UNIT 1 UNIT 2 UNIT 3

How is semantic information stored in the bilingual brain? What is linguistic interference or negative transfer? Provide examples to justify your answer.* The Communicative Approach, despite its criticisms, has been very influential
in FL teaching. Why? Can you give examples of it?
Although there has been debate on this for a long time, the latest studies point to mental lexicon being stored Errors or mistakes derived from L1. (Structural, lexical, cultural, communicative, etc.). Textbooks are task oriented. Emphasis on the learner’s autonomy and
separately in three different groups: Concepts, L1, and L2. responsibility in the learing process. Very much used in CLIL and Task Based
Learning.
What is interlanguage? How does fossilization relate to it? They can transfer from any language known. What is the most important contribution of the Situational Approach to
Foreign Language Teaching?
Interlanguage is the autonomous language system created by L2 learners in between their L1 and the target one. How would you deal with interference in pronunciation, lexicon, and grammar? It finally gives scientific basis for the sequencing of the oral method, especially
the use of dialogs and pictures to introduce topics.
Interlanguage is fossilized when the process itself stops. Pronunciation: Tongue twister challenges, minimal pairs. Name advantages and disadvantages to the Silent Way Method.

Would you teach a second language the same way as a foreign language? If not, how would it be different? Justify
your answer.
It is not exactly the same, as the reality that they will find outside of the classroom in the L2 case will be more direct,
so we may need to adapt to their more pressing needs.
In your own words, what is the difference between input, intake, and output?*
Input: All information received (by the student).
Intake: The part of the input that is finally acquired/learnt.
Output: The student’s capacity of language production
In your own words, what is the difference between learning and acquiring a language?
Acquisition is a spontaneous, natural process usually happening in informal contexts. Thus, it is usually related to MT
and L1.
Learning is a conscious, more artificial process usually happening in formal contexts. Thus, it is usually related to FL
and L2.
What are the factors influencing linguistic or communicative competence? Give your own examples. *
1. Individual differences. E.g. Age, personality, attitude, aptitude.
2. Internal processes. E.g. Language transfer, learning styles.
3. Situational factors. E.g. Extrinsic motivation, social perception, learning
4. conditions, input quantity and quality.
How would you try to avoid and get over fossilization?
Lexicon (false Friends): Visual aids, role plays, lists.
Grammar: List of most common errors.
How are monolingual classes different from multilingual ones? As a teacher, would you act them
equally? Name a few advantages and disadvantages for teaching multilingual classes.
It is certainly different, as, in multilingual classes, we cannot use a common language, and the
backgrounds (linguistic and cultural) will be very different.
Advantages: Less temptation to use L1. More variation and diverse learning.
Disadvantages: More difficult communication. Different mistakes, learning styles and strategies
(cultural backgrounds).
Explain some of the strategies to motivate the use of the foreign language in a (monolingual)
class? Give your own examples to justify your answer.
· Discussion and awareness: Benefits of using as much FL as possible. —· Confidence building: It is
O.K. to make mistakes. —· Pre task help: Knowledge activation, useful vocab & structures... —· Time
limit & Traffic light: Specific periods where “No L1”, “Some L1”, or “L1 OK” can be specified. —· One
minute rule: If someone breaks it, they need to speak about a specified topic for one minute. —·
Assignation of roles for groups: Rotatory decision maker, spokesperson, secretary, etc. —·
Purposeful tasks: Design activities focused on the basic skills and their down to earth usefulness
(dialogues, role plays, etc.). —· Reward: Positive feedback (but necessarily not only that).
Name and exemplify tips for teaching multilingual groups (as opposed to monolingual).
Be open and respectful: Extra care with customs and habits.
Welcome the linguistic and cultural difference: Create a corner where all languages are compared
to the target one, multicultural library in English, etc.
Especial focus on the skills: Also, on interaction and culture.
Use diversity to foster interaction: E.g., new topics, differences and similarities, etc.
Work in small groups: Try avoiding the same L1 to avoid the comfort zone.
Do you think that the languages that we already know affect the learning of new ones? How?
Advantages: Emphasis on the student’s process of discovery and solving
(cognitive aspects). Consideration of the student’s psychology and
development.
Disadvantages: Lack of feedback. Slow progress. Teaching is very demanding.
Difficult beyond early stages. No support for language.
Name advantages and disadvantages to Total Physical Response.
Advantages: Influenced by Krashen’s affective filter and comprehensible input
(input+1) to avoid stress. Respect of the student’s “silent” period.
Unaggressive pedagogy. Very good for beginners.
Disadvantages: Difficult for heterogeneous classes and for adults. Need to be
complemented with other methods. Infantilization of adult learners.
Name advantages and disadvantages to Community Language Learning.
Advantages: Development of critical thinking. Cooperation to build knowledge.
Disadvantages: Not supported linguistically. Teaching is very demanding. Lack
of syllabus and unclear language objectives. Only suitable for small groups
Name advantages and disadvantages to the Grammar Translation Method.
Advantages: L1 is permitted; it is easy for teachers to apply; it helps mental
training and intellectual growth.
Disadvantages: Massive lists of rules and vocabulary; no real practice (beside
translation); lack of coherence with real use of the language.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Audio-visual and the
Structural Global Audio-visual methods?
Advantages: They show a progression in the introduction of content. Emphasis
on pronunciation and phonology. Use of Audio-visual content (drawings,
audios, film, slides, etc.).
Disadvantages: Sometimes the similarities between the utterances and the
visual content may be questionable. Teaching sequencing is too dogmatic.
Name advantages and disadvantages to the Direct Method.

