English Speaking Self-Tutoring Course - Part 1

Author: Yu Zhiyuan, Editor-in-Chief, Ding Peng'er, et al., Compilers
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: This book selects and organizes materials based on the common linguistic functions used in spoken English. A linguistic function refers to the purpose for which people use language, such as greeting (greeting), inviting (invitation), complaining (complaint), apologizing (apology), and so on. Mastering linguistic 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. The book consists of 20 units, with the exception of Unit 8 "Making Phone Calls," each unit is organized around a specific linguistic function, including the following sections:
1. Introduction and Examples. The explanations are written in simple English, covering the characteristics and usage of the linguistic function introduced in each unit, background knowledge, and cultural differences. The sample dialogues are short and closely aligned with the linguistic 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 includes five dialogues designed in a progressive manner for learners to study and imitate.
3. Key Structures. These are the common sentence patterns and structures associated with each linguistic function, which students can choose to use based on the given context. To ensure appropriate usage, 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 linguistic function more skillfully.
5. Further Practice. This section includes four types of exercises designed to enable students to skillfully apply the learned linguistic functions in different contexts and improve their conversational skills.
The requirements for oral proficiency in the "Beijing Higher Education Self-Study Examination English Basic Course Examination Plan" (1996) are: the ability to engage in appropriate conversations on general daily situations, to deliver coherent speeches on general social topics, to express thoughts accurately, with basic correct pronunciation and intonation, and to use language appropriately. To meet these requirements, we have specifically written this oral textbook to help achieve the above goals.