Chabot College
Fall 2006
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for English as a Second Language (ESL) 129
IDIOM USAGE FOR ESL
Catalog Description:
129 - Idiom Usage for ESL
1 Unit
Designed to provide ESL students practice with idiomatic expressions. Strategies for identifying and
defining a variety of idiomatic expressions. Strongly recommended: eligibility for ESL 110B. 3 hours
laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for the Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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identify literal word usage in written material;
identify idiomatic expressions in written material;
use context to ascertain the meanings of idioms in written material;
identify literal word usage in spoken English;
identify idiomatic expressions in spoken English;
use context to ascertain the meanings of idioms in spoken English;
communicate successfully in authentic conversations;
demonstrate grammatical competence in idiomatic usage through oral and written assignments
as well as on tests.
Course Content:
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Recognizing idioms in both written and spoken contexts
Using techniques to comprehend idioms in both written and spoken contexts
Methods to retain the meanings of idiomatic expressions
Practice using idioms in authentic communication situations
Grammatically correct usage of idioms
Method of Presentation:
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Lecture
Discussion
Individual work
Group work
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Complete exercise A on pages 85-86 of Essential Idioms in English. Choose the appropriate
idiomatic expressions to substitute for the italicized word or words in each sentence.
b. Complete Exercise B on page 92 of Essential Idioms in English. Answer each question
by using an idiomatic expression from this lesson. Write your answers and be able to do
this exercise orally for our next class meeting.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class preparedness and participation
b. Written and oral assignments
c. Tests
d. Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Essential Idioms in English, Robert J. Dixson, Longman, 2004.
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 10/28/05
D:\CURRICULUM\FALL06