· Encourage them to practice. Yes, at all linguistic levels (phonetics, semantics, pragmatics, grammar, etc.). (It is studied by Advantages: It covers the student's basic communicative needs (it is a
contrastive analysis.) predecessor to immersion); it focuses on the situation and (more) real
language use.
· Not focus on all mistakes. There is Linguistic Interference or negative transfer (errors because of the L1), but also positive Disadvantages: The methodology is unsystematic; teachers are expected to be
(when L1 helps or is similar to the FL). native speakers of the FL; beyond early stages, it may be difficult to apply.
· Praise (and make them realize about) their improvement.
· Motivate….
In your own words, what is the difference between Bilingualism and Multilingualism?
Bilingualism is the ability to express oneself in two languages, while multilingualism includes more than two
languages (or their coexistence).
In your own words, what is the difference between code switching and code mixing? Has it ever happened to you?
When and how?
Code switching: Within the same conversation. Maybe unintentional, but natural.
(Code switching can be tag switching [for exclamations and question tags] or inter sentential [in different sentences,
keeping both languages right].)
Code mixing: Within the same clause or sentence. Almost always unintentional.
Do you think that, in order to be bilingual, you need to have equal (native) balance? Justify your answer.
Not necessarily. In fact, equal balance bilingualism is very, very difficult.
In your own words, what is the difference between Mother Tongue and First Language?
L1: Acquisition within the social context.
MT: Spoken by the family/primary carer, at home. There can be more than one MT, and it may or not coincide with
the L1.
In your own words, what is the difference between Foreign Language and Second Language?
(They are sometimes used as synonyms, though.)
FL: Used within / limited to educational contexts.
L2: Social exposition outside of the classroom.
Name typical interferences of Spanish speaking students of English as a Foreign Language. Explain
ways to prevent this type of mistakes.
· Explain me, listen me and say me —· I have a good new —· Give an advice —· I am agree —·
Childrens, foots, tooths,… —· I like food Italian —· Too much people / People is very nice —· I have
15 years —· Excessive use of article the —· Number (and gender) —· Adjective order —· Subject
omission —· For to —· ed vs ing adjectives —· Modal verbs + to —· Less passive voice use —· False
friends
Name false friends in English (for Spanish speakers). Explain ways to prevent this type of
mistakes.
1. Diversion desvío; fun diversión —2. Actually en realidad; currently actualmente —3. Assist
ayudar; attend asistir —4. Conspirted estreñido —5. Sick enfermo.
Make them aware of the possible negative practice and deal with them individually.
In your own words, what is Content and Language Integrated Learning? How does it affect you as
a teacher of English as a Foreign Language?
CLIL: Bilingualism in education: Non-linguistic subjects and courses are taught in a foreign language.
We as teachers of FL should know what is needed in the non-linguistic (content) areas in order to
support them providing the language as a communication tool, within our possibilities.
How can you prevent interference mistakes or negative transfer in the learning of English as a
Foreign Language? Provide your own examples to justify your answer.
Make them aware of the possible negative transfer. (This does not mean that all of them need to be
managed, though… nor that we do nothing about them.)
Interference is found in all linguistic levels. Phonetics, e.g. vowels, especially schwa /ә/. Semantics,
e.g. verb dualities such as lend/borrow. Pragmatics, e.g. the use of plain imperative is rude.
Grammar, e.g. dropping the subject.
We need to deal with them individually.
· Pronunciation: Tongue twisters & challenge. Minimal pairs
· Lexicon & false friends: Visual aids (especially humor). Role plays
Name advantages and disadvantages to the Audiolingual Method.
Advantages: It was backed by linguistic research. Use of pictures for didactic
material; use of pedagogy and more focus on the student.
Disadvantages: Still, there is no focus on communicative competence or
creativity, but rather repetition and habit formation.
How has the Oral and/or Situational Language Teaching Method influenced
foreign language teaching?
Use of dialogs and pictures to introduce the topic.
The teaching sequencing is still used: (1) presentation / introduction of the
item through dialogs; (2) Controlled practice through repetition; (3) “Free”
production or transfer of knowledge through parallel situations.
How has the Direct Method influenced foreign language teaching?
It is the first focus on real oral communication; it uses everyday vocabulary and
structures not through lists, but through association and demonstrations. It is
somehow the pioneer to the more communicative current approaches.
How has the Direct Method influenced foreign language teaching?
The use of repetition and pattern practice to interiorize structures; separation
of the different skills to deal with them individually; value of practice; language
laboratories; importance of vocabulary graded control.
How has Total Physical Response influenced foreign language teaching?
Linked to Natural approach (Affective filter, comprehensible input).
Importance of respect for beginners’ “silent” period. Especially useful for
children. “Simon says” kind of exercises.
How has the Natural Way influenced foreign language teaching?
The importance of the Natural Approach is the idea that, even though there is
learning involved, through a correct input and the emotional preparation of
the students, we can “soften” the learning, almost make it as an acquisition of
the language (L2/FL is learned like the L1) through a real, authentic use of the
materials, and the appropriate pacing of the tasks.
How has Community Language Learning influenced foreign language
teaching?
Echoed in cooperative learning. Teacher’s role is very present. Value of the
learner’s experience.
How has the Silent Way influenced foreign language teaching?

