Conversant English – CEFR B2

Conversant English

The Common European Framework of Reference is a universally accepted standard for functional competence in any language – The British Council has adopted this framework to teach English. Our curriculum is based upon these. CEFR Level B2 indicates a Conversant level of English, as described below.

Definition
At the end of Conversant English CEFR Level  B2, Students will be able to:
  • Understand the main ideas of complex text on a variety of topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization.
  • Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Approach and Pedgagogy

Each lesson uses a highly interactive elements with videos and activities in a structured pedagogy for each class which is ideal for teaching practical skills - Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction as shown in the diagram. Each lesson includes hooking the students by a gripping video or activity, followed by visually and interactively explaining learning objectives, refreshing what was learnt earlier, a video based demonstration followed by group activities to practice. The class is tested through situational (not rote-based) interactive quizzes. This is followed by instructions of practice after class in the real world. The content is highly offering a Learning Management System (LMS) which hosts structured eLearning courses and tracks delivery of these classes. The interactive, practice-based eLearning curriculum with detailed step-by-step video-based lessons allows even private school student mentors with no previous teaching experience to easily run the classes. We structure each lesson using Gagne's nine events of instruction pedagogy,

  • To synchronize teaching English as a Second Language, this elementary English should ideally be taught 8-9 years AFTER govt. school students start learning English (traditionally in 1st grade). We recommend starting the B2 module in the 9th to 10th grade.
  • The total B2 course syllabus will be 40 lessons including assessments. Given tests and other constraints, 10-11 lessons can be realistically taught in one government school semester. So this CEFR level will extend over 4 government school semesters or two grades/academic years.
  • Lessons will be taught in weekly classes, typically on a Saturday as it is a holiday for private school students, but working for government schools.
  • We suggest mentors be from at least 2 grades above – with Students in 11th grade or higher who will be mature enough to run classes.
  • To ensure proper class management and supervision of small group activities, at least 2 peer teachers are recommended for each session.
  • We recommend the Govt. School teacher of the class be present to help manage the class. If not, we recommend an adult (parent or driver, etc. of one of the mentors) be present during the class to help teach and also bring gravitas to the class.
  • While the class is conducted in English, especially at the beginning, we require one of the mentors/teachers know the local language (Kannada).
Evaluation - Baseline
  1. An introductory video will explain the program and what to expect in classes.
  2. A common presentation/video based content and activities will be shown to the class students in this class to engage and educate them in a lively fun way
  3. While this is going on, students will individually taken to a separate space (from the common class) to assess their personal competence in spoken English. A standardized spoken English competency test will be administered. Each student will be asked to speak as per scripted questions and will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  4. As part of this individual assessment, Govt. school students will also be enrolled into the class cohort/batch to track attendance.

A: What do you want to be?
B: I want to be a doctor.
A: That’s great! I want to be a teacher.

A: I think online classes are helpful.
B: I prefer classroom learning.
A: That’s a good point.

A: Homework should be banned.
B: I don’t agree. It helps us learn.
A: Maybe, but we get too much.

A: I visited a science museum last week.
B: Really? What did you see?
A: Many interesting experiments.

A: I am good at drawing.
B: I am not. But I am good at math.
A: We can help each other.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential. 

A: What does your father do?
B: He is a mechanic.
A: My mother is a teacher.

A: Where does your sister work?
B: She works in a bank.
A: That sounds nice.

A: Tell me about yourself.
B: I am hardworking and honest.
A: Good. Why should we hire you?

A: Can you help me with this file?
B: Sure, give me five minutes.
A: Thank you!

A: What do you want to do after 10th?
B: I will study commerce.
A: I will take science.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this semester across both modules with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them. 
  2. Highlights of each lesson will be shown along with group practice for all students to speak and build confidence/skills.
  3. Group practice will  brush up and refresh their knowledge and improve skills with practice.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in ALL previous classes with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a summative test for all the modules taught in the semester – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE1 : This will be the same rubric that is used at the baseline assessment. This will allow us to compare the BEFORE and AFTER improvements in speaking competence. NOTE2: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  in future semesters – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  4. A fun closing event featuring participation certificates and awards!
Evaluation - Baseline
  1. An introductory video will explain the program and what to expect in classes.
  2. A common presentation/video based content and activities will be shown to the class students in this class to engage and educate them in a lively fun way
  3. While this is going on, students will individually taken to a separate space (from the common class) to assess their personal competence in spoken English. A standardized spoken English competency test will be administered. Each student will be asked to speak as per scripted questions and will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  4. As part of this individual assessment, Govt. school students will also be enrolled into the class cohort/batch to track attendance.

A: Which subject do you find difficult?
B: Chemistry. I need more practice.
A: I can help you.

A: Do you want to study in college?
B: Yes, I want to join engineering.
A: I want to study law.

A: Are you ready for the board exams?
B: Almost. I’m revising every day.
A: Let’s study together.

A: Do you attend online classes?
B: Yes, I use a mobile phone.
A: I find it easy to follow videos.

A: I don’t know what to do after school.
B: Talk to the career counselor.
A: Good idea!

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential. 

A: Let’s plan a trip this holiday.
B: Yes! Where shall we go?
A: How about Ooty?

