Aspire Intermediate and the Common European Framework of Reference B B Mike Sayer 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Introduction What is the Common European Framework of Reference? The Council of Europe has developed the Common European Framework of Reference: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (or CEFR for short) with a view to promoting language teaching and learning within Europe. The CEFR aims to provide a descriptive framework which encourages the development of language skills and intercultural awareness, learner autonomy and lifelong learning. It is of interest to course designers and coursebook writers as well as teachers, testers and teacher trainers. The CEFR aims to promote a coherent approach to language learning with an emphasis on examining what we can do with a language. It also provides a framework which permits the comparison of the language levels of individuals in an impartial way. What are the aims of the CEFR? It is important to be aware that the CEFR is designed as a set of common reference points and not as a set of points that should be covered systematically in study. One level or one set of reference points is not intended to refer to a year of study or a number of hours of study. It recognises that students have different aims and learn at different speeds. The CEFR does not intend to prescribe a method of teaching, and recognises that there are a variety of methods relevant to different teaching contexts. However, it has a clear focus on the four skills and on developing an ability to communicate rather than acquire knowledge. The CEFR also emphasises acquiring the skills to learn independently. It encourages autonomy in students and focuses on what they can do and not on what they still need to learn. The CEFR intends to help define teachers and learners objectives. Teachers need to understand what they want to achieve on a course and students need clear objectives. The CEFR provides a set of descriptors and levels of competence that help focus such aims. How are the levels of the CEFR organised? The CEFR has six levels which range from A (students with a starter level of English) to C (students who can use the language fluently and with precision). Below is an overview of these levels. Students can use the language C Mastery precisely and fluently with near native competence. Proficient Independent Basic C B B A A Effective Operational Proficiency Vantage Threshold Waystage Breakthrough Students are proficient in the language and have a wide range of vocabulary. Students are able to express themselves in increasingly abstract ways. Students at this level can maintain conversations. Students are able to get by in an increasing range of social situations. Students can express themselves in simple, basic language. Note that the CEFR recognises intermediate levels between the global levels above A+, B+, etc. Each of the six levels of the CEFR is defined by a large set of descriptors can do tick points which aim to define the expected language ability of an individual at each of the levels. For example, one of the descriptors under the heading Conversation at A level is: Can ask how people are and react to news. At C level, a descriptor under the same heading is: Can use language flexibly and effectively for social purposes. How does the CEFR correspond to Aspire? The Aspire series has a communicative approach with an emphasis on learning language in real life contexts and on producing language in a broad range of speaking and writing situations. Consequently, its approach mirrors the functional descriptors of the CEFR as well as its broad emphasis on being able to communicate in a range of realistic situations. Aspire Pre-intermediate covers the majority of competences for B. Aspire Intermediate covers the competences for B and some of the competencies for B. Aspire Upper Intermediate covers the competencies for B. In this booklet, each exercise of the Aspire series is mapped against core descriptors at the relevant global level. So, Aspire Pre-intermediate is mapped against descriptors at the B Threshold level, the first five units of Aspire Intermediate are mapped against descriptors at the B Threshold level, the last five units are mapped against descriptors at the B Vantage level, and Aspire Upper Intermediate is mapped throughout against descriptors at the B Vantage level. How does Aspire match the aims of the CEFR? Aspire s grammar and vocabulary syllabus encourages the linguistic competences needed for students to be able to communicate successfully. In particular, the Grammar and Vocabulary tasks and features, as well as the unit Reviews, provide information and practice necessary for students to build their understanding and use. The emphasis on the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Aspire reflects the same emphasis in the CEFR. The Everyday English section in each alternate unit of Aspire introduces and practises key functional areas of language which mirror those in the CEFR. It also encourages students to use English in realistic role play scenarios. The Video Worksheet sections in Aspire develop students ability to follow real spoken interaction and production in English. The Now I can... feature in each unit Review sets clear objectives and checks that these objectives have been achieved. The Workbook and teacher s resources give students extra practice and learning resources. The Workbook aims to develop learner autonomy. Can I learn more about this? You can find more information about the Council of Europe at www.coe.int. Hyperlinked pdfs of the CEFR are also available at this site. Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Aspire Intermediate CEFR Overview Framework level: B (units to ) Communicative activities Reception (spoken) Overall listening : Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives. Listening to radio and audio recordings: Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Can understand the main points of radio news bulletins and simpler recorded material about familiar subjects delivered relatively slowly and clearly. UD ex; UEveryday English ex, ; UD ex; UEveryday English ex, UD ex,, UA ex8; UB ex, 6; UA ex7, 8; UD ex; UA ex, ; U Everyday English ex; UA ex; UA ex6, 7 UB ex Reception (audio/visual) Can catch the main points in TV programmes on familiar topics when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. UVideo ex; UVideo ex,,, 6 Reception (written) : Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. : Can scan longer texts in order to locate desired information, and gather information from different parts of a text, or from different texts in order to fulfil a specific task. Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. UA ex; UB ex; UC ex; UD ex; Case Study ex; Uopener ex, ; UB ex; UC ex; UVideo ex, ; UB ex UC ex, ; UE ex, ; UB ex; UC ex; UD ex8; UE ex, ; UC ex,, ; UD ex7, 8; UE ex; UA ex, ; C ex, ; UD ex6, 7; UE ex; Case Stusd ex, ; UA ex; UB ex6, 7; UC ex, ; UE ex, UD ex, 6; UE ex, ; UD ex; UE ex; UD ex, 6; UEveryday English ex Interaction (spoken) Overall spoken interaction: Can exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem. Conversation: Can maintain a conversation or discussion but may sometimes be difficult to follow when trying to say exactly what he/she would like to. : Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. UEveryday English ex Uopener ex; UA ex6; UB ex7 Uopener ex, ; UA ex6, 9; UC ex6; UC ex6, 7; UE ex; UB ex Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Formal discussion: Can take part in routine formal discussion of familiar subjects which is conducted in clearly articulated speech in the standard dialect and which involves the exchange of factual information, receiving instructions or the discussion of solutions to practical problems. Goal-oriented co-operation: Can explain why something is a problem, discuss what to do next, compare and contrast alternatives. Can make his/her opinions and reactions understood as regards possible solutions or the question of what to do next, giving brief reasons and explanations. Information exchange: Can exchange, check and confirm accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. Can find out and pass on straightforward factual information. Interviewing and being interviewed: Can carry out a prepared interview, checking and confirming information, though he/she may occasionally have to ask for repetition if the other person s response is rapid or extended. UA ex,, ; UC ex, ; UE ex,, 6; UEveryday English ex; Uopener ex; UA ex; UB ex; UC ex; Case Study ex; UA ex, ; UB ex,, 6, 9; UC ex; UE ex; UEveryday English ex; Uopener ex; UA ex; UB ex; UC ex; UD ex; Uopener ex; UA ex; UC ex; UE ex UE ex UA ex0 UD ex9 Case Study ex; UD ex, Uopener ex UB ex0 Interaction (written) Overall written interaction: Can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics, check information and ask about or explain problems with reasonable precision. Correspondence: Can write personal letters describing experiences, feelings and events in some detail. UD ex 7 UD ex7 Production (spoken) Overall spoken production: Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points. Sustained monologue (describing experience): Can give straightforward descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects within his field of interest. Can reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points. Can give detailed accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions. Sustained monologue: Putting a case Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions. UD ex UA ex0 Uopener ex; Uopener ex UD ex, UB ex6; UD ex6; UEveryday English ex, ; UC ex Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Addressing audiences: Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision. UD ex6, 7; UVideo ex; UC ex7; UA ex0; UE ex6 Production (written) Overall written production: Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence. Creative writing: Can write straightforward, detailed descriptions on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest. Can write a description of an event, a recent trip real or imagined. Reports and essays: Can summarise, report and give his/her opinion about accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his field with some confidence. UD ex0, ; UReview ex; UD ex0 UD ex7 UD ex8 UC ex7 Communication strategies Reception (spoken & written) : Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Can extrapolate the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and deduce sentence meaning provided the topic discussed is familiar. UA ex; UC ex; Case Study ex; UA ex; UC ex; UC ex; UE ex UVideo ex; UC ex; UE ex Interaction Cooperating: Can exploit a basic repertoire of language and strategies to help keep a conversation or discussion going. Planning: Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/ she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/she can recall or find the means to express. UD ex, ; UEveryday English ex7 UVideo ex; UC ex6; UD ex6, 9; UEveryday English ex, ; Uopener ex; UC ex6; UE ex Communicative language competence Linguistic range Vocabulary range: Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events. UD ex; Uopener ex,,, 6; UA ex; Uopener ex; UA ex, Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Linguistic control : Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. : Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Phonological control: Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur. Orthographic control: Can produce continuous writing which is generally intelligible throughout. Spelling, punctuation and layout