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 English!... p. 10 Now I Can!... p. 11 Future Plans!... p. 13 Dossier All About Me!... p. 17 My Place... p. 19 Stories... p. 21 Public Transport... p. 23 Fame... p. 25 Part-time Jobs... p. 27 Stress-free... p. 29 Our Environment... p. 31 Complaints... 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

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 your school life 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 by your teacher, throughout the course. However, the final decision of what to include in the Language Portfolio is completely up to you. In practice, Language Portfolios may include a project or other examples of written work, computer diskettes (with work or drawings completed inside or outside the classroom), video cassettes (with your favourite 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 updated report of your progress in English language learning. In this section you will include any evidence of your formal qualifications (certificates, diplomas), tests, progress report cards, self-assessment cards, etc. II. Language Biography This is an updated record of your personal language-learning history which helps you evaluate your learning aims and reflect on your language learning and inter-cultural 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 English. We hope you really enjoy doing these activities. Virginia Evans Jenny Dooley 5

How to organise your Language Portfolio In your Language Portfolio you can include almost anything you have produced or collected that proves your progress in English. We suggest you keep your work in plastic envelopes 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

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 LEVEL CEF B1+ Date Type of Material........................................................................................................................ 7

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 tick ( ) or a cross ( ). 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 programmes. 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:............ 8

II. Language Biography Think about the easiest ways for you to learn something new. Read the sentences below and choose. You can choose more than one. 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 mime, objects and pictures to help me. D already have some life experience of 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 to 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 mother tongue. B I compare them with the grammar rules of my mother tongue. C I explore a text and come up with the grammar rules myself. D other 9

II. Language Biography Make notes of 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.................. 10

II. Language Biography Now I Can! Here is what you should be able to do in English at this level. 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 programmes on TV and the radio.... ñ understand films.... 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 things I know.... ñ find and understand general information in everyday material.... 11

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 (films, 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 film.... ñ describe my thoughts on cultural topics such as films and music.... ñ write personal letters, expressing feelings, giving news, making complaints, giving advice... ñ take messages describing enquiries and problems.... ñ write a short discursive essay.... ñ write short communicative messages.... 12

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 films, programmes, etc ñ listen to English songs ñ talk to English people ñ use the Internet ñ write to people from other countries ñ visit other countries ñ find information about other countries and cultures 13

III. Dossier In your Language Portfolio, you can include anything of your choosing to keep and show 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, tick ( ) the relevant box. Page Title of the activity It can be done at the end of Module... 17 All About Me! 1 19 My Place 1 21 Stories 2 23 Public Transport 2 25 Fame 3 27 Part-time Jobs 3 29 Stress-free 4 31 Our Environment 4 33 Complaints 5 35 Shopping Time 5 37 Geneneration Gap 6 39 Rules 6 41 A City Tour 7 43 Local Customs 7 45 Noise Pollution 8 47 Messages 8 14

Stick a photo of yourself here Name:... School:... Class:... Level CEF: B1+

All About Me! Name:... Date:... Class:... Your pen-friend in Manchester has written to you, asking about you and about your life. Write them a letter (100-120 words) describing: ñ your physical appearance ñ your likes and dislikes ñ what you normally like to do at the weekend ñ anything unusual that you have done recently Dear...,................................................ Yours...,... How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 17

My Place Name:... Date:... Class:... You have been asked to write an article (120-150 words) for a national magazine on the place where you live. You should include: ñ fun activities ñ places to go and see ñ what you enjoy doing the most....................................... Read your article to the class. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 19

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 travelled with and describe the events in sequence (150-180 words)............................................................. Record yourself reading out your story. Play the recording to the class. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 21

Public Transport Name:... Date:... Class:... Your local transport authority is doing a survey on how you feel about transport in your area. They have asked you to fill in a questionnaire. For each type of transport in your area, fill in the table below. Type of transport How often you use it What you use it for Why it is useful Improvements Now, write a short piece (80-100 words) on what improvements you would like to see in your local transport system............................... How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 23

