1C
English focuses on developing basic reading and writing skills as
well as improving your oral English (listening and speaking) in
addition to mastering grammar and vocabulary at a lower-intermediate
level.
Reading
Reading
will serve to develop your understanding of English written
literature and the English speaking world, as well as to strengthen
your comprehension, analysis, and interpretation.
We
will start
our
school year with
a graphic novel The
Kite Runner
which
is
set in Afghanistan. The Kite Runner is the first
novel by
Afghan-American author Khaled
Hosseini. It
tells the story of Amir, a young boy from Kabul,
whose closest friend is Hassan, his father's young Hazara
servant.
The story is set against
a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of
Afghanistan monarchy
through the Soviet
military intervention,
the exodus of refugees
to
Pakistan
and
the United
States,
and the rise of the Taliban
regime.
We
will
go
on with
“Bend
it like Beckam”
by Narinder
Dhami.
Jess'
parents want her to be a nice, conventional Indian girl. They pray
she will settle down, study for law school, and learn to cook the
perfect chapatti. But Jess has other plans. She wants to play soccer
like her hero, David Beckham. After all, anyone can cook aloo gobi,
but who can bend it like Beckham?
“I
really liked this book because it was funny and it wasn't hard to
understand. I also liked this book because it had lots of depth to it
and it would lighten up anyone’s day! And we think the book is
saying whatever colour or religion you are you can still be your own
person.” said Paige Bennet. I
think you will also enjoy this book and the film that we are going to
watch.
Writing
Through
a number of different writing assignments – from writings based on
grammar topics to biographies, narratives or descriptives, without
omitting the spy mission - you will practise your writing skills. You
will also be writing about literature in many creative ways. You
should expect to write once every two weeks at least , whether in a
quick follow-up activity or for a major class essay.
Grammar
We
will devote one period a week to grammar. Grammar topics will be
introduced via a variety of material especially created by your team
of English teachers and your course book. They will be seen in
context then practised, exercised and hopefully mastered in Wider
World. You should expect to be regularly assigned grammar exercises
as homework .
Vocabulary
In
order to increase your proficiency in English for daily written and
oral language, vocabularies will be studied by topic-based chapters
and will lead to situation role-playing, listening activities or
quick writing. Be ready to learn about one -two pages every week and
have a final test on every chapter. Vocabulary tests might take the
shape of listening tests as well. We will practice vocabulary with
quizlet in our language laboratory.
Use
flashcards if you have trouble remembering difficult words. Pay a
special attention to phonetics, as many tests will involve oral
comprehension or expression as well. If you don't know how to
pronounce a word, it will affect your listening and speaking skills.
Speaking
Major
oral presentations in front of the class (at least one each semester
on English-speaking countries in the world and on bands or singers of
your choice), in pairs or groups ,will challenge your speaking
skills.
Knowing
your vocabulary or your grammar is a good thing, but being able to
come up with the exact word or tense you need is better. Therefore,
role plays and skits will offer you many ways to express yourself.
Your imagination will be at work. Always make the effort to ask your
questions in English! It's rewarding.
While
reading a book, all activities which involve sharing information with
your classmates or presenting feedback on a chapter you have read,
alone or in group, will give you opportunities to practise your oral
expression.
Listening
and understanding
During
classes, I speak English only so your listening skills will be
constantly challenged. If you have trouble understanding what I say,
you are most welcome to ask me to repeat, I will do so. I am ready to
find alternatives to let my explanations sink into your mind - other
words, gestures, drawings, ... - but bear in mind French should be
avoided as much as possible. However, as soon as the bell rings, feel
free to come to my desk and ask for extra explanation, then we may
chat in French :-). Expect regular listening tests on topics studied.
Watching films based on the novels we have read is good practice too.
Documents
and internet
Most
of the material which I hand out to students can be found in your
class folder on educanet or on my blog,
allowing students to access a document even if they have been absent
or if it happens to be lost .
In
case of absence or illness,
it is each student's responsibility to inquire about the material
received or the assignments due. You always have the
opportunity to contact me by e-mail.
Small
vocabulary tests will be grouped and their average (decimal,
unrounded) will give you a full mark , equivalent to any other mark
you will get in writing, reading comprehension, ... .You will have an
extra vocabulary test so you will be allowed to leave out the worst
mark if you have attended all tests at the end of the school
year. In addition to the vocabulary tests mentioned above, expect two
tests in each skill (reading comprehension, writing, speaking and
listening). All the tests are worth the same , except vocabulary
tests. It is your job to keep your marks updated.
Teacher’s
word
Please
be sure to come to class prepared (which means ready for tests ,
exercises done or chapters read), with all the necessary equipment
for each lesson. I hand out a lot of photocopies, make an effort to
organize them into files so as to find them easily when needed.
Switch off your cell phones and open your mind.
Finally,
if you find yourself in trouble, academically or otherwise, please
come and see me sooner rather than later so we can work together to
find a way to get you back on track. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
I will make time to see you one-on-one.
I
hope this will be a good year for you in English
Martine
Guignard
