Jenny Dooley Virginia Evans

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4 Contents A Letter For You... p. 5 I. Language Passport... p. 7 II. III. Language Biography All About Me!... p. 8 How I Learn!... p. 9 My World of English!... p. 10 Now I Can!... p. 11 Future Plans!... p. 13 Dossier All About Me... p. 17 My Neighborhood... p. 19 Stories... p. 21 Public Transportation... p. 23 Fame... p. 25 Part-time Jobs... p. 27 Stress-free... p. 29 Our Environment... p. 31 Money Matters... p. 33 Shopping Time... p. 35 Generation Gap... p. 37 Rules... p. 39 A City Tour... p. 41 Local Customs... p. 43 Noise Pollution... p. 45 Messages... p. 47 IV. Extra Activities... p. 49 My Selection!... p. 51 Contents... p. 53 4

5 A Letter For You Dear..., (your name) This Language Portfolio is your property. It has been designed to help you improve your language learning. It will accompany you throughout this course and will help you document your learning both inside and outside the classroom. The Language Portfolio contains material which you can use and then keep as a record of your learning. In this portfolio, you can also include any extra material given to you by your teacher. However, the final decision of what to include in the Language Portfolio is completely up to you. In practice, Language Portfolios may include projects or other examples of written work, computer disks (with work or drawings completed inside or outside the classroom), video cassettes/dvds (with your favorite story or performances of songs, school plays, etc.), certificates, reports from your teachers, or even a collection of objects or pictures. Here is a short explanation of each section in your Language Portfolio: I. Language Passport This is an up-to-date report of your progress in English language learning. In this section you will include evidence of your formal qualifications (certificates, diplomas), tests, progress report cards, self-assessment cards, etc. II. Language Biography This is an up-to-date record of your personal language learning history, which will help you evaluate your learning goals and reflect on your language learning and intercultural experiences. III. Dossier This is a collection of your work which you have chosen in order to illustrate your language skills, experiences, and achievements in the English language. In this section of your Language Portfolio there is some material you can use. You can also file any work you do inside or outside the classroom that you would like to keep as evidence of your work in learning English. We hope you enjoy these activities. Jenny Dooley Virginia Evans 5

6 How to organize your Language Portfolio In your Language Portfolio, you can include almost anything you have produced or collected that documents your progress in learning English. We suggest you keep your work in plastic file folders so that it remains in good condition. In practice, your Language Portfolio can be any shape or size according to the material you choose to store. Your Language Portfolio can include any of the following: 6

7 I. Language Passport Here you can record all your achievements in the English language. You can include certificates, diplomas, progress report cards, self-assessment forms, tests, etc. In general, you can include anything that is proof of your competence in English. Every time you add something, record it in your Language Passport Chart. MY LANGUAGE PASSPORT CHART Date Type of Material

8 II. Language Biography All About Me! Name: Age: Date of birth: Place of birth: I am in my year of English. My English teacher s name: Read and put a check ( ) or an. Some members of my family speak English. Some members of my family are from an English-speaking country. I often read English books, magazines, etc. I often watch English TV programs. I often listen to English songs. I have extra English lessons. There is someone at home who speaks English to me. I have contact with people from English-speaking countries. I have visited/lived in the following English-speaking countries:

9 II. Language Biography Think about the easiest ways for you to learn something new. Read the sentences below, and put a check next to the answers that best describe the way you learn. You can choose more than one answer. 1 I understand words/sentences better if I... A listen to them on cassette/cd. B listen to my teacher saying them. C see them written down. D see, listen, and do something with them. E other 2 I learn words/phrases better if I... A listen to them on cassette/cd. B listen to my classmates saying them. C read them. D write them down. E repeat them. F act them out, sing them, etc. G come across them on a video/dvd, etc. H other How I Learn! 3 I can express myself best if I... A already know all the words I need to use. B know some of the words I need to use. C use pantomime, objects, and pictures to help me. D already have some life experience in the subject. E other 4 I learn best if I work... A on my own. B in pairs. C in groups/teams. D other 5 I am more eager to learn if... A I know why I m doing an activity. B I know an activity will help me. C I am rewarded. D an activity will help me find out more about the things I like. E other 6 I understand grammar rules better if... A they are explained to me in my native language. B I compare them with the grammar rules of my native language. C I explore a text and come up with the grammar rules myself. D other 9

10 II. Language Biography Make notes about the following. My World of English! The stories I know in English The songs I can sing in English The videos/dvds I ve watched in English

11 II. Language Biography Now I Can! Here is what you should be able to do in English after this course. Every now and then, for instance once a month, you will need to check your progress in the English language. For this reason, you should use a pencil so that you can change and/or add things as you go along. You can use the following code: Very Well: OK: Not Very Well: Listening I can... ñ understand people talking about things I know.... ñ understand people giving factual information.... ñ understand everyday conversations.... ñ understand programs on TV and the radio.... ñ understand movies.... ñ guess the meaning of unknown words.... ñ understand other people when they speak clearly.... ñ understand short lectures and talks.... Reading I can... ñ understand texts on subjects I am interested in.... ñ understand personal letters expressing feelings.... ñ understand brochures and short, official documents.... ñ understand descriptions of events.... ñ understand argumentative texts that are written clearly.... ñ understand clear, straightforward instructions about a piece of equipment.... ñ understand newspaper articles about topics I am familiar with.... ñ find and understand general information in everyday material