Fame Name:... Date:... Class:... You are going to write an article (120-150 words) on your favourite film star for an Internet website. Do some research on your film star, and then write your piece. You should include: ñ name ñ date of birth ñ place of birth ñ films ñ most famous film ñ what they did before they started acting ñ their personal beliefs or attitudes........................ (photo)........................... Present your favourite film star to the class. Record your presentation. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 25

Part-time Jobs Name:... Date:... Class:... You are studying in England. You want to find a part-time job. You ve seen the following advert in the local newspaper and decide to apply. Write your letter of application. Austin s fashions a stylish clothes shop for men and women is seeking a young hardworking person to fill a vacancy for a part-time shop assistant. The successful applicant will work in a lively and enjoyable environment five mornings a week. Full training will be given but some experience is desirable. Apply in writing. Dear Sir/Madam,................................. Yours faithfully,... How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 27

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 Write a short piece on your findings (100-120 words). Use the ideas that people have given you to write a short article about what stresses people and what someone can do to relieve stress. Do exams stress you? Then,................................. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 29

Our Environment Name:... Date:... Class:... A local businessman has put forward a proposal to build on your favourite beauty spot (e.g. forest, beach, river, field). There is going to be a public meeting to discuss the proposal next week. Write a speech (150-180 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 you should 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? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 31

Complaints Name:... Date:... Class:... You have just been on an all-inclusive holiday and you are very disappointed. It was the worst holiday you have ever been on, and you are very angry with the travel company. Write them a letter (120-150 words) describing your complaints about the accommodation and the food and expressing your disappointment. End the letter by asking for some form of compensation. Dear Sir/Madam, I m writing to express my dissatisfaction....................................... Yours faithfully,... Tell the class about your experience. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 33

Shopping Time Name:... Date:... Class:... You have been asked to write a short guide (120-150 words) to the shops 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. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 35

Generation Gap Name:... Date:... Class:... You are the agony aunt 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? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 37

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, in your school (or work) and in your community. Family Rules 1...... 2...... 3...... 4...... School/Work Rules 1...... 2...... 3...... 4...... Community Rules 1...... 2...... 3...... 4...... Write a short article (120-150 words) for the magazine on what you think about the rules in your life. Which rules do you think are important and which rules would you change if you could? Stick to the Rules from Helen Stewart 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, such as......... How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 39

A City Tour Name:... Date:... Class:... You work for a sightseeing bus tour company. Your boss has asked you to prepare an itinerary for the best sights that your city has to offer. Stick 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 stopping at some fabulous sights along the way. (photo) (photo) (photo) 1............ 2............ 3............ Present your itinerary to the class. Record yourself. How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 41

Local Customs Name:... Date:... Class:... You are visiting a friend in China. Use the travel tips below to write an e-mail to your family telling them about local customs and behaviour. 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, sport, food or hobbies. ñ Always stand up when being introduced and remain standing throughout the introduction. ñ Do not hug, back slap or put an arm around someone's shoulder. ñ Whistling is considered rude. ñ It is considered rude to talk while eating. To: Mum & Dad From:... Subject: Chinese culture Hi! How is everyone? I m having............... Chinese culture is very different to ours................ I ve also found out that it s rude to............ See you when I get home. Yours,... How would you rate this activity? Tick ( ). 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 the street. 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? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 45

Messages Name:... Date:... Class:... This afternoon you are going to write some e-mails to your friends. You have to write short e-mails (20-40 words) for the following: ñ to cancel an arrangement for a party ñ to wish somebody good luck with an exam ñ to say congratulations on passing an exam 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? Tick ( ). Excellent Good Fair Poor 47

IV. Extra Activities In this section you can include anything you do inside and outside the classroom, that shows your English language work. You can also write some comments (why you liked doing it, 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

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

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

Published by Express Publishing Liberty House, New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 6HW Tel: (0044) 1635 817 363 Fax: (0044) 1635 817 463 e-mail: inquiries@expresspublishing.co.uk. http://www.expresspublishing.co.uk 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: 978-1-84679-314-1 ISBN-10: 1-84679-314-9 55

ISBN-13: 978-1-84679-314-1 ISBN-10: 1-84679-314-9