Theme I: Concepts of Linguistic and Communicative Competences

1.1.        General and specific competences in language learning

First of all, it’s important to know the meaning of ‘’communication’’ because without it, it’s impossible to understand how I can learn other language like ‘’English’’ for example.

Communication is the way that two people use to transmit an idea, information, news and feelings but also create and share meaning.  the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else.

It’s nearly impossible to go through a day without the use of communication. Communication is sending and receiving information between two or more people. The person sending the message is referred to as the sender, while the person receiving the information is called the receiver. The information conveyed can include facts, ideas, concepts, opinions, beliefs, attitudes, instructions and even emotions.

Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside the mind and context of that other culture. Without the ability to communicate and understand a culture on its own terms, true access to that culture is barred. Why is this important? In a world where nations and peoples are ever more dependent upon on another to supply goods and services, solve political disputes, and ensure international security, understanding other cultures is paramount. 

1.2.        Functions of language

The language permits to have a better communication with other people, so I think that it’s very important to know different languages because you’ll can have communication with another cultures, people, and countries.

1.3.        The process of communication

Let's put all these components together to build a model of the communication process:

1. A sender encodes information
2. The sender selects a channel of communication by which to send the message
3. The receiver receives the message
4. The receiver decodes the message

Theme II: School life: starting a new class

2.1. Introduction and personal description of oneself

I’m a really friendly person… So, I think that I have in my life true friend and a real love… I hope to have a better economic life with the result of my university studies because and made a lot of sacrifices to finish it.

I’m married with a handsome man, his name is Giovanny and I have a beautiful little son. I’m pregnant and is a girl.. So I have all that I need in my life!

I hope to improve a little more my English language because I need to practice to have a better accent. So then, I’m sure to have a good job in a hotel.

2.2. Externalization of feelings and expectations the first day of class

First of all, I have to say that I’m very shy when I’m with other people speaking in English. I’m not sure that I have a good accent so when it’s necessary to speak, I forget all.

The first day of class was very interesting but I’m a little scared because is all in English… So, I’m happy because maybe I’ll can develop it speaking with the teacher and classmate.

2.3. Interview a new classmate for a newsletter

It’s important to know that ‘’Newsletter’’ is a small, printed (generally on letter-size paper), or published through other means, newspaper or digest aimed for a select audience on a narrow subject, or for circulation within an organization.

2.4. Ordering information in a paragraph and writing topic sentences

A paragraph is a series of sentences that are organized and coherent, and are all related to a single topic. Almost every piece of writing you do that is longer than a few sentences should be organized into paragraphs. This is because paragraphs show a reader where the subdivisions of an essay begin and end, and thus help the reader see the organization of the essay and grasp its main points.

2.5. The concept of Coherence in a text

I am still learning English. My English language professor has given me an assignment oncoherence and cohesion. But it seems difficult to me.

In composition, coherence refers to the logical connections that readers or listeners perceive in a written or oral text. Adjective: coherent.

2.6. The simple present tense revision

Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.

2.7. Connecting ideas with: also, and, so, but…

When and connects only two items within a sentence, no comma is used. When and connects three or more items in a series in a sentence, comma is used.

Example:

I also use a red pen to make my homework.

My father andmy mother are all my life.

So, when you going to work, call me.

I love you butI love him more.

2.8. Punctuation words: period, comma, open quote, closed quotes…

The symbol ’ used in writing. In English, it marks the possessive form of a noun, for example ‘Bob’s car’, or a place where one or more letters have been removed from a word or phrase, for example ‘isn’t’.

Theme III: Telephone technology.

3.1. Speaking on the phone: advantages and disadvantages

Almost everyone has a mobile phone these days. Everywhere you go, you’ll see people sporting the latest mobile phone models. Mobile phones have completely changed the way people interact. You can call, send text messages, read emails, play games as well as read and edit documents on the go. Today, the mobile phone has become part and parcel of many people’s lives. Leaving home without your phone is akin to leaving without your shoes on. Clearly, the mobile phone is one of the phenomenal inventions of this age. So what are the repercussions of constantly using these devices day in day out? Let’s find out the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones below.

Advantages:

-       Easy communication

-       Always connected

-       Multiple use

-       Emergency situation

Disadvantages

-       Constant interruption

-       Possibility of privacy leak

-       Distraction

3.2. Phone invitations: role plays

Role playing refers to the changing of one’s behavior to assume a rol.

