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 Starter
Moving from A0 to A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) involves building a basic foundation in English.
Speakout Starter takes learners from 0 to A1, and provides a solid foundation in English language skills.
Each lesson guides students to a ‘Can do’ goal in line with the Global Scale of English and Common European Framework ‘Can do’ statements.
Regular practice and exposure to the language are crucial at this stage. Engaging with English-speaking materials, whether it’s books, videos, or conversations, will significantly aid in language acquisition.
What does the Starter course cover?
- Learn basic greetings like “Hello,” “Good morning,” and “Goodbye.”
- Introduce oneself, including providing simple personal information.
- Familiarize yourself with the English alphabet and basic phonetic sounds.
- Practice pronunciation of common words and phrases.
- Learn numbers 1-100 and practice counting.
- Understand basic numerical concepts and how to use them in everyday situations.
- Basic vocabulary related to everyday activities, such as food, clothing, family, and common objects.
- Learn simple verbs and adjectives to describe common actions and qualities.
- Acquire essential phrases for common situations like asking for directions, ordering food, and making simple requests.
- Understand and use basic expressions like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
- Begin to understand and use simple present tense in basic sentences.
- Learn to talk about daily routines and activities.
- Introduce basic sentence structures, including subject-verb-object patterns.
- Learn about articles (a, an, the) and basic prepositions.
- Listen to simple English conversations and to understand the main ideas.
- Engage in basic spoken interactions with common phrases.
- Reading short, simple texts such as basic articles.
- Focus on understanding the main ideas and picking up new vocabulary.
- Write short and simple sentences to express ideas.
- Practice basic writing skills like forming sentences and using correct punctuation.
- Introducing learners to cultural aspects related to English-speaking countries.
What Grammar will I study?
- be: I/you
- be: he/she/it
- be: you/we/they
- possessive adjectives
- this/that/these/those
- possessive ‘s
- present simple: I/ you/we/they
- present simple: he/she/it
- present simple questions: he/she/it
- adverbs of frequency
- there is/are
- concession clauses
- past simple: was/were
- past simple: regular verbs
- adjectives
- past simple: irregular verbs
- prepositions
- prepositions of place
- past simple: questions
- object pronouns
- like, love, hate + -ing
- can/can’t
- be going to
What functions will I learn?
- making suggestions
- ordering in a café
- verb phrases
- telling the time
- describing cause and effect
- buying a ticket
- giving opinions
- giving directions
- making requests
- starting and ending conversations
What vocabulary will I learn?
- countries
- jobs
- the alphabet
- family
- numbers 11-100y
- feelings
- things
- colours and clothes
- food and drink
- days; time phrases
- events
- daily routines
- food
- trends
- places
- language
- travel
- dates
- actions
- holiday activities
- money
- activities
- shopping departments
- collocations
- life changes
- saying goodbye
/ʤ/ What pronunciation will I do?
- sentence stress
- word stress
- the alphabet
- contractions
- word stress: numbers
- intonation: showing interest
- sounds: plurals /s/ , /z/, /iz
- sounds: possessive ‘s
- intonation: phrases with or
- sentence stress
- 3rd person s
- intonation for checking
- weak forms: does
- connected speech: swallowed sounds
- intonation: concession clauses
- word stress for checking
- word stress: suffixes
- -ed endings
- rhythm: proverbs
- linking: did you?
- stress: prepositions
- connected speech: linking
- word stress: intonation
- strong and weak forms: can/can’t
- weak form: going to
‘Can do’ statements for A0 Starter
- I can understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic.
- I can understand basic notices, instructions or information.
- I can complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places.
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.
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A personal computer or laptop with up-to-date hardware and software is necessary.
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Classes contain video and audio playback so a stable and high-speed internet connection is recommended for attending online classes.
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A webcam and microphone are essential for participating in virtual classes and discussions. Most computers come equipped with built in webcams and mics.
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Headphones or earphones can help reduce background noise and provide a better audio experience during online classes.
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Set up a dedicated and quiet study space where you can focus on your online classes without distractions.
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Have digital or physical note-taking tools ready. This could be a notebook, digital note-taking app, or any other method you find effective.