What factors influence the use or knowledge of a specific language? · Make lists: Most common errors. Potential problems It is echoed in cooperative learning. The teacher’s role is very involved. The
learner is conscious of his/her experience.
· Means of acquisition/learning (age, input/intake). · Specifically created materials: Textbooks and own Based on contrastive analysis. What is the most important contribution of the Situational Approach to
Foreign Language Teaching?
· Skill development (which ones, levels). What is contrastive analysis and how does it help the learning of foreign languages? Provide your It finally gives scientific basis for the sequencing of the oral method, especially
own examples to justify your answer. * the use of dialogs and pictures to introduce topics
· Functions for the language used. Contrastive analysis is helpful to identify interference, as it is the comparison of both linguistic What would you consider to be the influence of the Audio-visual and the
systems to predict errors and difficulties so that it has the ability to predict and plan strategies to Structural Global Audio-visual methods in Foreign Language Teaching?
avoid them.
· Social context (location, speaker's relationships, topics). UNIT 5 Use of Audio-visual material (especially films). Use of language labs and
teacher's book.
In your own words, what are the cognitive and language development advantages to bilingualism?
1. There are no advantages in language development (acquisition), but there are cognitive ones:
2. More nerve connections and activation of neuronal areas.
3. More efficiency and flexibility.
4. Prevention of cognitive decline.
5. Enhancement of concentration ability.
What drives speakers to speak a specific language? Name factors that influence the use or knowledge of a specific
language.
The means of acquisition/learning (age, input, intake), the degree of development for each skill, the functions for
which the language is used, and the choice depending on the social context.
Do you consider yourself bilingual (or multilingual)? If so, define your type of bilingualism (or multilingualism)
considering the context, proficiency, age, social consideration, etc.
Open answer, considering: —· Social bilingualism (the community using two languages) vs individual bilingualism (the
person using two languages). —· Context: coordinate (separate,simultaneous), compound (compound,
simultaneous), subcoordinate (separate, consecutive). —· Proficiency: balanced (equal)vs dominant (one more than
the other). —· Age of acquisition: childhood, adolescent, adult.
UNIT 4
How would you present in class the necessity to learn English? Reason your answer.
It is a lingua franca nowadays.
English is all around us, including the Spanish language. Anglicisms are not infrequent, in many areas: Technology and
telecommunications. Leisure. Visual arts (fiction). Sports. Media: Magazines, television, radio. The Internet.
Explain Braj Kachru’s circles of English. Provide examples of your own. *
As English is a global language, we may find different uses of it by natives and non-natives.
Inner circle: Norms developed. Traditional historical English-speaking regions. E.g. USA, UK, Republic of Ireland,
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.
Outer circle: Norms developing and mixing. Diaspora & Empire. English as lingua franca between ethnicities,
government, commerce, etc. E.g. India, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Jamaica.
Expanding circle: Norms followed. English as a FL / language of foreign communication. More than 100 countries list
as the major FL.
Do you think English will continue being used as “the” lingua franca? Why (not)?
What is the main focus of English for Specific Purposes as opposed to English as a Foreign
Language? Reason your answer.
It focuses on the learners’ needs, as it is goal directed.
It is not a special variety, but rather a different approach: It needs to focus on communication in the
specific context and specific vocabulary, not simply grammar and general communication.
It focuses on professional adults with some basic knowledge of English.
What is the most complicated part of teaching English for Specific Purposes? Name difficulties
pertaining the teaching of English for Specific Purposes and justify or exemplify your answer.
Terminology. We need to balance the subject content and the language.
Provision of interaction opportunities. Ask them about the subject to help develop their fluency.
Creation of input and output-based strategies. Provision of comprehensible, specific input as a basis
for the later output, i.e. students are placed in situations where they have to produce the language.
Cross cultural elements. Is it possible to translate the concepts or situations from their L1?
Resource selection. More than ever, materials need to be engaging to become autonomous
learners. Scaffolding and constructive feedback.
What elements should be considered in order to help students understand how discourse is
affected when teaching English for Specific Purposes. Give examples to justify your answer.
Use a competence-based approach on their needs (language and specific purposes).
Teach the underlying knowledge (the culture on the field).
Develop strategic competence (real life practice).
Raise critical awareness (help them find a better position in learning the language).
Explain the difference between English as a Foreign Language and Business English as a Lingua
Franca.
Skills required for successful interaction: Native speaker like language vs Business communication +
Strategic
Speaker aims: Emulation of native speaker discourse vs Get the job done
Culture: Native national vs Business communities and individual backgrounds
English ownership: Natives vs Nobody and everybody
English Learnt by: Non-natives vs Natives and non-natives.
What are the most important contributions of the Reading Method to
Foreign Language Teaching?
The Reading Method’s most important contributions are the graded readings
and the specific techniques very useful to reading, such as skimming and
scanning.
Despite having been heavily criticized, why do you think Grammar
Translation has stood the test of time? Justify your answer.
Some of the techniques and approaches are still used in that it focuses very
much on grammar and vocabulary, which are key aspects in FL
learning/teaching.
What makes Humanistic (or holistic) methods so peculiar? Have you ever
been trained in any of these Humanistic Approaches? How was your
experience? Would you use them in class?
Humanistic methods, beginning approximately in the 1960s, brought
psychology to FL teaching, together with the focus on individual characteristics
and learning styles. Thus, the student is regarded as a whole (rational, but also
emotional).
Interest in psychology rather than linguistics. Minimizing anxiety, focus on self-
confidence and experience.
Out of all the methods and approaches seen, which one do you like best and
why? {Grammar Translation, Direct, Audiolingual, Oral, Silent Way,
Community Language Learning, Natural, Suggestopedia, Total Physical
Response, Reading, Situational, Audio-visual, Structural Global Audio-visual.
Open answer. Expected: Advantages of them.
How has your language learning experience been regarding different
methodologies and approaches to Foreign Language Teaching? Describe your
experience critically stating advantages and disadvantages to the
methodology / methodologies used.
How has your language learning experience been regarding different
methodologies and approaches to Foreign Language Teaching? Describe your
experience critically stating advantages and disadvantages to the
methodology / methodologies used.
Name advantages and disadvantages to Suggestopedia.
Advantages: Affectivity and the learning environment is taken into
consideration. Importance to motivation and self-confidence (conscience of
the negative aspects and need for reduction of the students’ stress.
Disadvantages: No linguistic support. Possible fatigue from the experience
(very demanding for students and teachers). Only for small groups.
How did the Second World War affect the teaching of Foreign Languages?
The invasion / reconquering of Europe, with all the different countries and
their languages, created a necessity for soldiers to learn quickly how to
communicate. That is how the Audiolingual and the Oral methods “replaced”
the (more paced) Grammar Translation one.
How has Suggestopedia influenced foreign language teaching?
It influenced later FL teaching especially on the importance of the environment
and the emotional to enhance the learning.
Why do you think the Classical Methods of Foreign Language Teaching have
stuck around?
Open answer.
Open answer.
There may be others, but the more the language is established, the most possibilities it continues to be so, especially
in a global world and communication society. Still, historically, other languages were “the” lingua franca (Latin,
French, etc.), but as soon as the civilizations or the countries attached to those languages faded, so did they.
(Firefly / Serenity case with Chinese.)
Do you have a favorite variety of English? Which one and why?
Which variety or varieties would you teach in the English as a Foreign Language classroom? Why?
Open answer.
Probably the best would be our own, the one in which we are more fluent and comfortable with its culture.
How has History influenced the raising of English as a most powerful language today?
UK and its Empire: North America from the 16th 17th centuries (religion and
