Intermediate English – CEFR B1

Intermediate 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 B1 indicates a intermediate level of English, as described below.

Definition
At the end of Intermediate English CEFR Level  B1, Students will be able to:
  • Understand the main points on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an English-speaking area.
  • Produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest.
  • Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

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 6-8 years AFTER govt. school students start learning English (traditionally in 1st grade). We recommend starting the B1 module in the 7th to 9th grade.
  • The total B1 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 9th 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: Meet my friend Ravi.
B: Hello Ravi, nice to meet you.
C: Nice to meet you too!Test Lesson

A: It’s a nice day, isn’t it?
B: Yes, very sunny.
A: Perfect for a game of cricket!Test Lesson

Lesson A: Do you like reading?
B: Yes, I read every day.
A: I prefer watching TV.

A: Would you like to come to my house?
B: I’m sorry, I have homework.
A: That’s okay, maybe next time.

A: Thank you for helping me.
B: You’re welcome!
A: Sorry I was late today.Test Lesson

  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 wake up at 6 a.m.
B: I do too. Then I help my mother.
A: I get ready for school after that.Test Lesson

A: Do you help your parents at home?
B: Yes, I wash dishes.
A: I sweep the floor.Test Lesson

A: We had a festival at home yesterday.
B: What did you do?
A: We decorated and cooked sweets.Test Lesson

A: What do you do for Deepavali?
B: We light lamps and burst crackers.
A: That sounds fun!Test Lesson

A: Where shall we go this Sunday?
B: Let’s visit the zoo!
A: Good idea.Test Lesson

  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: Did you go to the school fair?
B: Yes, I loved the food stalls.
A: I liked the games the most.Test Lesson

A: Are you ready for the exam?
B: A little nervous.
A: Let’s revise together.

A: Where did you go for the picnic?
B: We went to the science park.
A: What did you see?

A: Excuse me, can I ask a question?
B: Yes, go ahead.
A: I did not understand this part.

A: Sir, may I answer this?
B: Yes, please try.
A: The answer is 14.

  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: One ticket to Mysore, please.
B: Morning or evening?
A: Morning bus.
B: 70 rupees. Here is your ticket.

A: What time is the train to Chennai?
B: It’s at 6:30 in the morning.
A: Thank you!

A: Auto to Majestic?
B: Yes. 80 rupees.
A: Let’s go.Test Lesson

A: Excuse me, where is the post office?
B: Go straight, then left.
A: Thank you!

A: How was your trip?
B: It was good. I went by train.
A: Did you enjoy?
B: Yes, very much!

  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: What do you want to buy?
B: I want new shoes.
A: Let’s check the shoe store.

A: Is there any discount on this bag?
B: Yes, 10 percent off.
A: Great, I’ll take it.

A: This pen is ₹20. That one is ₹15.
B: Let’s buy the cheaper one.
A: Okay.

A: I want to return this shirt.
B: What is the problem?
A: It’s too small.

A: Do you have black socks?
B: Yes. Size?
A: Medium. Thank you.

  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’s wrong?
B: I have a headache and a sore throat.
A: Go see a doctor.

A: I need medicine for cold.
B: Take this syrup twice a day.
A: Thank you.

A: Doctor, I have stomach pain.
B: Since when?
A: Since yesterday morning.

A: Call the ambulance!
B: What happened?
A: Someone fainted.

A: Don’t run in the corridor.
B: Okay, I will walk.
A: Good.

  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: What is your hobby?
B: I like painting.
A: Show me your drawings sometime.

A: What do you do in free time?
B: I play the guitar.
A: That’s cool!

A: What are your plans for Saturday?
B: I will visit my uncle.
A: Nice. Have fun!

A: Do you like reading books?
B: Yes, especially comics.
A: I prefer watching movies.

A: Do you play any sport?
B: Yes, I play badminton.
A: Let’s play together someday.

  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 is your favourite festival?
B: I love Deepavali.
A: Me too!

A: What are you doing?
B: Cleaning for Ugadi.
A: We are making sweets at home

A: What did you eat on Sankranti?
B: Sugarcane and ellu bella.
A: Sounds tasty!

A: Come to my house for Eid.
B: Thank you. I will come.
A: We’ll have fun!

A: What do you do on Christmas?
B: We decorate a tree.
A: I want to see it.Test Lesson

  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!