12 II. Language Biography Speaking I can... ñ describe things to people.... ñ give instructions.... ñ give directions.... ñ give advice to people.... ñ give news.... ñ express my thoughts on abstract cultural topics (movies, books, music)/social issues.... ñ describe personal experiences.... ñ describe feelings.... ñ talk about my dreams, hopes, wishes, and ambitions.... Writing I can... ñ write a short narrative.... ñ describe the plot of a book or a movie.... ñ describe my thoughts on cultural topics, such as movies and music.... ñ write personal letters expressing feelings, giving news, making complaints, and giving advice.... ñ take messages describing inquiries and problems.... ñ write a short for-and-against essay.... ñ write short communicative messages.... ñ write a text expressing opinion

13 II. Language Biography Future Plans! What would you like to do in the future to improve your English? How can you learn more about other people and other countries? Choose and write. You can also use your own ideas. I WOULD LIKE TO... ñ read English stories, magazines, etc. ñ watch English movies, programs, etc. ñ listen to English songs. ñ talk to native English speakers. ñ use the Internet and visit English web sites. ñ write to people from other countries. ñ visit other countries. ñ find information about other countries and cultures. 13

14 III. Dossier In your Language Portfolio, you can include anything you would like to keep and present as evidence of your progress in the English language. Here are some activities you can do that can be included in your Language Portfolio, if you wish. Every time you do one of these activities, check ( ) the corresponding box. Page Title of the activity It can be done at the end of Module All About Me! 1 19 My Neighborhood 1 21 Stories 2 23 Public Transportation 2 25 Fame 3 27 Part-time Jobs 3 29 Stress-free 4 31 Our Environment 4 33 Money Matters 5 35 Shopping Time 5 37 Generation Gap 6 39 Rules 6 41 A City Tour 7 43 Local Customs 7 45 Noise Pollution 8 47 Messages 8 14

15 Glue a photo of yourself here Name:... School:... Class:...

17 All About Me Name:... Date:... Class:... Your pen pal in Nova Scotia has written to you, asking about you and your life. Write a letter ( words) describing: ñ your physical appearance ñ your likes and dislikes ñ what you normally like to do on the weekend ñ anything unusual that you have done recently Dear..., Yours...,... How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 17

19 My Neighborhood Name:... Date:... Class:... You have been asked to write an article ( words) for a national magazine about your neighborhood. You should include: ñ fun activities ñ your favorite spot ñ what you enjoy doing the most Read your article to the class. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 19

21 Stories Name:... Date:... Class:... Write a story about a journey you have taken that was amazing, exciting, scary, or dangerous. Include the time, place, and who you traveled with. Describe the events in sequence ( words) Read your story aloud and record it. Play the recording for the class. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 21

23 Public Transportation Name:... Date:... Class:... Your local transportation authority is doing a survey on how you feel about transportation in your area. They have asked you to fill out a questionnaire. List all the types of transportation in your area in the first column and complete the questionnaire. Type of transportation How often you use it What you use it for Why it is useful Improvements Now, write a short text ( words) about what improvements you would like to see in your local transportation system How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 23

Fame Name:... Date:... Class:... You are going to write an article (120-150 words) about your favorite movie star for an Internet web site.

25 Fame Name:... Date:... Class:... You are going to write an article ( words) about your favorite movie star for an Internet web site. Do some research on your movie star, and then write your article. You should include: ñ name ñ date of birth ñ place of birth ñ movies ñ most famous movie ñ what they did before they started acting ñ their personal beliefs or attitudes (photo) Present your favorite movie star to the class. Record your presentation. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 25

27 Part-time Jobs Name:... Date:... Class:... You are studying in Texas. You want to find a part-time job. You ve seen the following advertisement in the local newspaper and have decided to apply for the position. Write your job application letter. Austin s fashions, a stylish clothing store for men and women is seeking a young, hardworking person to fill a vacancy for a part-time salesperson. You will work in a lively and enjoyable environment five mornings a week. Full training will be provided, but some experience is required. Apply in writing. Dear Sir/Madam, Sincerely yours,... How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 27

29 Stress-free Name:... Date:... Class:... Ask friends and family what makes them stressed and what they do to relieve stress. Fill in the table below. Name Age What makes me stressed What I do to relieve stress Use the ideas that people have given you to write a short article ( words) about what stresses people and what someone can do to relieve stress. Do tests stress you? Then, How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 29

31 Our Environment Name:... Date:... Class:... A local businessman has made a proposal to build on your favorite nature spot (e.g., forest, beach, river, field). There is going to be a public meeting to discuss the proposal next week. Write a speech ( words) that you will give at the public meeting. Explain why the land is important to the environment and the animals that live there, but most importantly, explain why it is important to you. Good evening, I m here today to talk about Thank you Make your speech. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 31

