Re: Speakout 2nd Edition
Achmat Das
Speakout 2nd Edition: A Review
If you are looking for a general English course that will help you improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, as well as your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, you might want to consider Speakout 2nd Edition. This is a comprehensive six-level course for adults that has been developed in association with BBC Worldwide and BBC Learning English. In this article, we will review the main features and benefits of this course and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is Speakout 2nd Edition?
A comprehensive general English course for adults
Speakout 2nd Edition covers all the levels from Starter to Advanced Plus, following the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Global Scale of English (GSE). Each level consists of a Student's Book with DVD-ROM, a Workbook with Audio CD, a Teacher's Book with Resource and Assessment Disc, and an ActiveTeach interactive whiteboard software. The course also offers online components such as MyEnglishLab, an interactive learning platform, and Speakout Extra, a bank of additional practice materials.
A collaboration with BBC Worldwide and BBC Learning English
One of the most distinctive features of Speakout 2nd Edition is its use of authentic BBC video and audio content throughout the course. Each unit integrates clips from popular BBC programmes such as Sherlock, Planet Earth, The Apprentice and Doctor Who, as well as 'on the street' interviews with real people from different backgrounds and accents. These materials expose learners to a wide range of topics, genres and registers, and help them develop their listening and speaking skills in a natural and engaging way.
A balanced approach to topics and language skills
Speakout 2nd Edition aims to provide learners with a balanced approach to topics and language skills, building their confidence and competence in all areas. The topics are relevant and interesting for adult learners, covering themes such as culture, technology, travel, work and education. The language skills are developed systematically, with clear objectives and outcomes for each lesson. The course also focuses on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, with plenty of practice and feedback opportunities.
What are the features of Speakout 2nd Edition?
Authentic BBC video and audio content
As mentioned above, Speakout 2nd Edition incorporates authentic BBC video and audio content into every unit of the course. These materials not only provide learners with exposure to real and varied English, but also stimulate their interest and curiosity about different aspects of life and culture. The video clips are accompanied by pre-, while- and post-watching activities that help learners understand, analyse and respond to the content. The audio clips are also supported by tasks that develop learners' listening comprehension and pronunciation skills.
Personalised and communicative activities
Speakout 2nd Edition encourages learners to personalise the language they learn and use it in meaningful communication. The course offers plenty of opportunities for learners to express their opinions, preferences, experiences and ideas on various topics. The activities are designed to promote interaction, collaboration and discussion among learners, as well as between learners and teachers. The course also helps learners develop their fluency, accuracy and appropriacy in speaking English.
Study Booster for Spanish-speaking learners of English
Speakout 2nd Edition also offers a unique feature for Spanish-speaking learners of English: the Study Booster. This is a supplementary booklet that accompanies the Student's Book and provides additional practice and support for common challenges and difficulties that Spanish speakers face when learning English. The Study Booster covers areas such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling and punctuation, with clear explanations, examples and exercises.
Speakout Extra online resources
In addition to the printed and digital components of the course, Speakout 2nd Edition also provides access to Speakout Extra, a bank of online resources that can be used for extra practice, revision or extension. Speakout Extra includes worksheets, tests, videos, podcasts, wordlists and games that cover all the levels and units of the course. These materials can be downloaded or accessed online by teachers and students, and can be used in class or at home.
What are the benefits of Speakout 2nd Edition?
Increased confidence and motivation
One of the main benefits of Speakout 2nd Edition is that it helps learners increase their confidence and motivation in learning English. The course is designed to engage learners with interesting and relevant topics, authentic and varied input, personalised and communicative activities, and clear and achievable goals. The course also provides learners with regular feedback and self-assessment tools that help them monitor their progress and celebrate their achievements.
Exposure to real and varied English
Another benefit of Speakout 2nd Edition is that it exposes learners to real and varied English from different sources and contexts. The course uses authentic BBC video and audio content that showcase different genres, registers, accents and cultures of English. The course also introduces learners to different aspects of life in English-speaking countries, such as customs, traditions, values and attitudes. The course helps learners develop their intercultural awareness and competence, as well as their language skills.
Support for individual needs and challenges
A third benefit of Speakout 2nd Edition is that it supports learners with their individual needs and challenges. The course offers a range of components and resources that cater to different learning styles, preferences and abilities. The course also provides specific support for Spanish-speaking learners of English with the Study Booster booklet. The course allows learners to personalise their learning experience and work at their own pace.
Flexibility and convenience
A final benefit of Speakout 2nd Edition is that it offers flexibility and convenience for both teachers and students. The course can be used in different settings, such as face-to-face, blended or online classes. The course can also be adapted to different curricula, syllabi or timetables. The course provides access to online platforms such as MyEnglishLab and Speakout Extra that enable teachers and students to access the course materials anytime and anywhere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Speakout 2nd Edition is a comprehensive general English course for adults that has been developed in association with BBC Worldwide and BBC Learning English. The course offers a balanced approach to topics and language skills, with authentic BBC video and audio content, personalised and communicative activities, Study Booster for Spanish-speaking learners of English, and Speakout Extra online resources. The course also offers a number of benefits for learners, such as increased confidence and motivation, exposure to real and varied English, support for individual needs and challenges, and flexibility and convenience. If you are interested in trying out this course, you can order a teacher's sample or buy digital codes from Pearson's website . You can also find more information about the course on the Speakout website.
FAQs
- What are the levels of Speakout 2nd Edition?
Speakout 2nd Edition covers all the levels from Starter to Advanced Plus, following the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Global Scale of English (GSE).
- What are the components of Speakout 2nd Edition?
Each level of Speakout 2nd Edition consists of a Student's Book with DVD-ROM, a Workbook with Audio CD, a Teacher's Book with Resource and Assessment Disc, an ActiveTeach interactive whiteboard software, MyEnglishLab online platform, Study Booster for Spanish-speaking learners of English booklet, and Speakout Extra online resources.
- What are the main features of Speakout 2nd Edition?
The main features of Speakout 2nd Edition are authentic BBC video and audio content throughout the course, personalised and communicative activities in every unit, Study Booster for Spanish-speaking learners of English booklet that provides additional practice and support for common challenges and difficulties that Spanish speakers face when learning English, and Speakout Extra online resources that offer a bank of additional practice materials.
- What are the benefits of Speakout 2nd Edition?
The benefits of Speakout 2nd Edition are increased confidence and motivation in learning English, exposure to real and varied English from different sources and contexts, support for individual needs and challenges, and flexibility and convenience for both teachers and students.
- How can I access Speakout 2nd Edition?
You can access Speakout 2nd Edition by ordering a teacher's sample or buying digital codes from Pearson's website . You can also access the online components such as MyEnglishLab and Speakout Extra by registering with your access code or logging in with your username and password.