Expeditions into English / Talk-A-Trip
Expeditions Into English is a four-component series of English as a Second Language texts: Listening/Speaking, Grammar, Reading, and Writing. The texts are designed for the young adult to adult learner; the materials assume literacy in the learner's first language. Only the Listening/Speaking component has a separate instructor's manual (containing instructions and suggestions for the teacher, as well as scripts for the listening activities). Each of the other components has a brief introduction for the teacher; instructions for the activities are in the student's text, directed to the student.
The texts are designed to be used separately or, for those who might prefer a horizontally articulated presentation of all aspects of the language, as a series. By using the texts as an integrated series, students can practice concurrently the skills of listening/speaking, grammar, reading, and writing. This may be to some advantage for the learner since the notions and functions complement across skill areas. However, each book may be used independently of the others; a lesson in the writing text, for example, does not presuppose familiarity with the content of that same lesson in the other components.
This series departs somewhat from the traditional syllabus course design. While a hierarchy of grammatical concepts usually dictates what is taught and when, the listening/speaking materials have been chosen to be the guide for the other subjects. This choice is congruent with the emphasis on orallaural skills; new concepts are to be presented first in the listening/speaking class and then expanded in each of the other subject areas.
The notional-functional design offers practicality, versatility and comprehensiveness. The design is practical in that the student's most immediate needs can be attended to, regardless of the supposed complexity of the grammar involved. The fact that notions are more panoramic than situations assures versatility. The concepts learned are general enough that they can be applied to a variety of situations.
 |
Expeditions into English Listening/Speaking 1 "A Beginning Integrated Series" Expeditions Into English: Listening/Speaking 1 --- A Beginning Integrated Skills Series provides ESL/EFL students with extensive practice in listening and communicating more effectively in English. It contains twelve units that encourage students to use and improve their aural/oral skills. Lively and challenging, the material will have students listening and talking about their likes and dislikes, families and friends, travel experiences, shopping and other topics of conversation. Powerful motivators, the exercises and activities accompanying each lesson provide hours of fun and learning for the class. Requiring little or no proficiency in English, the series assumes literacy in only the learner's first language. The "Expedition Series" has been designed to be used either independently or as an integrated series in course materials. By using them concurrently, students may benefit from the complementary nature of each skill area. | |
Expeditions into English Grammar 1 "A Beginning Integrated Series" Designed for true ESL/EFL beginners who are first-language literate, this functionally oriented grammar text encourages discovery learning. Each lesson is divided into five categories:
|
 |
|
 |
Expeditions into English Reading/Writing 1 "A Beginning Integrated Series"
Expeditions Into English: Reading 1 --- A Beginning Integrated Series is a collection of letters, dialogues, poems, and newspaper articles which help ESL/EFL students strengthen their reading skills. It contains scores of exercises and activities specifically geared toward building the reading sub-skills, such as vocabulary, prediction, analytical thinking, speed, and dictionary proficiency. Engaging and complete, the subject matter ranges from U.S. history and culture to personal finances, sports, careers, and medicine. Throughout, the emphasis is on helping students become confident readers of English. Expeditions Into English: Writing 1 --- A beginning Integrated Skills Series is designed to help beginning ESL/EFL students become more familiar with the forms and conventions of written English. Focusing on grammar, punctuation, analytical thinking, vocabulary, and other writing sub-skills--this book contains extensive exercises and classroom-ready activities that make writing more rewarding for students. |
|