Stories can provide a highly motivating, engaging and realistic source of genuine language interaction in the classroom. They are 'living language' in which the teacher (or student storyteller) becomes the source of language, and the listeners are actively involved in understanding. The authors argue from experience that almost everyone can tell stories convincingly, especially given an outline to work from. A very wide range of these outlines, from many cultures and sources, are provided. These can be used by the teacher as a resource for a variety of activities for students from beginner to...

This is a practical guide to designing and using oral tests of language ability. It is for teachers, testers, course designers and educational planners. The organisation follows the sequence of stages in which a new testing programme would logically be carried out. It takes the reader through the testing process, giving practical examples and discussing the issues involved at each stage. Testing Spoken Language removes testing from the realm of the specialist and presents it as an integral part of a language learning programme. It describes the range of test-types and discusses their...

Dictation contains a wealth of new techniques to extend the traditional language-learning activity of dictation. The authors present some thought-provoking answers to such apparently simple questions as: Who chooses the text? Who dictates? Who corrects? What and how do they correct? The activities range from traditional focuses on spelling and punctuation problems to exercise that emphasize personal attitudes and opinions of both teachers and students. Dictation provides: activities suitable for a wide range of levels and ages; example texts for many activities, with permission to copy;...

A richly illustrated and valuable guide to the role of pictures and other visual materials in language teaching. This book brings together a wealth of ideas on how to use pictures in a wide range of language learning situations. It discusses the contribution visuals can make to all the classroom settings in providing real opportunities for students to communicate, whether they are working as a class, in groups or in pairs. There are then over 200 practical suggestions for picture-generated language work. They make use of visual materials which are readily available to teachers anywhere, or...

This book provides a range of ready-to-use materials and practical guidance for teachers who are looking for ways to make their language teaching less detached, and more centred on the individual learner.

Using Folktales provides over 40 ready-to-use activities and dozens of stories which are suitable for all ages from beginner to advanced level. The paperback edition shows teachers how to take advantage of the unique literary characteristics of folk tales to facilitate language learning. It provides over forty ready-to-use activities and dozens of stories. Activities are suitable for all ages and range from beginning to advanced.

This resource book is packed with activities for practising common spelling patterns in English. Each unit concentrates on a particular 'sound' or phoneme.

Teaching Adult Second Language Learners addresses the needs of adults studying English. It provides a useful summary of the principles involved in teaching adults as well as a wealth of activities specifically designed for adult learners. The text is divided into three sections: Section I provides an introduction to the adult language learner and discusses the issues of assessment/placement and course/lesson organization. Section II gives teachers techniques for building community in the classroom. Section III provides activities designed for students at various levels that are organized...

More than 130 activities as well as tips and suggestions for using the classroom board more effectively and efficiently. This book provides tips and suggestions to help language teachers use their classroom boards more effectively and efficiently. More than 130 activities for the board to help teachers both teach and assess their students are included. These activities will also provide opportunities for students, whatever their age or level of competency, to learn and practice specific lexical, phonetic, or grammatical items; attain increased fluency in their writing, reading, listening, and...

This is a resource book for teachers looking for ideas on how they can make pronunciation teaching more interesting. It contains a collection of pronunciation practice activities for a wide range of levels, using a variety of methods. Divided into two parts, the first part introduces information about phonetics and phonology as background to the teaching activities, without being overwhelming. It also highlights some of the current areas of debate and discussion in the teaching and learning of English pronunciation. The second part of the book contains nearly 100 pronunciation activities...