3.3. Common expressions used when speaking on the phone

aking contact :	Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon ... This is John Brown speaking Could I speak to ......... please? I'd like to speak to ..... ..... I'm trying to contact ..........
Giving more information:	I'm calling from Tokyo / Paris / New York / Sydney ... I'm calling on behalf of Mr. X ...
Taking a call :	X speaking. Can I help you?
Asking for a name / information :	Who's calling please? Who's speaking? Where are you calling from? Are you sure you have the right number / name?
Asking the caller to wait :	Hold the line please. Could you hold on please? Just a moment please.
Connecting :	Thank you for holding. The line's free now ... I'll put you through. I'll connect you now  / I'm connecting you now.
Giving negative information :	I'm afraid the line's engaged. Could you call back later? I'm afraid he's in a meeting at the moment. I'm sorry. He's out of the office today. / He isn't in at the moment. I'm afraid we don't have a Mr./Mrs./Ms/Miss. ... here I'm sorry.  There's nobody here by that name. Sorry.  I think you've dialled the wrong number./ I'm afraid you've got the wrong number.
Telephone problems :	The line is very bad ...  Could you speak up please? Could you repeat that please? I'm afraid I can't hear you. Sorry. I didn't catch that.  Could you say it again please?
Leaving / Taking a message :	Can I leave / take a message? Would you like to leave a message? Could you give him/her a message? Could you ask him/her to call me back? Could you tell him/her that I called? Could you give me your name please? Could you spell that please? What's your number please?

3.4. Comprehension and analysis of a text about phone technology

Cell phones provide an incredible array of functions. Depending on the cell-phone model, you can:

• Store contact information

• Make task or to-do lists

• Keep track of appointments and set reminders

 • Use the built-in calculator for simple math

• Send or receive e-mail

• Get information (news, entertainment, stock quotes) from the internet

• Play games

• Watch TV

 • Send text messages

• Integrate other devices such as PDAs, MP3 players and GPS receivers

3.5. The different uses of the auxiliary Will.

Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:
*I will take this duty.

*Will you stop talking like that?

Used to express the future:
* It will rain tomorrow.

*The news will spread soon.

Used to express capacity or capability:
*This bucket will hold two gallons of water.

*This airplane will take 200 passengers.

Used to express determination, insistence, or persistence:
*I will do it as you say.

Theme IV: Living to eat or eating to live.

4.1. Descriptions of food

Any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken intothe body to sustain life, provide energy, promote growth, etc.

4.2. Expressions to order in a restaurant.

- Do you have any free tables?

- A table for …, please

- I'd like to make a reservation

4.3. Food and cooking vocabulary.

1. stir fry

Fry very quickly over high heat

2. boil

Change from a liquid to vapor

3. caramelise

Convert to caramel

4. frying

Cooking in fat or oil in a pan or griddle

5. bake

Cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven

6. cook

Transform by heating

7. carbohydrate

An essential component of living cells and source of energy

8. protein

An organic compound essential to living cells

4.4. The past tense revision.

Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in mind.

4.5. Giving examples with ¨Such as¨

I like to eat vegetables such aspotatoes, carrots, garlic, and much more.

Theme V: Health.

5.1. Holistic definition of health.

The general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundnessand vigor:

good health; poor health.

5.2. Vocabulary and expressions related to health.

• I have a headache / toothache / backache / stomachache / earache...
• I have a pain in my back / tooth / head...
• I have a broken / sprained / twist an ankle / wrist.
• I have a flu / cold / runny nose / fever / high temperature / sore throat
• I feel sick. I'm feeling nauseous.
• I have a bruise / cut / graze / wound.

5.3. Comparisons of traditional and modern treatments.

Traditional medicine is a term used for all different types of unscientific knowledge systems used within various societies ever since the dawning of mankind. It is also sometimes referred to as folk medicine, mainly due to the fact that it was gradually developed over generations. The most common practices of traditional medicine include traditional African medicine, Ifa, Muti, acupuncture, traditional Korean medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, Islamic medicine, ancient Iranian medicine, Unani, Siddha medicine, Ayurveda and herbal medicine. There are still certain regions of the world, especially in Africa and Asia where 80 percent of the population still relies on traditional medicine practices for most of their primary health needs. Traditional medicine is also used in the Western civilizations but it may sometimes lead to certain health hazards in cases when it is not used appropriately.

5.4. Transitional words and phrases: in addition, for example, however, nevertheless

- I feel very happy, however this morning I was very sad.

- I like history at school, for example the second war

	FIN.