commerce). Australia and New Zealand from the 18th century (convicts). Territories of Asia and Africa (trade).
WWII and the rise of the USA as the most powerful Western country.
In Science and technology it is also the lingua franca.
What are the semantic fields most influenced by English in Spanish?
Technology and telecommunications. Leisure. Visual arts and fiction. Sports. Media (press & magazines, televisioón,
radio), the Internet.
Is there a “best” English to be taught? Why (not)?
Not really. Probably the best English is our own, the one in which we are more fluent and comfortable with its
culture. In Europe traditionally it’s been the British (including Received Pronunciation), but, for practical reasons,
American English (General American) might be more interesting (after all, English is a lingua franca thanks to the USA
influence on the world
Are varieties of English important for learners? Why (not)?
It is important that our students are exposed to different varieties of English (and even their cultures), as it will prove
them the language is actually spoken worldwide with their own different cultures associated to it.
How many languages, do you think, have deeply influenced Present day English?
How is English for Specific Purposes different from English as a Foreign Language?
It focuses on the learners’ needs, as it is goal directed.
It is not a special variety, but rather a different approach: It needs to focus on communication in the
specific context and specific vocabulary, not simply grammar and general communication.
It focuses on professional adults with some basic knowledge of English.
How can we help our students understand the discourse as well as the cultural values of English
for Specific Purposes?
Use a competence-based approach on their needs (language and specific purposes).
Teach the underlying knowledge (the culture on the field).
Develop strategic competence (real life practice).
Raise critical awareness (help them find a better position in learning the language).
What does Global Communicative Competence imply in Business English as a Lingua Franca?
· Global Communicative Competence includes: —· Communicative competence (language skills).
—· Multicultural competence (management of situations in different cultures). —· BELF
competence (specific communication skills). —· Business knowhow (specific business knowledge).
—· What steps would you take to prepare an ESP English for Specific Purposes course? —· Needs
analysis. What will they require? —· Curriculum design. Vocabulary, structures, suprasentential
elements, discourse creation (cohesion & coherence), skills needed, etc. —· Material and
methodology selection. How is the syllabus going to be developed? —· Assessment. Diagnosis and
feedback on performance. —· Evaluation. Appraisal of goal and standard achievement. —Also
possible: —· Need analysis (what the students will require). —· Curriculum design (vocabulary,
grammar, discourse, skills needed). —· Selection of methodology and material (best to be
achieved). —· Diagnosis and feedback on performance (assessment). —· Evaluation of goals
achieved.
Name the characteristics of Business English as a Lingua Franca.
BELF is:
· A shared resource by international trade professionals.
· It is a global language, not a variety of English.
· It is related to multiculturalism and multilingualism.
· It involves knowledge and skills.
· It relies on context and use.
Why does Business English as a Lingua Franca exist?
First consideration of FLT. Some of their techniques have evolved, but the
attention to the vocabulary, grammar, translation, and written skills (Grammar
Translation) and the oral ones, especially focusing on practicality and
associations (Direct Method) have been passed on to later methodologies.
The Natural Approach’s Input Hypothesis refers to the idea that, in order to
move forward in a stage i, the input received by the student needs to be
really i+1. Why do you think that is?
f the input is just (or below) the students' level, they will not advance in their
knowledge. If it is too far or too difficult, they will demotivate and frustrate, as
it is unattainable.
(This does not apply to assessment instructions, where the level needs to be
slightly below the students’; the instructions should not be a comprehension
test.)
What are the advantages and disadvantages to the Reading Method?*
Linked to Natural approach (Affective filter, comprehensible input).
Importance of respect for beginners’ “silent” period. Especially useful for
children. “Simon says” kind of exercises Advantages: Useful for large groups.
Teaching skills are not very demanding. Useful to learn vocabulary.
Disadvantages: Only/Largely focused on reading (not oral skills). Too controlled
from / focused on the grammatical and vocabulary.
UNIT 6
What is really the complexity of the term "Culture"?
Culture is a very complex term:
· It helps determine humans as part of a community or society.
· It emerges from our needs as a social group.
· It is the set of values, costumes, beliefs, and practices which constitute a
community’s way of life.
· It involves aesthetic, sociological, semantic, and sociocultural senses.
· It is the cultivation of the land.
· It helps create a sense of unity through language, and the ideas and practices
expressed by it.
What cultural identities predominated in the English as a Foreign Language
classroom when you were a student? Why do you think that was?
Open answer.
Traditionally, textbooks tend to focus on UK and USA cultures.
· Base: Anglo Saxon. —· Originally: Celtic and Latin, then Germanic. —· 6th century: Christianity (back to Latin). —·
Dane Law: Scandinavian raids between 8th and 10th centuries. (Loss of inflections). —· 1066: Norman conquest
(French for upper classes.) —· Renaissance: Back to classic languages. —· Empire: Influence of the languages of the
colonies.
Would you use any of this History of the English Language in class? How and for what?
Open answer.
It would be interesting to make them aware of the complexity of the English Language: Why there is much variation
in pronunciation and spelling, the different plurals, etc. Plus, it adds the idea of culture and history of Great Britain.
Would you consider Present Day English a synthetic, or an analytic language? Justify your answer providing your
own examples. *Synthetic: With inflections.
Analytic: (Almost) No markings and inflections.
What are the main characteristics of English for Specific Purposes?
It is not a special variety, but rather a different approach.
It has communication as its main goal, not just grammar and general vocabulary. Rather, specific lexicon and
contextual communication.
It requires no particular methodology or teaching material.
It is limited in time and goal directed (focusing on the learners’ needs).
It focuses on professional adults with some basic knowledge of English.
Has the English Language suffered any external change? Give examples to provide your answer.
Contacts with other languages, innovations and new issues, political and social identity, etc.
How do you think English is used in Spain today? Do you think it will change? If so, how?
We tend to have good grammar, but little practice. Generally, our level is probably better than we think, probably
because of our lack of interaction in our learning history.
What are the consequences of the wide usage of English as a lingua franca today? Provide your own examples to
justify your answer.
Learning of English for specific (international) purposes: Business English.
Influences of other languages in English and Interna(tiona)lisation.
World Englishes and Basic Global English.World Englishes (a.k.a. New English): Varieties of English influenced by the
local language.
Has the English Language suffered any internal change? Give examples to provide your answer.
The needs of the language (e.g. vowel shifts, synthetic to analytic, etc.).
Do you consider English as today’s lingua franca? Why (not)?
It is clearly a very powerful language, and the countries that speak it (e.g., USA) are the most influential economically,
politically, culturally, etc.
There is a need for a common language to communicate in trade, but, being worldwide, most users How can we include culture in the English as a Foreign Language class?
are not native English speakers. In this sense, English becomes a neutral, equal, and non-culturally
dependent language.
Why is it necessary to understand the cultural discourse in English for Specific Purposes? Reason It should be done regularly using the target language as much as possible,
your answer. realia (oral and written texts), in activities (quizzes, roleplays, research
projects, etc.).
Use a competence-based approach on their needs (language and specific purposes). If you had to teach about the UK, what would you teach and why?
Teach the underlying knowledge (the culture on the field). Open answer.
Develop strategic competence (real life practice). UK vs GB vs England.
Raise critical awareness (help them find a better position in learning the language). Accent.
What are the linguistic analyses or stages that should be considered when dealing with English for Celebrities.
Specific purposes?
Register analysis (identification of specific grammar and lexicon); Discourse analysis (text Flag & symbols.
organization patterns, cohesion, coherence); Target situation analysis (procedures, motivation and
needs).
Have you ever attended an English for Specific Purposes course? Which one was it and how was Music.
your experience? If not, which one would you like to attend and why?
Open answer. Why are ESP important and useful? What culture do you think should be taught in the English as a Foreign
