Authors: Jack C. Richards, Chuck Sandy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2nd edition
Publication date: 2008
ISBN-10: 0521683874
ISBN-13: 978-0521683876
Number of pages: 400
Format / Quality: PDF/HQ + mp3
Size: 25.40MB
Passages, Second Edition, is a thoroughly revised edition of Passages, the successful two-level, multi-skills course that takes adult and young-adult learners of English from the high-intermediate to advanced level.
The interleaved Teacher's Edition features complete teaching instructions, audio scripts, answer keys, and fresh ideas for presenting and expanding upon the main exercise types in the Student's Book. Also included are written and oral quizzes for each unit, language summaries, and photocopiable games, readings, and projects.
Syllabus and approach
Passages, Second Edition, covers the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while giving systematic attention to grammar and vocabulary. The topic-based syllabus seeks to develop both fluency and accuracy in English and provides maximum opportunities for personalized discussion that should enhance linguistic and communication skills.
Course length
Both levels of Passages, Second Edition, provide material for 60 to 90 hours of class instruction. Where more practice is needed, teachers can refer students to the Self-study activities or to Grammar Plus, which provides extended grammar explanations and practice for each unit. In situations where more time is available, the Passages, Second Edition, Teacher's Edition features optional activities, and photocopiable games, readings, and projects to extend each unit.
Unit organization
Each unit of the Student's Book is organized around a central topic or theme and is divided into two four-page lessons (Lessons A and B), which complement each other by treating the unit topic from a different perspective.
Approach and methodology
Passages, Second Edition, seeks to develop both fluency and accuracy at the upper-intermediate to advanced level of proficiency. The course is based on the assumption that students have a strong foundation in English and they now need to extend their communicative competence by developing their ability to:
- expand the range of topics they can discuss and comprehend in English:
- extend their knowledge and use of grammar
- increase their vocabulary use and knowledge
- speak English fluently (i.e., express a wide range of ideas without unnecessary gaps or breakdown in communication)
- speak English accurately (i.e., use an acceptable standard of pronunciation and grammar when communicating)
To teach these skills, Passages, Second Edition, uses a communicative methodology that centers around:
- presenting topics that extend students' oral and grammatical skills
- providing opportunities for students to engage in communicative tasks requiring the exchange of information and negotiation of meaning
- developing control of grammar and language through activities that present and model language patterns, and then provide opportunities to practice them in authentic communicative contexts
At the same time, the topic-driven syllabus provides a rich source of information for language lessons and allows for authentic flexibility in student personalization and response.
Assessment
Passages, Second Edition, offers a comprehensive and flexible assessment program. The communication review units in the Student's Book encourage students to self-assess their progress in key skill areas after every three units. A more formal assessment is provided in the Teacher's Edition, which offers written quizzes for each unit. Oral quizzes are also available and are geared to comply with a wide range of oral proficiency exams. Additionally, the Placement and Evaluation Package is an indispensable tool for placing students at the correct level and regularly evaluating their progress. Finally, TestCrafter software includes a test bank of about 1,000 items, with questions for every unit of both levels.
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