are accurate enough to be followed most of the time. UA ex9; UB ex,, 6, 7, 8, 9; UReview ex; UA ex0 UB ex,, ; UA ex, ; UReview ex, ; UReview ex, ; UA ex, 6, 7, 8, 9; UB ex7, 8; UA ex, 6, 7, 8; UB ex6, 7, 8; UC ex,, 6; Case Study ex; UReview ex, ; UReview ex, ; UA ex8, 9, 0; UB ex,,, 6, 7 Uopener ex; UA ex7; UC ex; UD ex, ; UD ex9; UReview ex, ; UReview ex, ; Uopener ex, ; UB ex, ; UC ex; UD ex, ; Uopener ex; UD ex,, ; UE ex; UReview ex, ; UReview ex,, UB ex7, 8, 9; UC ex; UD ex, ; UB ex, ; UEveryday English ex, 6 UD ex0; UD ex8, 9 UC ex7; UD ex8, 9 Sociolinguistic Sociolinguistic appropriateness: Can perform and respond to a wide range of language functions, using their most common exponents in a neutral register. Is aware of the salient politeness conventions and acts appropriately. UReview ex; UEveryday English ex, ; UReview ex; UEveryday English ex7 UEveryday English ex, ; UEveryday English ex, 6, 7 Pragmatic Spoken fluency: Can express him/herself with relative ease. Despite some problems with formulation resulting in pauses and culde-sacs, he/she is able to keep going effectively without help. Can keep going comprehensibly, even though pausing for grammatical and lexical planning and repair is very evident, especially in longer stretches of free production. UA ex8 UEveryday English ex, 6 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 6
Framework level: B (units 6 to 0) Communicative activities Reception (spoken) Overall listening : Can understand standard spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar and unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Understanding interaction between native speakers: Can keep up with an animated conversation between native speakers. U7D ex, ; U7Everyday English ex, ; U8A ex, 0; U9A ex6, 7; U9C ex; U9D ex U6D ex; U8D ex; U9Everyday English ex; U0B ex, Reception (audio/visual) Listening to radio audio and recordings: Can understand most radio documentaries and most other recorded or broadcast audio material delivered in standard dialect and can identify the speaker s mood, tone etc. Watching TV and film: Can understand documentaries, live interviews, talk shows, plays and the majority of films in standard dialect. U6A ex6, 7; U7A ex, ; U0A ex, ; U0E ex U7Video ex, ; U8 Video ex, ; U9 Video ex Reception (written) : Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low frequency idioms. Reading correspondence: Can read correspondence relating to his/her field of interest and readily grasp the essential meaning. : Can scan quickly through long and complex texts, locating relevant details. Reading for information and argument: Can understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints. U6C ex, ; U6E ex; Case Study ex; U7B ex, : U7C ex,, ; U7E ex, ; U8opener ex; U8B ex; U8C ex; U8D ex,, 6, 7, 8, 9; U8E ex; Case Study ex; U9C ex; U9D ex0; U9E ex, ; U0E ex U7D ex7 U6A ex; U6B ex; U7C ex; U9B ex; U0C ex, ; Case Study ex, ; U9Review ex, ; U0Review ex, U6D ex7; U0D ex6 Interaction (spoken) Overall spoken interaction: Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic, vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what he/ she wants to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances. U6E ex; U7C ex; U0D ex U6D ex Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 7 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 7
Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments. : Can express his/her ideas and opinions with precision, present and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly. Listening to radio audio and recordings: Can take an active part in informal discussion in familiar contexts, commenting, putting point of view clearly, evaluating alternative proposals and making and responding to hypotheses. Can account for and sustain his/her opinions in discussion by providing relevant explanations, arguments and comments. Formal discussion (meetings): Can participate actively in routine and non-routine formal discussion. Can contribute, account for and sustain his/her opinion, evaluate alternative proposals and make and respond to hypotheses. Goal-oriented co-operation: Can outline an issue or a problem clearly, speculating about causes or consequences, and weighing advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Information exchange: Can pass on detailed information reliably. Interviewing and being interviewed: Can take initiatives in an interview, expand and develop ideas with little help or prodding from an interviewer. U6E ex; U7Everyday English ex; U0E ex U6B ex6; U9A ex8 U7Video ex, ; U8Video ex; U8C ex; U9B ex; U9Video ex; U9Review ex U6opener ex, ; U6D ex, ; U7opener ex; U7E ex; U7Everyday English ex; U8opener ex,, ; U8A ex, 9; U8B ex; U8C ex,, ; U8D ex, 6; U9opener ex, ; U9C ex, ; U9D ex, 9; U9E ex; U9Everyday English ex, ; U0opener ex, ; U0B ex; U0C ex, U6A ex; U6B ex; U7D ex; U8opener ex6; U8A ex, ; U8E ex; U9opener ex; U0A ex U6B ex; Case Study ex; U7B ex; U7E ex; U9E ex; U0E ex; Case Study ex U6E ex6; U9E ex6 U9C ex U8A ex6; U8D ex; U9A ex0; U9C ex7 Interaction (written) Overall written interaction: Can express news and views effectively in writing, and relate to those of others. U9D ex8 Production (spoken) Overall spoken production: Can give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples. Sustained monologue (putting a case in a debate): Can develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting his/her points of view at some length with subsidiary points and relevant examples Addressing audiences: Can give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. U0opener ex U0A ex7, 8 U0D ex, 6 U6B ex; U6E ex6; U8A ex; U0A ex; U0E ex 8 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 8
