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The Open University

Everyday English 1

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

Would you like to improve your current English skills or perhaps remember areas you may have forgotten? This free course serves as good preparation for studying the formal English Essential Skills Level 1, which is available in Wales.  Whilst the course does not cover all aspects of the current  English Functional Skills Level 1 curriculum, available in England, you will learn tips and techniques to help you communicate more effectively in everyday life.  Working through the examples and interactive activities in this course will help you to understand the different ways in which we communicate and how to use simple techniques to improve your self confidence in taking part in discussions or writing letters or emails.Enrolling on this course will give you the opportunity to earn an Open University digital badge. The badge is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the subject. What you learn by completing the course will really help if you wish to enrol on a formal qualification.Once you are signed in, you can manage your digital badges online from your OpenLearn Profile. In addition, you can download and print your OpenLearn Statement of participation – which also displays your badge.This course has been produced as part of the Department for Education’s Flexible Learning Fund, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and with the kind support of Dangoor Education, the educational arm of The Exilarch’s Foundation. This course was written by Bedford College Group in partnership with Middlesbrough College, West Herts College and The Open University, in collaboration with Coleg Cambria, Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales, Coleg Gwent and the NPTC Group of Colleges.

Syllabus

  • Introduction and guidance
  • Introduction and guidance
  • What is a badged course?
  • How to get a badge
  • Session1Speaking and listening
  • Introduction
  • 1 Speaking and listening in everyday life
  • 1.1 Speaking
  • 1.2 Articulation, volume and speed
  • Articulation
  • Volume
  • Speed
  • 1.3 Listening
  • When should you listen carefully?
  • Responding appropriately
  • 1.4 Body language
  • 1.5 Discussions
  • 2 Formal and informal language
  • 2.1 Register
  • 2.2 Tone
  • 2.3 Being informal
  • 3 Non-verbal communication
  • 3.1 Expressions
  • 3.2 Verbal signals
  • 3.3 Body language
  • 4 Taking part in discussions
  • 4.1 Types of discussion
  • 4.2 Asking questions
  • 4.3 Answering questions
  • 4.4 Disagreeing
  • 4.5 Taking turns
  • 4.6 Encouraging others
  • 4.7 Making your point
  • 4.8 Speaking and listening assessments
  • 5 This session’s quiz
  • 6 Summary
  • Acknowledgements
  • Session2Reading
  • Introduction
  • 1 The texts you read
  • 1.1 What do you read?
  • 1.2 Why do you read?
  • 1.3 Being an active reader
  • 1.4 The purpose of texts
  • 1.5 Texts that instruct
  • 1.6 Texts that describe or explain
  • 1.7 Texts that persuade
  • 1.8 Texts that inform
  • 1.9 Intended audience
  • 2 Ways of reading
  • 2.1 Skimming or skim-reading
  • 2.2 Scanning
  • 2.3 Finding the main points
  • 2.4 Reading in depth
  • 2.5 Finding your way around texts
  • 3 Structure, presentation and layout
  • 3.1 Structure
  • 3.2 Layout and presentation
  • 3.3 Images
  • 4 Reading for detail
  • 4.1 Reading longer texts
  • 4.2 Answering the question
  • 5 Using the information you read
  • 5.1 To read or not to read
  • 5.2 Facts and opinions
  • 5.3 Finding and using information
  • 6 Reading different texts
  • 6.1 Reading for fun
  • 6.2 Highlighting the main points
  • 6.3 Reading important texts
  • 6.4 Topic sentences
  • 6.5 Guidance on reading assessments
  • 7 This session’s quiz
  • 8 Summary
  • Acknowledgements
  • Session3Writing
  • Introduction
  • 1 The writing process
  • 1.1 What you write down
  • 1.2 Planning writing
  • 1.3 Drafting
  • 1.4 Editing your writing
  • 1.5 Final version
  • 2 What you write
  • 2.1 Letters
  • 2.2 Emails
  • 2.3 Articles and news reports
  • 2.4 Speeches
  • 3 Spelling
  • 3.1 Look Say Cover Write Check
  • 3.2 Commonly misspelled words
  • 3.3 Memory aids
  • 3.4 Homophones
  • 3.5 Common spelling patterns and the exceptions
  • 3.6 New words
  • 3.7 Correcting your spelling
  • 4 Grammar
  • 4.1 Proper sentences
  • 4.2 Subjects and verbs
  • 4.3 Longer sentences
  • 4.4 Past, present and future
  • 4.5 Verb and subject agreement
  • 5 Punctuation
  • 5.1 Capital letters
  • 5.2 Ending sentences
  • 5.3 Commas
  • 5.4 Apostrophes
  • 5.5 Punctuation practice
  • 6 Writing for real
  • 6.1 Paragraphs
  • 6.2 Handwriting
  • 6.3 Writing for assessments
  • 6.4 Self-assessing
  • 7 End of course quiz
  • 8 Summary
  • End of course summary
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 3 Class Central reviews

4.3 rating at OpenLearn based on 79 ratings

Start your review of Everyday English 1

  • Introduction: "Everyday English 1" by The Open University via OpenLearn is a remarkable resource that offers an enriching experience for individuals eager to enhance their English language skills. Tailored to suit learners of all levels, this course…
  • Muhammad Waseem
    I recently completed an online English course that exceeded my expectations. The user-friendly platform, comprehensive curriculum, and interactive lessons made it a truly transformative experience. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, providing personalized feedback. The course's flexibility allowed me to learn at my own pace. I highly recommend this exceptional program for anyone looking to enhance their English language skills.
  • Anonymous
    hello,
    My name is Aung Kyaw Kyaw. I am from Myanmar. I am graduated from Mandalay University of my country. I have been study for a few years ago. I find this website on Tiptop. And I would like to learn with this Everyday English Class. I would like very much to have the opportunity to meet with you. So, please do not hesitate to call me and we can discuss how I can be an asset to your online class.
    Thank you for your time and have a great day!
    Sincerely,
    AUNG KYAW KYAW
    Email : [email protected]
    Contact No : +959 776 423 916 ( WhatsApp’s )

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