A: I want one room for two nights.
B: AC or non-AC?
A: Non-AC, please.

A: Where is the check-in counter?
B: Over there. Do you have your ticket?
A: Yes. Thank you.

A: What did you see at the fort?
B: Old cannons and towers.
A: I want to visit it too.

A: Mysore Palace is beautiful.
B: Yes, I visited last summer.
A: I want to go next time.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this semester across both modules with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them. 
  2. Highlights of each lesson will be shown along with group practice for all students to speak and build confidence/skills.
  3. Group practice will  brush up and refresh their knowledge and improve skills with practice.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in ALL previous classes with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a summative test for all the modules taught in the semester – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE1 : This will be the same rubric that is used at the baseline assessment. This will allow us to compare the BEFORE and AFTER improvements in speaking competence. NOTE2: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  in future semesters – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  4. A fun closing event featuring participation certificates and awards!
Evaluation - Baseline
  1. An introductory video will explain the program and what to expect in classes.
  2. A common presentation/video based content and activities will be shown to the class students in this class to engage and educate them in a lively fun way
  3. While this is going on, students will individually taken to a separate space (from the common class) to assess their personal competence in spoken English. A standardized spoken English competency test will be administered. Each student will be asked to speak as per scripted questions and will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  4. As part of this individual assessment, Govt. school students will also be enrolled into the class cohort/batch to track attendance.

A: I lost my bag in the bus.
B: What color is it?
A: It’s blue with books inside.

A: Can you help me with this form?
B: Sure. What do you need?
A: I don’t understand this question.

A: This fan is not working.
B: I’m sorry. I’ll send someone.
A: Please fix it soon.

A: Sir, I lost my ID card.
B: When and where did you lose it?
A: Yesterday, in school.

A: I have a cold.
B: You should rest and drink warm water.
A: Thank you. I will.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential. 

A: Why is the lake dirty?
B: People throw waste in it.
A: We should clean it.

A: Turn off the fan when not in use.
B: Yes, we must save electricity.
A: Also, close the tap properly.

A: Our school should be clean.
B: We can do a cleaning drive.
A: Let’s ask the teacher.

A: Can we collect books for poor kids?
B: Great idea. Let’s ask our friends too.

A: Did you hear about the cyclone?
B: Yes, it hit the coast.
A: Many homes were damaged.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this semester across both modules with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them. 
  2. Highlights of each lesson will be shown along with group practice for all students to speak and build confidence/skills.
  3. Group practice will  brush up and refresh their knowledge and improve skills with practice.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in ALL previous classes with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a summative test for all the modules taught in the semester – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE1 : This will be the same rubric that is used at the baseline assessment. This will allow us to compare the BEFORE and AFTER improvements in speaking competence. NOTE2: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  in future semesters – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  4. A fun closing event featuring participation certificates and awards!
Evaluation - Baseline
  1. An introductory video will explain the program and what to expect in classes.
  2. A common presentation/video based content and activities will be shown to the class students in this class to engage and educate them in a lively fun way
  3. While this is going on, students will individually taken to a separate space (from the common class) to assess their personal competence in spoken English. A standardized spoken English competency test will be administered. Each student will be asked to speak as per scripted questions and will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  4. As part of this individual assessment, Govt. school students will also be enrolled into the class cohort/batch to track attendance.

A: Are you on social media?
B: Yes, I use Instagram.
A: I use WhatsApp to chat.

A: Did you watch that new movie?
B: Yes, it was fun and exciting!

A: Can you use a computer?
B: Yes, I can type and use email.

A: Do you play games on your phone?
B: Sometimes. I also watch videos.

A: Don’t share your password.
B: Okay, I’ll be careful.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential. 

A: I think uniforms are good.
B: I don’t. We should choose our clothes.
A: Uniforms create equality.

A: Let’s talk about exams.
B: They are stressful.
C: But they test knowledge too.

A: Once I got lost in the market.
B: What did you do?
A: I asked a policeman for help.

A: Today I will speak about plants.
B: Go ahead.
A: Plants give us oxygen.

A: Hello everyone, I’m your class leader.
B: Speak loudly, we can’t hear.
A: Thank you for listening.

  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this module with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a formative test for the module – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in previous classes in this semester across both modules with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them. 
  2. Highlights of each lesson will be shown along with group practice for all students to speak and build confidence/skills.
  3. Group practice will  brush up and refresh their knowledge and improve skills with practice.
  1. A common revision of all the competencies taught in ALL previous classes with  presentation/ video based content and activities will conducted for the class students to engage and educate them.
  2. While this is going on, a summative test for all the modules taught in the semester – based upon classes taught – on spoken English competency test will be administered for each individual student. The students will be assessed in a separate space (from the class) one by one.  Each student will be asked to speak as per a set of script questions and their answers will be rated against the simple progressive rubric based upon part of the CEFR  framework being taught. NOTE1 : This will be the same rubric that is used at the baseline assessment. This will allow us to compare the BEFORE and AFTER improvements in speaking competence. NOTE2: This will also be recorded (with permission). 
  3. This assessment, will be the basis for personalized, adaptive learning plan for that individual student  in future semesters – to enable them to learn to their maximum potential.
  4. A fun closing event featuring participation certificates and awards!