Language class? Why?
As an instructor, what should your needs or requirements be before teaching an ESP course? Open answer.
Justify your answer. *
Teachers should be experts on both language and the specific field. Both, as they both complete the Language targeted. They both are usually
represented in textbooks (mainly UK and USA), but we need to think of English
as a global language and full of cross-cultural communication.
It is essential that teachers be familiarize with the textbook to be used. How does Society affect Language? *
We must make sure of our learners’ needs: What do they need English for? In what contexts will it Society unites people, creating a sense of identity, which is also shaped by
be used? (Sociolinguistic and geographical setting) What skills do they need especially developed? language. This sense of identity needs to be produced through interaction,
We ought to re-evaluate the material and find extra to complete their demands. performed mainly by Language.
UNIT 8 How does Culture affect Language? *
What do you know about the history of radio in English speaking countries? And about its Culture, being a set of values, costumes, beliefs, and practices, is both shaped
categorization? and shapes Language, which becomes a necessary means to transmit it
through generations.
English was the first language used in radio transmissions and commercial stations (1906, 1920s). How does History affect Language? *
The BBC was established in 1922. Invasions and external changes.
There are two types of radio stations: How does Identity affect Society, Language, History and Culture?
General, including information, magazines, and other shows. Identity is the sense of recognition and sharing within a community (feelings,
thoughts, ideas, etc.), so it is connected with History through the awareness of
the community’s common past.
Specialized, each one specifying on music, sports, news, etc. It relates to society through the feeling of being part of that community or
constructed group.
How would you organize a lesson with media having a major role in it? It is key to uphold Culture as another way of tying the community and its
traditions together.
1. Warm up activities and pre tasks (to prepare a framework and review the main vocabulary and Language is very useful to create that identity, especially as being opposed to
structures). another community.
2. During tasks (to keep attention). If you had to teach about the USA and Canada, what would you teach and
why?
(Lingua franca: Used mainly for trading when there is no common language. I.e., in theory, it excludes native
speakers.)
What is the historical downside of English having become a most powerful language today?
Feelings towards the colonization (and the language) are diverse.
It is a powerful language, a lingua franca (business and communication), but it brings with it brings about the
diminishing of the local languages.
Acculturation.
UNIT 7
Would you use only literary masterpieces in the English as a Foreign Language class? Justify your answer providing
your own examples. *
Open answer.
Not necessarily, due to the level, or the motivation. Still, it would be interesting to tackle both canonical and non-
canonical works.
What is Literature for you? Does Does it include only masterpieces? Justify your answer.
Originally, its meaning was just the grammar, or the writing formed with letters, but later it expanded to refer the
means for passing on the written cultural heritage from one generation to another. It is traditionally related to the
“Big C” culture. Lately it has included not only masterpieces, but also pop music and non-traditional forms.
What is literature for young adults? Can you think of specific characteristics of young adult readers?
Open answer.
Young adults are very diverse (backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, values, etc.) and also digital natives that
engage with Literature in non-traditional ways, social networks, fanfiction, etc. This may be the way to appeal to
them through non-conventional texts.
Is teaching literature in the FL the same as teaching the FL through literature?
No. It is different in both aims and ways. Teaching FL through Literature focuses on teaching the skills, while teaching
Literature focuses more on the subject matter.
What is Literature for Young Adults? Name literary works for young adults. Why is it a difficult concept?
Open answer.
The Catcher in the Rye. The Outsiders. The Babysitter’s Club. The Giver. American Born Chinese.
It is a difficult term because of:
· Different perspectives (publishers, teachers, etc.).
· Definition of “young adult”.
· Something more than traditionally written literature.
3. Follow up activities and final task(s) (to deepen the knowledge).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Situational Approach?
Advantages: Very useful in early stages and introduction to the language. No need for many
resources. Good for pronunciation and vocabulary. Emphasis on practice.
Disadvantages: Too directed by the teacher, the learner has no control of his/her process. No
creativity.
What do you know about the history of television in English speaking countries? And about its
categorization?
The first TV transmission was in 1936 (Berlin Olympic games). In the USA, the regular service started
in 1939 and became very important for entertainment, advertising, and propaganda during WWII.
There are two types of television:
Regular television network and channels.
Streaming services, such as Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, Twitch… which are
very popular among young adults.
What is the role of Internet as medium for the use of English (as a foreign language)?
English is the most international language on the Internet. Around 80% of the world’s electronically
stored information is in English, and 65% of the internet hosts are in the USA.
What steps do you think should be taken to plan the usage of literary and Audio-visual resources
in class?
1. Warm up activities and pre tasks (to prepare a framework and review the main vocabulary and
structures).
2. During tasks (to keep attention).
3. Follow up activities and final task(s) (to deepen the knowledge).
Which television channels/networks in English do you know? What is their editorial policy?
UK: Channel 4, Sky TV, BBC, ITV.
Ireland: RTÉ.
USA: CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX.
Canada: CBC, Global, CITV.
Australia: ABC, SBS.
Have you ever used newspapers or magazines in class (as student or teacher)? How? (If you have
not, imagine how you would).
Open answer.
Composition.
Independence, Constitution & Civil War.
Accents.
Flag & symbols.
How do Language, History, Society, Identity, and Culture relate?
Language brings communication to communities.
Society is the community conscious of being so.
Culture includes the knowledge, traditions, etc. of a community.
History refers to the reconstruction of a community’s past, the facts evaluated
and analyzed.
Do you think Culture should be a key element in Foreign Language Teaching?
Justify your answer.
Yes. Language constructs and is constructed by Culture and the Society or
Societies to which it is attached. We cannot truly understand the Language
without the “Big C” and the “Little C” involved with it.
When and how did the British Empire rise? How many stages were there in
the British Empire? Briefly explain them.
First colonies and territories from the late 1400s, by overseas trade, but the
settlements had seriously increased in the 16th century (India, Africa, New
England & Virginia, Canada, and the West Indies).
There are three main stages:
1. First British Empire by the 18th century, especially with the North American
and Caribbean colonies and settlements due to trade. This is the time of the
East India Company and others, which took raw materials (spices from India,
tobacco and cotton from North America, sugar from the West Indies) and
slaves. It ends with the independence of North American colonies.
2. Second Empire: By the 19th century, with the Industrial Revolution, the
empire becomes more political than commercial. It expands to Africa and the
Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Burma, Malay, etc.).
3. End of the Empire and Commonwealth: The end of the Empire begins with
the Independence of India and Pakistan. The decolonization process lasted
until 1997 (Hong Kong), but many of the former empire countries joined the
Commonwealth.
How would you introduce (other) English speaking cultures and identities in
the English as a Foreign Language classroom? Justify your answer.
It is necessary, but not easy, as most textbooks only focus on British or
American culture. We need to give our students a wider perspective of the
cultures involved with English.
Do you think teaching culture in the English as a Foreign Language class is
difficult? Why?
Teaching culture is challenging (but rewarding):
The values, meanings, and beliefs are better interpreted through one’s
experience.
Some reflection on our own culture needs to be executed.
· Comparison and boundaries with children’s literature, adult’s literature, etc. They are useful, either as authentic or adapted material, but we need to be careful with the level. It includes knowing not only the Language, but also the sociology,
ethnography, mores, etc.
Name advantages and disadvantages of using literature in the English as a Foreign Language classroom. We can use headlines or the same bit of news to see different perspectives. Can Identity be imposed institutionally? How?

