Editors' review
First, let's talk about what Talk a Lot Spoken English Course is not. It's not actually software. It's a 168-page PDF. So if you're looking for audio, video, or even color pictures, keep looking. You're not going to find it here.
Talk a Lot is not designed for self-study. The instructions make it clear that it's meant to be used in a classroom setting with an instructor, and the course relies heavily upon class discussion, show-and-tell activities, and small group work. This is a book for teachers, not students. Users may find that the course provides an innovative approach to ESL instruction, focusing strongly on speaking (and thinking) in English. The course provides detailed instructions to teachers on how to use the method, including sample dialogues between teacher and student to illustrate the course in action. The heart of the course consists of a sort of miniconversation built around a specific verb tense. This exercise forces students to think through scenarios in English and become comfortable using different verb tenses without the drudgery of grammar lessons. Vocabulary is woven through the course and grouped in themes such as town, home, work, and clothes.
Although the course focuses on speaking English, it also supplies quizzes and worksheets, as well as certificates of completion for course participants. The lone English-learner is not likely to gain much from this course, but ESL instructors looking for free course materials may find that Talk a Lot is just what they need.
Publisher's Description
Talk a Lot is a great new way to learn spoken English, and quite a departure from the standard ELT course book. Instead of spending hours reading and writing, students have the opportunity to engage in challenging and fun speaking and listening activities with their friends. On this course students learn how to think in English as well as Talk a Lot!
The course objectives are very simple: every student talking in English; every student listening to and understanding English; every student thinking in English; and every student taking part in class. Talk a Lot is structured so that every student can practice and improve English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation, word and sentence stress, and interpersonal skills, by working in pairs, groups and one to one with the teacher. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
