiency levels in a language. These statements are often aligned with language proficiency frameworks such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

These ‘can do’ statements provide a guideline for learners and educators to assess language proficiency and set learning objectives. They help in understanding the practical abilities and skills that a learner should be able to demonstrate at each level.

What is the CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing, such as teachers or learners, to see the level of different qualifications. It also means that employers and educational institutions can easily compare our qualifications to other exams in their country.

What materials do I need?

One World Learning provide you with an online folder with your course material available for download. However, there are several essential requirements to ensure a smooth and effective learning experience.

  • A personal computer or laptop with up-to-date hardware and software is necessary.

  • Classes contain video and audio playback so a stable and high-speed internet connection is recommended for attending online classes.

  • A webcam and microphone are essential for participating in virtual classes and discussions. Most computers come equipped with built in webcams and mics.

  • Headphones or earphones can help reduce background noise and provide a better audio experience during online classes.

  • Set up a dedicated and quiet study space where you can focus on your online classes without distractions.

  • Have digital or physical note-taking tools ready. This could be a notebook, digital note-taking app, or any other method you find effective.

By ensuring that you have these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for a positive and productive online learning experience.