Advantages: Connection with language in use, development of critical thinking, channelling culture and identity, Would you use broadsheets or tabloids in class? Justify your answer providing your own Although it is the result of one’s experience (a sense of belongingness), it can
connection with feelings and emotions. examples. * be imposed through the creation of nationalities.
Also advantages: Use of authentic materials & real language. “Excuse” to use different language skills. Cultural Any, depending on the aim. If you had to teach about Australia and New Zealand, what would you teach
enrichment through exposure. Personal growth (involvement, imagination, creativity…). Motivation. and why?
Disadvantages: Difficult selection of texts, language or topics can be too complex, cultural concepts can be hard to (Broadsheets: ‘Quality’ press. Tabloids: ‘yellow’ press.) History: Colonization and Aboriginals.
grasp, classical texts may not be very attractive.
Also disadvantages: Lack of methodological preparation. Deficiency in objectives on the role of literature in the EFL How would you use a tabloid in class? Justify your answer. * Commonwealth of Australia.
class. Scarcity of pedagogically designed materials.
Name advantages and disadvantages of using literature in the English as a Foreign Language classroom. (Tabloids: ‘yellow’ press.) Immigration.

How does Literature relate to History? Open answer. NZ: Bicultural with Polynesians & Maoris and British.

They are intertwined in that History is the background to understand Literature and even to establish the literary Good for wordplay, maybe more engaging topics. Head of the state.
periods, but the latter also reflects on the former through its writing and passing on to next generations, even
reshaping History.
Name books that you would use in class and justify your choices. How would you use a broadsheet in class? Justify your answer. * How do you think bilingualism affects personal and cultural identity?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. Open answer As Language and Culture are intimately related (rules, values, traditions,
socialization, etc.), if one is bilingual, it is possible that he / she is also
bicultural (identified with both cultures that he / she speaks). Still, sometimes
acculturation can happen, when a more dominant language/culture modifies
(or may even wipe) the less powerful one.
Refugee Boy. What is the most powerful filmic industry in the world? What are the different types of Culture? Explain them.

