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Free English Vocabulary Lessons Within the vocabulary section of EVOLVE there are lessons based on the academic word list which was compiled in order of frequency by LALS, Victoria University of Wellington. The lessons ensure that the student becomes familiar with the new vocabulary and can really use it in their own text. Also under this section you will find advice on learning and retaining vocabulary and some short cuts to understanding new words using word roots. |
Free English Grammar Lessons Grammar is the first part of a language that can cause us confusion. Many natvie speakers don't know the finer points of grammar so it can be a difficult task to try to learn the grammar of another language. Our grammar section takes you through all the main grammar points and offers exercises to check understanding throughout. There are lessons on parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives...) right through to lessons on reported speech and relative clauses at the more advanced levels. Just remember that grammar is a set of rules that have been developed as a guide to the language, the language is not based on the rules. |
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Free English Reading Lessons The reading section is divided into two main sections, the holiday lesson plan section where you can find lessons based on British festivities for every month of the year, and then there is the current affairs section where new lessons are constantly added. All lessons focus on vocabulary, understanding of a text and a discussion session, which can bring about lively debate in any classroom. |
Free English Writing Lessons Our writing advice guides students from the alphabet up. There is advice on spelling rules, punctuation and oration. Another feature of the writing section includes lesson plans based on sentence structure, which can be used in conjunction with the lesson plans on grammar. At the advanced level there is advice on how to fulfil academic writng tasks. Finally there are many IELTS style writing topics to inspire students to write. |
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Free English Speaking Lessons One of the most vital things to learn in good speech and pronunciation is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) - armed with this and a good dictionary, students will never mispronounce a word again. To practice speech there are conversation prompts in this section and also featured are some debates and enjoyable exercises to conduct in a group. |
Free English Listening Lessons The listening section focuses on our currnet affairs podcasts which are unique to EVOLVE and can be accompanied by the lesson plans that focus on both listening and understanding and also feature elements of vocabulary and grammar to give a well rounded listening session. Apart from this there is advice on listening to lectures and gap fill exercises for famous songs which have been selected to relate to grammar points. |
| Free English Forum | Free English Games |
| In the EVOLVE Forum we offer students and teachers the chance to get together. Whether you are an ESL teacher looking for a job, or a confused student looking for some help, the EVOLVE forum can offer you support. It costs nothing to post on the forum and can introduce you to the ESL community at large. Why not share some helpful advice or make new friends in our penpal network? | Games can lighten the tone of an otherwise boring session, as well as having a genuine didactic place as a part of a class. All of the games in this session have been carefully considered and included for their educational merit. |
Skills to better your listening
Listening for Punctuation- Try this exercise to demonstrate how universally easy it is to’ hear’ punctuation:
Count to 5 in your first language.
What is different about the way that you say the number 5?
Now count to 6 in your first language.
How has the way that you say the number 5 changed? How did you say the number 6?
Now repeat the exercise in English.
Are the things that you noticed the same for English?
Most languages follow the same patterns of intonation. The results of this exercise should show you that when we are taking a short break in speech (a comma in writing) we use a rising intonation. When we are going to finish a point, sentence or list (a full stop in writing) we use a descending intonation. Use this skill in your lectures to identify when the speaker will continue, and when they have made their point and are going to move on.
Making predictions- Before you start listening, try predicting what you will hear. Training yourself to be one step ahead of the speakers enables you to be familiar with a particular topic quickly. Although you may not get the exact words, you have the framework of the topic.
How to predict
- Use your previous knowledge. What do you already know about the topic ?
- Think of questions that the lecture might provide answers for.
- Create a mind-map which shows everything you know about a particular topic.
- Pay attention to voice emphasis. People usually speak with stress. The position of stress is a good indicator of key points. Recognising stress can help you to tell the more important points from the less important ones.
- Pay attention to signposts. Speakers frequently speak with signposts. They are words, phrases or questions which signal what you are going to hear for the next stage.
Some examples of signposts are:
To introduce a new point: “right, Okay, good, now, well”
To list points: “first, first of all, for a start, second, another, also, then, next, finally, last”
To explain: “In other words, that is, I mean, look at it this way”
To signal important points: “the important/central point, I would like to stress, You have to remember that, the fact is that, so you see that, in fact, what I am saying is that”
To express result: “so, therefore, as a result”
To give an example: “for instance, for example, take the case of, imagine, like, such as”
To show contrast: “but, however, on the other side”
To sum up at the end: “In conclusion, In short, In brief, summing up, so you see, the result is that”
- Pay attention to repetition. People often repeat or rephrase what they have said for various reasons. Listeners can use these opportunities to catch the meaning a second time.
- Pay attention to clues. Understanding spoken words actually goes beyond the literal words. In order to guarantee successful listening, an intelligent listener will make use of relevant clues which go along with the speech.
These clues are as follows:
- Who said the words? If the speaker is a politician for example, you can probably make predictions about what will be said.
- Where did you hear the words? In different contexts, people use different words to suit the context. The language that a news reporter uses in a news report is not the same as the language which he uses in his daily life.
- Did the speaker’s tone change? A change in tone may imply a change in meaning.
Obviously, you will not be able to use all these opportunities for listening. However, you should choose a few of your favourite opportunities. Then try to practise all the skills of listening. Relax and keep listening!
If you really become lost in a lecture, try to pay special attention to the conclusion as the main points will be summarised at that stage.
References
Ellis, G. & Sinclair, B. (1989). Learning to Learn English Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.
Geddes, M. (1989). How to Listen The Bath Press. Avon. Great Britain.
Lynch, T. (1990). Study Listening Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.
Please choose an option below:
Podacasts and Lessons
Copied and Passed - Natural Disaster - Poetic Justice - Super Earth - Sweating Icons - The Big Apple - Virgin Blood Bank