English Speaking Self-Tutoring Textbook, Volume 1

Author: Yu Zhiyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: This book selects and organizes materials based on the common language functions used in spoken English. A language function refers to the purpose for which people use language, such as greeting (greeting), inviting (invitation), complaining (complaint), apologizing (apology), and so on. Mastering language functions can better meet the practical expression needs of learners of spoken English. According to the principles of communicative teaching, in the process of communication, factors such as the identity, gender, age, social relationships, time, setting, and topic of the communicators play a restrictive role in language use. Therefore, when speaking, it is not only necessary to ensure grammatical correctness and adherence to norms but also to be appropriate and tactful. The exercises in this book fully reflect the emphasis on accuracy, fluency, and appropriateness. This book consists of 20 units, with the exception of Unit 8 "Making Phone Calls," each unit is organized around a specific language function, including the following sections:
1. Introduction and Examples. The explanations are written in simple English, including the characteristics and usage of the language function introduced in this unit, background knowledge, and cultural differences. The sample dialogues are short and closely tied to the language function of each unit, with discussion questions appended at the end of each dialogue for teaching or self-study reference.
2. Additional Dialogues. This section contains 5 dialogues designed in a progressive manner for learners to study and imitate.
3. Key Structures. These are the common sentence patterns and structures for each language function, which students can choose to use based on the given context. To ensure appropriate use, we have categorized these structures into three styles: general, informal, and formal.
4. Fluency Practice. These are mechanical exercises aimed at helping students master the main sentence patterns and phrases of each language function more skillfully.
5. Further Practice. This section includes four types of exercises, designed to enable students to skillfully apply the language functions they have learned in different contexts and improve their conversational skills.
The Examination Plan for the English Basic Course of the Higher Education Self-Tuition Examination in Beijing (1996) requires oral proficiency in: engaging in appropriate conversations on general daily situations, delivering coherent speeches on general social topics, expressing ideas accurately, maintaining basic correctness in pronunciation and intonation, and using language appropriately. To meet these requirements, we have specifically written this oral textbook to help achieve the above goals. This book selects and organizes materials based on the common language functions used in spoken English. A language function refers to the purpose for which people use language, such as greeting (greeting), inviting (invitation), complaining (complaint), apologizing (apology), and so on. Mastering language functions can better meet the practical expression needs of learners of spoken English. According to the principles of communicative teaching, in the process of communication, factors such as the identity, gender, age, social relationships, time, setting, and topic of the communicators play a restrictive role in language use. Therefore, when speaking, it is not only necessary to ensure grammatical correctness and adherence to norms but also to be appropriate and tactful. The exercises in this book fully reflect the emphasis on accuracy, fluency, and appropriateness. This book consists of 20 units, with the exception of Unit 8 "Making Phone Calls," each unit is organized around a specific language function, including the following sections:
1. Introduction and Examples. The explanations are written in simple English, including the characteristics and usage of the language function introduced in this unit, background knowledge, and cultural differences. The sample dialogues are short and closely tied to the language function of each unit, with discussion questions appended at the end of each dialogue for teaching or self-study reference.
2. Additional Dialogues. This section contains 5 dialogues designed in a progressive manner for learners to study and imitate.
3. Key Structures. These are the common sentence patterns and structures for each language function, which students can choose to use based on the given context. To ensure appropriate use, we have categorized these structures into three styles: general, informal, and formal.
4. Fluency Practice. These are mechanical exercises aimed at helping students master the main sentence patterns and phrases of each language function more skillfully.
5. Further Practice. This section includes four types of exercises, designed to enable students to skillfully apply the language functions they have learned in different contexts and improve their conversational skills.