Topic One (1.1): What helps you to learn?

Objectives for this topic

  • to listen to students’ views on talking in class;
  • to give your views on talking in class;
  • to revise and use -ing

Introduction

In this topic, you will listen to the views of six students about talking in class.

Working through your coursebook

Please work through the following sections in your coursebook, completing all listed exercises:

  • Page 12 – Read the quote on Page 11 by Yusef. Do you agree? What are your views about working in groups or on your own? Which do you prefer? Are there times when it’s good to talk in class? Write down your thoughts.
  • Page 12, Exercise 1 – Listen to Track 02. You will hear six students giving their views on talking in class. Write down the names of the students who are for it, against it and those that have mixed feelings.

LISTEN – Track 02

  • Page 12, Exercise 2 – Look at the words in bold in a – i. Do you know what they mean? Choose the correct meaning of the words and phrases. You can listen to Track 02 again to help you think about the context of the word or phrase in the sentence. If you are still unsure of their meaning, WordReference.com Links to an external site. is a very good online dictionary that you may wish to use. This will give you the meaning of the word in your own language.
  • Page 13, Exercise 3 – Read the Use of English box first. The information and examples on -ing forms will help you fill in the gaps in this exercise. When you are ready, listen to Track 02 one more time and fill in the gaps using the verbs in bold from Exercise 2.
  • Page 13 – Now that you have listened to other students’ views on talking in class, have your views changed?

Review

  • Page 13, Exercise 5 – Read the beginning of the magazine article at the bottom of the page. Use the notes from Exercise 3 and your own ideas to complete it.

 Support activity for this topic

  • Try this quiz and see how many words you can spell beginning with sy.
  • How often do you use a dictionary? Dictionaries can be pocket-sized or very large. Online dictionaries are commonly used today as they are convenient and can be updated more often. WordReference.com Links to an external site. is a good example of a bilingual dictionary than can translate from one language into another. For example, it is useful if you are looking for the meaning or definition of an English word in your own language.
  • The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary Links to an external site. is a fine example of a learner’s dictionary which gives you clear definitions and examples of words used in context. It also shows you how to pronounce the word. Explore both and see what you think.
  • Have a go at the following quiz on words beginning with sy on the Education Quizzes website. (You can find the login details here.)

PRACTISE – Words beginning with sy (Education Quizzes) Links to an external site.

Extension activity for this topic

  • Tongue twisters are a series of words or a sentence that are difficult to say. They are a great way to practise and improve your pronunciation and fluency. Try to say the tongue twisters in the worksheet below.

Download PRACTISE – Worksheet – Tongue twisters

Grammar

  • Look again at the Use of English box on page 13 then complete the worksheet below on -ing Remember to check your answers at the end.

Download COMPLETE – Worksheet – -ing forms

Download CHECK – Worksheet – -ing forms - answers

Vocabulary

  • Review the vocabulary in this lesson and make a note of any words that were new to you. It is good practice to keep a record of new vocabulary in a notebook.

Check your answers

  • If you would like to check your answers to the exercises in this topic, please consult this document Download here. The section with the answers is highlighted in yellow.
  • If you would like to access the audioscript(s) for this topic, please click Download here.