Production (written) Overall written production: Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources. Creative writing: Can write clear, detailed descriptions on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest. Reports and essays: Can write an essay or report which develops an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail. U7D ex8; U9D ex U0D ex8 U6D ex9; U8D ex9 Communication strategies Reception (spoken & written) : Can use a variety of strategies to achieve, including listening for main points; checking by using contextual clues. U6E ex; U7Video ex, ; U8Video ex, ; U8B ex; U8D ex8; U8E ex; Case Study ex; U9A ex; U9B ex; U9Video ex; U9D ex; U9E ex; U9Everyday English ex; U0Review ex, Interaction Planning: Can plan what is to be said and the means to say it, considering the effect on the recipient/s. U6D ex8, 9; U7A ex0; U9A ex, 9; U0A ex8; U0D ex7 Communicative language competence Linguistic range Vocabulary range: Has a good range of vocabulary for matters connected to his/her field and most general topics. Can vary formulation to avoid frequent repetition, but lexical gaps can still cause hesitation and circumlocution. U6opener ex; U6D ex6; U7opener ex; U7C ex; U7Video ex, ; U8Video ex; U9B ex; U9Everyday English ex; U0D ex,, U9D ex Linguistic control : Good grammatical control. Occasional slips or nonsystematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect. Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make : Lexical accuracy is generally high, though some confusion and incorrect word choice does occur without hindering communication. Phonological control: Has a clear, natural pronunciation and intonation. U6C ex U6A ex; U6B ex; UReview ex,, ; U6Review ex,, ; U7A ex7, 8, 9, 0, ; U7B ex,, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0,, ; U8A ex7, 8; U8B ex,, 6; U8E ex; U7Review ex, ; U8Review ex, ; U9A ex,, ; U9B ex, 6, 7; U9C ex,, 6, 7; U0A ex, 6, 7, 8; U0B ex,, 6, 7, 8, 9; U0C ex, 6, 8; U9Review ex U6opener ex; U6C ex, ; UReview ex; U6Review ex, ; U7opener ex; U7C ex6, 7; U8opener ex, ; U8A ex; U7Review ex; U8Review ex,, ; U0A ex; U0Review ex U6A ex, ; U7A ex,,, 6; U9B ex8; U9D ex,, 6, 7; U0C ex7 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 9 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 9
Orthographic control: Can produce clearly intelligible continuous writing, which follows standard layout and paragraphing conventions. U6D ex0; U0D ex8 Sociolinguistic Sociolinguistic appropriateness: Can express him or herself confidently, clearly and politely in a formal or informal register, appropriate to the situation and person(s) concerned. UReview ex; U7D ex, 6, 8; U7Everyday English ex; U7Review ex; U8Review ex; U9A ex; U9D ex6, 7, 8; U9Everyday English ex Pragmatic Spoken fluency: Can produce stretches of language with a fairly even tempo; although he/she can be hesitant as he/she searches for patterns and expressions, there are few noticeably long pauses. U9B ex9; U0C ex8 0 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 0
Aspire Intermediate CEFR mapping Framework level: B Unit Exploring the world Unit opener (page ) Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest., Sustained monologue Can describe events, real or imagined. Conversation Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can maintain a conversation or discussion but may sometimes be difficult to follow when trying to say exactly what he/she would like to. Unit a Young explorers (pages 6 7) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest.,, Conversation Listening to radio audio and recordings Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Can maintain a conversation or discussion but may sometimes be difficult to follow when trying to say exactly what he/she would like to. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express. 6 7 8 9 Unit b The music explorer (pages 8 9) Listening to radio audio and recordings Phonological control Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur., 6,, 7, 8, 9 Interviewing and being interviewed Can carry out a prepared interview, checking and confirming information. 0 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Unit c Making a difference (pages 0 ) Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest.,, Unit d Describing people (pages ) Vocabulary range Overall listening Overall spoken production Correspondence Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events. Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can reasonably fluently sustain a straightforward description of one of a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points. Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. Can write personal letters describing experiences, feelings and events in some detail.,, 6 7 Unit e Exploring cultures (pages ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest.,, 6,, Everyday English: At the campsite (page 6) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Overall listening Overall spoken interaction Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. Can exchange, check and confirm information, deal with less routine situations and explain why something is a problem., Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Unit What the world consumes Unit opener (page 7) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Vocabulary range Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events.,,, 6 Information exchange Can find out and pass on straightforward factual information. Unit a What the world consumes (pages 8 9) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Vocabulary range Listening to radio audio and recordings Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech., 6, 9 7, 8 Unit b Animal power (pages 0 ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express.,, 6, 7, 8, 9 Unit c Solar cooking (pages ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Phonological control Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur. Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. 6 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Unit d Environmental awareness (pages ) Listening to radio audio and recordings: Phonological control Addressing audiences Overall written production Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur. Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/ her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence., 6, 7 8 9 0, Unit e Our thirsty world (pages 6 7) Formal discussion Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. Can take part in routine formal discussion of familiar subjects which is conducted in clearly articulated speech in the standard dialect and which involves the exchange of factual information, receiving instructions or the discussion of solutions to practical problems.,, Unit Video worksheet: One village makes a difference (page 6) Watching TV and film Planning Addressing audiences Can extrapolate the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and deduce sentence meaning provided the topic discussed is familiar. Can catch the main points in TV programmes on familiar topics when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/ she can recall or find the means to express. Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/ her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision. Case Study The good earth (page 8) Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Unit Review (page 9) Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express., Unit Review (page 0) Overall written production Sociolinguistic appropriateness Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence. Can perform and respond to a wide range of language functions, using their most common exponents in a neutral register.,, Unit Global opinion Unit opener (page ) Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations.,, Unit a Decades of a vision (pages ) Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest., Listening to radio audio and recordings Sustained monologue (describing experience) Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Can give straightforward descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects within his field of interest. Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what he/she is trying to express.,, 6, 7, 8, 9 0 0 Unit b Crossing borders (pages ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest.,, 6, 9 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd
Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations., Sustained monologue: Putting a case Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions. 6 Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. 7, 8 Unit c Cultural diversity (pages 6 7) Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Planning Addressing audiences Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can extrapolate the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and deduce sentence meaning provided the topic discussed is familiar. Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/she can recall or find the means to express. Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision.,, 6 6, 7 7 Unit d For and against (pages 8 9) Overall listening Planning Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc., including short narratives. Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/ she can recall or find the means to express.,,, 6, 9 Sustained monologue: Putting a case Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions. 6 Goal-oriented co-operation Can make his/her opinions and reactions understood as regards possible solutions or the question of what to do next, giving brief reasons and explanations. 7, 8 9 6 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 6
Overall written production Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence. 0 Orthographic control Can produce continuous writing which is generally intelligible throughout. 0 Unit e Getting the message across (pages 0 ) Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Can extrapolate the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context and deduce sentence meaning provided the topic discussed is familiar. Everyday English: Giving your opinion (page ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Listening to radio audio and recordings: Planning Sociolinguistic appropriateness Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/she can recall or find the means to express. Can perform and respond to a wide range of language functions, using their most common exponents in a neutral register.,, Sociolinguistic appropriateness Sustained monologue: Putting a case Is aware of the salient politeness conventions and acts appropriately., Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions., Unit Culture and civilisations Unit opener (page ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest., Planning Sustained monologue (describing experience) Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/ she can recall or find the means to express. Can reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Unit a Festivals and celebrations (pages ), Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 7 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 7