Animal Farm. The most powerful filmic industry in the world is probably Hollywood, but it is Bollywood (in India) Big C: The canon inherited from the past, acknowledged by the elites, including
the one that makes more movies a year. History, Art, Institutions, etc.
The Outsiders. Why do you think is it useful to use different media in the classroom? Little C: Whatever makes a community as such (attitudes, values, economic,
social, and political conditions), usually held by the working classes, and
including the folklore, the myths and legends, the behavior patterns,
traditions, way of life, etc.
Name reasons to use literary texts in the class of English as a Foreign Language. (Unit 7 To show them why English is a global language through press, radio, advertising, movies, and the How does Language specifically influence Society, Culture, and Identity?
Internet.
Open answer. To provide them with different perspectives, topics, and skills. In order to create Identity (as individuals or as a group), we need to interact
with Language with others. That is how common identities (and cultures) can
be constructed and differentiated by opposition to “the other(s)”.
Literature is a key element to be used in class, ever since the Grammar Translation (as a tool) method until nowadays To bring the outside world to class. Name frequent stereotypes in which it is frequent to fall regarding English
(as a resource and part of integral communicative language learning). speaking cultures. Would you tackle them in class?
It is great for vocabulary and grammar, language awareness, sociolinguistic and pragmatic competences, and as a Which radio stations in English do you know? · English: Polite, shy, clumsy.
source for culture (both Big C and small C).
Also: UK: BBC Radio, LBC, Capital FM, Planet Rock. · Welsh: Funny, attractive accent.

· For the language. Ireland: RTÉ, NT4, Today FM. · Scottish: Aggressive, tight fisted.

· For the context & culture. USA: NPR, Fox News. · Irish: Good, plain.

· For the sake of Literature (text as art). Canada: CBC Radio, CKNW. · USA: Materialistic, obese.

· For the involvement or psychology of the reader. Australia: ABC, SBS. · Canadians: Polite, hockey.

Would you use canonical or non-canonical texts in class? Justify your answer providing your own examples. * Do you think that it is useful to bring to class different media? Justify your answer considering the · Australia: Beach life, easy going.
possible problems that you may find by using it.
Open answer. It is useful because employing different resources is motivational, as it lowers the affective filter · Open answer.
(Krashen’s hypothesis). Still, it is difficult to choose the resources; we need to consider the age, the
topics, etc.
Probably both, in order to have more variation. Do you think that the Internet is changing the English Language? How and why? Do you think that cultural identity is static? What influences its evolution?

Would you use “non-conventional” literature in the English as a Foreign Language classroom? Why (not)? If so, English is changing because of the Internet in different ways, especially due to social media, which It is not truly static, especially nowadays, with a globalized world (mainly
how? are English dominant: through economy, technology, and the Media) which influences nationalism
and transnationalism.
Yes, as students may feel more stimulated and motivated than with more “serious” literature, through graffiti, Through the growth of cross-cultural communications. UNIT 9
comics, computer games, blogs, interactive hypertexts, etc.
What are transmedia works? Name a few. Would you use them in class? Why and how? Because of the emergence of global varieties of English. Which Audio-visual resources would you use in class? Why?

· Works of art/Literature that develop their narrative on different platforms or format, including digital technologies. What are the two categories of newspaper in English speaking countries depending on their Open answer.
—· The Matrix. —· Buffy, TVS. —· Star Wars. —· Harry Potter. —· Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. —· contents? What are their characteristics?
Twilight. —· The Hunger Games. —· Open answer.
How can we motivate or engage our students to read? Broadsheets: ‘Quality’ press, more intelectual and serious. E.g., The Times, The Independent, the As many resources as possible in order to include different uses of the
Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal. language.
Use diverse literature. Tabloids: ‘Yellow’ press, more related to sensationalism and celebrities. E.g. (Red tops) The Sun, The Advertisements, news broadcasts, film or book trailers, movies, tv shows
Daily Mirror, (Middle market) The Daily Express, The Daily Mail series, documentaries, interviews, webseries, etc.
Go for metafiction & transmedia. Have you ever used movies, series (or webseries) in class (as student or teacher)? How? (If you Why should we use Audio-visual resources specifically in class? And,
have not, imagine how you would). specifically, in the EFL? Reason your answer.
Foster critical thinking. Open answer. —They are useful because we add the visual part to the linguistic text, and they are · It is motivating.
highly motivated.
Name and explain problems or difficulties regarding the use of literature in the English as a Foreign Language class. We can use them as an excuse to produce language in any of the skills. · It is fun, entertaining.

Lack of methodological preparation. Deficiency in objectives on the role of literature in the EFL class. Scarcity of We can work pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, listening and productive skills, cultural · It provides meaningful context.
pedagogically designed materials. awareness, etc.
Also: Difficult selection of texts, language or topics can be too complex, cultural concepts can be hard to grasp, Still, it is essential to do a proper selection of the material. · It encourages language acquisition.
classical texts may not be very attractive.
Why would you use literary texts in the FL class? Can you think of other media besides newspapers, radio, television, and cinema? · It fosters cultural awareness.

Literature is a key element to be used in class, ever since the Grammar Translation (as a tool) method until nowadays Advertising, music industry, the Internet as a medium itself. · It puts language in real use.
(as a resource and part of integral communicative language learning).
It is great for vocabulary and grammar, language awareness, sociolinguistic and pragmatic competences, and as a What do you know about the history of newspapers in English speaking countries? Explain what pre reading/ watching (warm up) activities are and give
source for culture (both Big C and small C). examples.
Also: Beginning in the 17th century, but more powerful in the 19th, when true independent press To introduce the content, activate knowledge, and get a general idea of the
appears. In the USA, the first were the New York Herald and the New York Tribune. In the UK, The topic.
Times and The Daily Mail.
· For the language. What criteria would you follow to select a piece of news, newspaper, or magazine in class? Discussing the title, poster, cover, trailer, etc.

· For the context & culture. Appropriateness to the age and level. Brainstorm on the topic.

· For the sake of Literature (text as art). Interest and motivation. Research on the author /director, his/her times, etc.