33 Money Matters Name:... Date:... Class:... You have just returned from a two-week vacation, and you spent much more money than you had planned. Write a letter ( words) to your best friend about your vacation, describing where you went, what you did, and what you spent your money on. Dear..., Yours...,... Read your letter to the class and record it. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 33

35 Shopping Time Name:... Date:... Class:... You have been asked to write a short guide ( words) about the stores in your area for your local newspaper. Include places where you can buy: ñ clothes ñ magazines ñ books ñ food ñ music ñ medicine ñ flowers Shopping in Use your guide to tell the class about the stores in your area. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 35

Generation Gap Name:... Date:... Class:... You are an advice columnist for a teen magazine. Read Bob s problem and write a response. Dear Problemsolvers, My parents are too strict.

37 Generation Gap Name:... Date:... Class:... You are an advice columnist for a teen magazine. Read Bob s problem and write a response. Dear Problemsolvers, My parents are too strict. They won t let me stay out late at night or go to parties with my friends. They don t let me play my music loud, either. I feel frustrated and angry. What can I do? Please give me some advice. Yours, Bob Dear Bob, Yours truly, Problemsolvers How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 37

39 Rules Name:... Date:... Class:... An international magazine is asking children around the world what rules they have in their lives. Write down four rules that you have in your family, school (or work), and community. Family Rules School/Work Rules Community Rules Write a short article ( words) for the magazine on what you think about the rules in your life. Which rules do you think are important? Which rules would you change if you could? Stick to the Rules from... Everyone needs some rules in their life. For instance, Rules for health and safety are important and necessary. For example, However, I think some rules are unnecessary. For instance, How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 39

41 A City Tour Name:... Date:... Class:... You work for a sightseeing bus tour company. Your boss has asked you to prepare an itinerary on the best sights that your city has to offer. Glue a photo of each place on your itinerary in the spaces below. Then, write a short text about each one. Include: ñ name of the place ñ arrival time ñ what makes this place special ñ what there is to do/see The Best Sights in... Have you ever visited...? Well, the best way to see the city is on a sightseeing bus tour. Join us for an exciting trip around the city and see some fabulous sights along the way. (photo) (photo) (photo) Present your itinerary to the class. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 41

43 Local Customs Name:... Date:... Class:... You are visiting a friend in China. Use the travel tips below to write an to your family telling them about local customs and behavior. ñ The Chinese do not usually open gifts at the time they receive them. ñ To break the ice with a stranger, it s best to talk about topics like: the weather, sports, food, or hobbies. ñ Always stand up when being introduced, and remain standing throughout the introduction. ñ Do not hug or backslap a person, and don t put your arm around someone s shoulder. ñ Whistling is considered rude, as is talking while eating. To: Mom & Dad From:... Subject: Chinese culture Hi! How is everyone? I m having The Chinese culture is very different from ours I ve also found out that it s rude to See you when I get home. Yours,... How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 43

Noise Pollution Name:... Date:... Class:... Make a list of things you can do to prevent noise pollution. Think about what you can do at home and in your neighborhood/community.

45 Noise Pollution Name:... Date:... Class:... Make a list of things you can do to prevent noise pollution. Think about what you can do at home and in your neighborhood/community. ñ Turn down loud music in your house. ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... ñ... Use your list to tell the class how to prevent noise pollution. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 45

47 Messages Name:... Date:... Class:... This afternoon you are going to write some s to your friends. You have to write short s (20-40 words) for the following: ñ to cancel an arrangement ñ to wish somebody good luck with a test ñ to say congratulations on passing a final test ñ to accept an invitation to a party To: From: Subject: To: From: Subject: To: From: Subject: To: From: Subject: How would you rate this activity? Check ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 47

49 IV. Extra Activities In this section, you can include anything you do inside and outside the classroom that demonstrates your English language work. You can also write some comments (e.g., why you liked the activity, if you found it difficult/easy, etc.) on the activity pages. It will be useful if you write the date you did the activity. Remember, the choice of activities is yours. Every time you add something new, record it in the table on the next page. 49

51 My Family Selection! Tree! Date Type of Material Content Individual Work Group Work With corrections (from the teacher) yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no 51

53 Family Contents Tree! You can use this page to write the titles of the activities you choose to file in your Language Portfolio

55 Published by Express Publishing Liberty House, New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 6HW Tel: (0044) Fax: (0044) Jenny Dooley Virginia Evans, 2006 Illustrations: Express Publishing, 2006 Published in 2006 Made in EU All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. This book is not meant to be changed in any way. ISBN-13: ISBN-10:

56 ISBN-13: ISBN-10:

Jenny Dooley Virginia Evans

Jenny Dooley Virginia Evans Jenny Dooley Virginia Evans Contents A Letter For You... p. 5 I. Language Passport... p. 7 II. III. Language Biography All About Me!... p. 8 How I Learn!... p. 9 My World of