Chabot College
Fall 2010
Course Outline for English as a Second Language (ESL) 129
VOCABULARY USAGE FOR ESL: IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
Catalog Description:
129 – Vocabulary Usage for ESL: Idiomatic Expressions
1 Unit
Designed to provide ESL students practice with idiomatic expressions. Strategies for identifying, defining,
and using a variety of idiomatic expressions. Strongly recommended: eligibility for ESL 110B and/or
completion of ESL 109. 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
Chabot College
Course Outline for ESL 129, Page 2
Fall 2010
Textbook(s) (Typical):
A Year in the Life of an ESL Student, Francis, Trafford Publishing, 2008.
Essential Idioms in English, Robert J. Dixson, Longman, 2004.*
Idioms for Everyday Use, Broukal, NTC, 1994.*
*These are classics; there are no better substitutes.
Special Student Materials:
None
dk 11/5/09
curriculum 0910