Syllabus and Content

Unit 1 − Introductions
● Formal introductions
● Informal introductions
● Self-introductions
● Introducing other people
Unit 2 − Starting conversations
● Conversational openings
● Making small talk
Unit 3 − Developing conversations
● Asking appropriate questions
● Asking relevant follow-up questions
● Rebounding questions
● Responding to questions
Unit 4 − Making invitations and suggestions
● Making a suggestion or invitation
● Responding to invitations or suggestions
● Negotiating details
● Altering plans
Review of Units 1 − 4
● A review of the language functions practised in Units 1 − 4
Unit 5 − Likes/dislikes, feelings
● Talking about likes and dislikes
● Stating preferences
● Expressing emotions and feelings
Unit 6 − Requests
● Asking for things
● Asking someone to do something
● Offering to do something
● Accepting or refusing requests
Unit 7 − Opinions
● Asking for and stating opinions
● Agreeing and disagreeing with opinions
Unit 8 − Advice
● Asking for and giving advice
● Responding to advice
Review of Units 5 − 8
● A review of the language functions practised in Units 5 − 8
Appendices
● Transcripts
● Role cards
● Vocabulary lists
● Cast and characters
● Screen test answer keys
● Notes
Quick Links
main features aims and components syllabus and content unit structure sample material authors
Image from unit 1 video 1
Main Features at a Glance:

● Integrated package: textboook, 2 DVDs (or CDs) & self-study web site
● Designed for false beginner & lower intermediate learners
● Fits the 30-week academic year
● Plausible situations & practical communication focus
● Wide variety of accents
● 40 video clips, slideshows & more on 2 DVDs
● DVD subtitles, individual character’s audio and video switchable on or off
● Additional audio material online
● 11 interactive activities per web site unit
● Full & free online support
● Student online activities fully trackable by the teacher
● Audio & video clips downloadable to mp3 players and mobile phones
Aims and Components

The English Course is an integrated lower intermediate English language course for students from false beginner to lower intermediate levels. Speaking Book 1 is principally intended for young adult learners at college or university level. The aim of the course is to balance the communicative-based approach to language learning with cutting-edge technology, for both classroom use and student self-access study. The units in the textbook cover a variety of basic and useful functions. Each unit in the course includes the following: 4 video clips for listening comprehension, the demonstration of appropriate conversational settings and language use; 19 student speaking and listening opportunities; and 11 online revision/practice exercises on the student self-access web site, plus additional audio material for students to use.
dvd images
study centre image
Image from unit 4 video 1
Image from unit 5 video 2
Image from unit 8 video 2
Unit Structure

The graphic below shows the structure of each unit in this title. (Click to enlarge.)
Authors and Credits

This section gives information about the authors and cast/crew credits.
graphic showing the unit structure of Speaking Book 1
Sample Material

Click on the images below to see sample material from unit 4 of the textbook ('Making invitations and suggestions') and accompanying video material.
Sample video clip from unit 4 Click here to play a video clip from the DVDs
Click here to view content from the book
DVD video material
Textbook material
Study Centre book image Click here to view images from The Study Centre
Web site material
Gary Ireland (Author)

Gary Ireland image

Gary Ireland first came to Japan in 1986 and since then has taught students of every age and level in a variety of additional teaching positions, including a preparatory school, culture centre, vocational school and several business English centres. Gary began teaching in college and university in 1993 and has taught at six Tokyo colleges and universities since. After graduating from university and before settling in Japan, Gary spent several years travelling around the world, and has continued to travel as often as possible since being based in Japan. In total, he has travelled in over 50 different countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and Central America.
Kevin Murphy (Author)

Kevin Murphy image

Kevin Murphy first came to Japan in 1989 and has since taught at numerous universities and colleges in Tokyo and the UK. His main professional interests are pragmatics and curriculum development.
Max Woollerton (Author)

Max Woollerton image

Max Woollerton came to Japan in 1987 and began teaching English at a private language school before moving on to a vocational college, a preparatory school, a public high school and a school for overseas returnees. Max has taught in numerous other educational settings and his students have included people from all walks of life. Max began teaching in universities in 1999 and has taught at eight Tokyo universities. Max Woollerton is a Master of Education graduate of the University of Manchester's Education Technology and ELT programme. He is committed to the development of the use of technology in a practical and useful way within the Japanese EFL classroom. He hopes that The English Course will, as it develops, come to embody all of the positive aspects of using technology to learn a language. Max is also particularly interested in learner motivation and how to encourage it's development.

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