· For the involvement or psychology of the reader. Length considering the purpose. Reading background information.

Give tips to engage students to read literary works (in English). Language used (vocabulary and grammar). Vocabulary matching exercises to introduce the key words.

Use diverse literature. Potential to generate other activities and tasks. Explain what while reading/ watching activities are and give examples.

Go for metafiction & transmedia. Where was cinema created? What is the controversy there? · They are the ones to avoid passive reading / watching, to maintain attention.
Their exposition later can be used as immediately follow up activities.
Foster critical thinking. In Europe, it is frequently considered that it was created by the Lumière brothers, in France. In the · Reading the text aloud in turns.
USA, they tend to consider Edison as the creator, in the USA.
What are “the canon wars”? What is your position on this issue? Justify your answer. Have you ever used the internet in class (as student or teacher)? How? (If you have not, imagine · Comprehension questions.
how you would).
The canon wars was a dispute starting in the 1980s 1990s in which teachers and publishers began challenging and
demanded the “canonical” lists to be re-examined and changed to include other styles, genres, the literary history for
the exclusion of specific works and authors, etc.
Open answer.
What (type of) literature would you use in the English as a Foreign Language classroom?
As much as I could, because it is a good resource for culture, as well as a great tool for language use.
I would try to include both canonical and non-canonical, different genres and authors (preferably from different
English-speaking countries, etc.)
Name specific features of young adult literature. How can it be appealing to English as a Foreign Language
students?
Metafiction and non-traditional literary rules. —New genres. —Multimodal & transmedia works. —Open answer. —
What characteristics should have the activities (and tasks) we use in class? —Timing, logical structure, and
organization. —Topic and content. —Appropriateness and adequacy. —Methodology. —Time, length and grouping.
—SMART: —· Specific. —· Measurable. —· Attainable. —· Relevant. —· Time based. —What elements would you
consider when selecting a literary work for class? —Student level, personal experience, age, and psychological
characteristics.
Can you think of different ways or uses of Literature in the FL class? Which of the perspectives of the Tasmanian
Model do you like best and why?
Tasmanian Model: Cultural heritage, Language skills, Personal growth, Functional, Critical literacy.
Name examples of English-speaking canonical works. Who are their authors? What is their background? How does
this affect the concept of “canon”?
Open answer.
(Canon: The standard of excellence in Literature or the Arts.)
Traditionally, the canon has been full of white, male authors, mostly excluding social, ethnic, political, and other
types of minorities.
Would you use literature in the English as a Foreign Language classroom? Why (not)? If so, how?
Literature is a key element to be used in class, ever since the Grammar Translation (as a tool) method until nowadays
(as a resource and part of integral communicative language learning).
It is great for vocabulary and grammar, language awareness, sociolinguistic and pragmatic competences, and as a
source for culture (both Big C and small C).
Also:
· For the language.
· For the context & culture.
· For the sake of Literature (text as art).
· For the involvement or psychology of the reader.
1. General activities. —2. Spelling and punctuation. —3. Speaking tools. —4. Reading and writing. —
5. Listening. —6. Gaming. —7. Other.
Which newspapers in English do you know? What are their political positions and categorization?
The Independent, The Guardian, The Observer, The Times, The Daily Telegraph.
The Irish Independent, The Irish Times, The Irish Examiner
The NY Times, The Huffington Post, The Economist, The Washington Post, The Washington Times,
The Daily Mail.
The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The Vancouver Sun, The National Post.
The Guardian, The Australian Daily Telegraph.
Would you consider the Internet as a medium, or as a meta medium? Why?
Both. On the Internet we can read newspapers and magazines, listen to music, watch videos and TV
series… But the Internet itself is also a medium of communication through the world wide web and
social media.
Do you know other websites and apps that can be helpful for the English as a Foreign Language
class?
Open answer.
Have you ever used songs and music in class (as student or teacher)? How? (If you have not,
imagine how you would).
Open answer.
They can prompt many types of activities (fill the gaps, literary analysis, etc.).
They are highly motivated and can be used to lead an entire lesson:
Listen to the song or watch the videoclip (with or without sound).
Discuss the title.
Listen paying attention to the lyrics (fill the gaps, read along, etc.).
Focus on linguistic aspects (grammar, vocabulary, idioms, etc.).
Final activity as a creative round up (e.g., write another verse, prepare a videoclip, etc.).
· Reorganization of texts (as a jigsaw).
· Comments or questions while stopping the screening.
· Questionnaire (general, narrative, cultural or linguistic questions, summary,
favorite quote).
What is the purpose of using literary and Audio-visual resources in the
classroom? Should we focus on entertainment, linguistic matters, culture /
values, or any other topic? Justify your answer.
It should be as much as possible of entertainment, but also other goals not to
be mere a waste of time (linguistic, cultural, etc.)
Explain what post reading/ watching activities are and give examples.
Realized after reading or watching, to deepen and complete the topic and aims
and profit from the previous efforts. They allow for more creativity and
imagination and allow a freer practice.
We can consider two types:
Follow up, immediately after, such as checking the while activities (especially
the questionnaire with the summary and selected quote), or some quiz game.
Avail and final task(s), to enhance creativity. E.g., write a letter to one of the
characters, alternate ending, retelling of the story, adaptation, rapping a
poem, paraphrase, write a review…
What are post watching activities when using media in the classroom? Give a
very brief example of one of them, explaining it and why you would use it.
Realized after reading or watching, to deepen and complete the topic and aims
and profit from the previous efforts. They allow for more creativity and
imagination and allow a freer practice.
What are preparation activities when using media in the classroom? Give a
very brief example of one of them, explaining it and why you would use it.
1. To introduce the content, activate knowledge, and get a general idea of the
topic.
2. Discussing the title, poster, cover, trailer, etc.
3. Brainstorm on the topic.
4. Research on the author /director, his/her times, etc.
5. Reading background information.
6. Vocabulary matching exercises to introduce the key words.