Listening to radio audio and recordings Spoken fluency Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Can express him/herself with relative ease. Despite some problems with formulation resulting in pauses and cul-de-sacs, he/she is able to keep going effectively without help., 6, 7, 8 8 Unit b Archaeology (pages 6 7) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Listening to radio audio and recordings Phonological control Can understand the main points of radio news bulletins and simpler recorded material about familiar subjects delivered relatively slowly and clearly. Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations., 6, 7, 8 Unit c An ancient civilisation (pages 8 9) Planning Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/ she can recall or find the means to express.,,, 6 6 Unit Video worksheet: The lost temples of the Maya (page 7) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Watching TV and film Reports and essays Orthographic control Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Can catch the main points in TV programmes on familiar topics when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. Can summarise, report and give his/her opinion about accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his field with some confidence. Spelling, punctuation and layout are accurate enough to be followed most of the time.,,,, 6 7 7 Unit d Describing an event (pages 0 ) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations.,, 8 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 8
Sustained monologue (describing experience) Can give detailed accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions., 6, 7 Creative writing Can write a description of an event, a recent trip real or imagined. 8 Orthographic control Can produce continuous writing which is generally intelligible throughout. Spelling, punctuation and layout are accurate enough to be followed most of the time. 8, 9 Unit e Cultural treasure (pages ) Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Case Study The people of the north (page ) Information exchange Can exchange, check and confirm accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations., Unit Review (page ) Sociolinguistic appropriateness Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations. Can perform and respond to a wide range of language functions, using their most common exponents in a neutral register.,, Unit Review (page 6) Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Shows good control of elementary vocabulary but major errors still occur when expressing more complex thoughts or handling unfamiliar topics and situations.,,, Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 9 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 9
Unit A new home Unit opener (page 7) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Vocabulary range Sustained monologue (describing experience) Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events. Can reasonably fluently relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points. Unit a Home obsessions (pages 8 9) Vocabulary range Listening to radio audio and recordings Goal-oriented co-operation Addressing audiences Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Has a sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on most topics pertinent to his/her everyday life such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events. Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Can explain why something is a problem, discuss what to do next, compare and contrast alternatives. Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision., 6, 7 8, 9, 0 0 0 Unit b Living in space (pages 60 6) Conversation Can follow much of what is said around him/her on general topics, and can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of. Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with more predictable situations. Can maintain a conversation or discussion but may sometimes be difficult to follow when trying to say exactly what he/she would like to.,,, 6, 7 6, 7 7 Unit c A new home on Mars (pages 6 6) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest. 0 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd 0
Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests., Sustained monologue: Putting a case Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions, plans and actions. Unit d Renting a flat (pages 6 6) Overall listening Cooperating Information exchange Overall written interaction Creative writing Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. Can exploit a basic repertoire of language and strategies to help keep a conversation or discussion going. Can exchange, check and confirm accumulated factual information on familiar routine and non-routine matters within his/her field with some confidence. Can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics, check information and ask about or explain problems with reasonable precision. Can write straightforward, detailed descriptions on a range of familiar subjects within his field of interest., 6,, 7 7 Unit e Visiting someone s home (pages 66 67) Can give or seek personal views and opinions in discussing topics of interest., Planning Addressing audiences Can identify unfamiliar words from the context on topics related to his/her field and interests. Can work out how to communicate the main point(s) he/she wants to get across, exploiting any resources available and limiting the message to what he/she can recall or find the means to express. Can give a prepared straightforward presentation on a familiar topic within his/her field which is clear enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time, and in which the main points are explained with reasonable precision., 6 Everyday English: Find a flatmate (page 68) Spoken fluency Overall listening Phonological control Can keep going comprehensibly, even though pausing for grammatical and lexical planning and repair is very evident, especially in longer stretches of free production. Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents. Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job related topics, identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent. Pronunciation is clearly intelligible even if a foreign accent is sometimes evident and occasional mispronunciations occur.,,, 6 Aspire Intermediate National Geographic Learning 67_Aspire_Int_CEFR_rev0.indd