Speaking/Pronunciation Curriculum 2013 Revision Overview
Level Pronunciation
I
II
III
IV
Phonemes, focus on
consonants
Introduce
syllabification, word
stress
Phonemes, focus on
vowels (discrimination,
spelling)
Syllabification
Word and sentence
stress
Focus on difficult
phonemes and clusters
Review of syllabification
Recognize and use basic
word and sentence
stress
-ed and –s endings
Introduce thought
groups
Review of all sounds
and syllables
Development of
thought groups:
Word and sentence
stress in thought groups
Unstressed vowels
Linking (C-V, V-V)
Intonation patterns
DRAFT 3/10/14
Oral Grammar and
Vocabulary
Basic sentence
patterns
S-V agreement
see Curriculum
Individual Speaking
Conversation
Discussion
Name, describe, speak
about familiar topics
Classroom language
Basic functions and skills
Group and class, on
everyday topics
See Curriculum:
simple and compound
sentences
(N/A: all language
functions are taught in the
context of interaction, not
individual speaking or
presentation)
Daily routine
Common conversation
functions, including asking
permission and making
requests
Effective small talk
Extending conversations
Interview
Maintain a conversation in
a classroom or social
context (follow-up
questions, explanations,
corrections etc)
Structured, small-group
discussions and tasks on
class topics
Asking and answering
questions to elicit and
provide information
Conversations on everyday
and abstract but nonacademic topics
Conversation management
(including questioning,
interrupting, giving
compliments, and
exchanging turns)
Small group discussion
on everyday and abstract
but non-academic topics
Expressing and
supporting opinions
Handling the floor
Summarizing
Modals: polite
questions,
preferences,
obligations,
prohibitions, advice.
Unreal conditional
Comparatives,
superlatives, and
equatives
Coordination and
some subordination
See Curriculum:
complex sentences,
verb tenses, modals
(No presentations)
(No presentations)
Express opinions
Describe a process or
experience
Summarize basic
information from interview
or discussion
Small group discussion
on everyday, familiar
topics. Simple turntaking techniques. Giving
information and opinion.
(No formal presentations)
Narrative, summary
Express, develop, and
support opinions
Short presentations on
personal experiences and
opinions
Speaking/Pronunciation Curriculum 2013 Revision Overview
DRAFT 3/10/14
V
Linking and reductions
in words and thought
groups
Patterns of intonation
in thought groups and
sentences (questions,
lists, highlighting
information, etc.)
Review and expansion
of word stress
Use of subordination,
relative and noun
clauses, range of verb
tense; passive voice
Paraphrase and summarize
main ideas from
conversations, recordings,
events, texts
EAP: indiv and group
presentations on academic
topics based on experience
and limited research
General: group
performances
Sustained conversation on
everyday topics;
developing competence in
abstract topics. Asking
follow-up, clarification, and
elaboration questions.
VI
Linking, blending, and
reduction
Review and expansion
of intonation
(intelligibility, attitude,
emotion, emphasis)
EAP: Pronunciation of
academic vocabulary
Reduced clauses and
other subordination
Word order,
questions
S/V and P/A
agreement
Passive voice
Connectors
Paraphrase and summarize
ideas and details from
conversations, recordings,
events, [academic] texts,
and [academic] lectures
Presentations (indiv and
group) based on research
EAP: Graphs and tables;
use of visual aids
General: Individual and
group performances
Formal and informal
conversations and service
encounters
EAP: office hours
Polite interactions
(including arrangements,
complaints)
Small group and class
discussions on familiar
and unfamiliar topics
[EAP: and basic academic
topics]
Clarification,
restatement, paraphrase,
examples, illustrations.
Work with a group to
develop a short project,
presentation, or
performance
Active participation [in
academic discussions and
seminars based on
listening and reading]
Effective leadership
Personal, abstract, and
academic topics
Work with a group (or
class) to develop a
substantial project,
presentation, or
performance