This document provides a syllabus for an English I course taught at Universidad Técnica del Norte in Ecuador. The course is designed to teach English communication skills to elementary (A2) students. Over the course of 6 months, students will complete 6 units covering topics like people, work, daily life, food, places, and family. Assessment will include unit tests, midterm and final exams, projects, and class activities evaluating listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The goal is for students to develop basic communicative abilities in English.

1. UNIVERSIDAD TÉCNICA DEL NORTE
CENTRO ACADÉMICO DE IDIOMAS
SYLLABUS: ENGLISH I
1. GENERAL INFORMATION:
1.1. SUBJECT:
ENGLISH
1.2. ACADEMIC PERIOD
April-July 2016
1.3. CODE:
CAI I
1.4. Number ofcredits (C) and its equivalence in class hours
(CH) independent work (IW):
1.5. Year, semester
First Semester
C: 6 CH: 100 IW: 100
1.6. Pre-requisites:
To be legally registered.
1.7 Co-requisites:
NONE
1.8 Education Basis:
Humanistic: ( x ) Basic: ( ) Professional: ( ) Optional: ( )
1.9 Professor:
María José Morocho MSc.
1.10 E-mail address:
majo7_86@yahoo.com

2. 2. COURSE DESCRIPTION
English as a foreign language is a required subject that satisfies the increasing demand to communicate in English to
obtain better educational or job opportunities and more meaningful interaction with other cultures. The Ecuadorian
society requires future professionals with English communicative competences under international standards; therefore,
the main objective of the Academic Language Center of UTN is to prepare students to develop their ability to
communicate in English throughout five levels, at a rate of six hours a week to develop the skills to communicate and
to approve an international evaluation.
The first level of English is an interaction-based course in which learning experiences will be personalized. Active and
inductive learning will be promoted. Students will be encouraged to be independent learners. The importance of
reviewing and recycling learning will be taken into account. The course will offer flexibility to meet needs of different
classes
This first level is an elementary level, A2 according to the Common European Framework. It is at this level that the
majority of descriptors stating social functions are to be found. Like using simple everyday polite forms of greeting and
address, handle very short social exchanges, make and accept offers, and other simple forms of communication.
3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
3.1. General Objective:
By the end of this level, students will be basic users, able to produce sentences and frequently used expressions related
to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography,
employment). They could communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of
information on familiar and routine matters. They could describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background,
immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate.
3.2. Specific Objectives
With the aim to communicate in English as a foreign language, each objective will cover a receptive or productive skill
in which, by the end of First Level, the student should be able to:
 LISTENING: Understand phrases at the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate
personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information)
 READING: Read very short simple text. Find specific predictable information in simple everyday material such as
advertisement, prospectuses, menus and time tables.
 SPEAKING:
Spoken Interaction: communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of
information on familiar topics and activities. Handle very short social exchanges.
Spoken Production: use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms family and other people,
living conditions, educational background, present and most recent job.
 WRITING: write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate need. Write a simple
personal letter for example thanking someone for something. Complete forms.

3. 4. COMMITMENTS
English is an interactive class in which students will be actively involved in the learning process. Student learning is a
top priority. Students will work in groups or independently according to the planned activities. The teacher will apply
the most suitable model for learning using communicative and cognitive approaches. Students are expected to come to
class prepared and attentive to ensure a productive learning environment. Students must show courtesy and respect to
their fellow students and to the teacher.
In order to participate actively in this class, please:
 Make sure you have completed the registration process to attend the class.
 Arrive on time.
 Attendance is required for each class session. Any sessions that are missed due to scheduling issues will be
resolved as long as a certificate is presented within the first 48 working hours.
 Be aware of the due dates for homework, presentations, projects
 Be respectful and friendly (Keep a good learning environment).
 Use English as much as possible.
 Turn off cell phones, I-pods, laptops and headphones before you enter the classroom.
 Keep the classroom neat and tidy (Food or drinks are not allowed in class).
 Be honest on homework, class work, paperwork, assignments, projects, worksheets, quizzes, diagnostic tests,
progress tests, objectives tests, exit/achievement tests. In case of plagiarism (cheating), you will be sanctioned
according to the UTN internal regulations.
 Keep in mind the FIRST Registration is FREE! The SECOND Registration is 10% of the minimum wage
salary.
Class Participation and Freedom of Expression
We must be aware that in situations, which involve expression of opinion and critical thinking, we are certain to have
differences and may at times have strong opinions or views. Such differences encourage interesting and challenging
discussions. They provide us also with the opportunity to practice listening skills, as well as to show respect and
tolerance. It is advisable to participate in class so that you do not miss this learning experience. Absences and tardiness
must be avoided.
Independent learning
Students are expected to spend time studying independently outside the class. Students should review notes, complete
weekly and daily assignments, and be prepared for the following class session. The professor will provide guidance,
and materials to help develop the student´s expertise as language learners according to the English level.
Students should schedule an hour of independent learning for every hour in class.
Professor must:
 Have the students get familiar with the syllabus.
 Start and dismiss class on time.
 Plan the lesson.
 Review and grade students’ homework, classwork and tests.

4.  Show respect to their students in and outside the classroom.
 Follow the policies of CAI and UTN University.
 Provide students with clear instructions and rubrics when doing exams, pair work and group work.
 Inform the students their GPA (Grade Point Average) before posting grades.
5. COURSE SCHEDULE:
Planning DATE: April 4 - April 8
 Syllabus updating
 Placement tests
 Getting familiar with new resources.
Hours: 6
UNIT : 1 People DATE: April 11 - April 22
Objective: SWBAT ask for and give information about people students know.
In-class hrs.
8
Contents:
 L: conversation about where you’re from.
Conversation about people you know. All at
the gym reception. First day of an English
course
 R: Facebook entries about people you know.
Online profiles
 S: Where you’re from. People you know.
Asking and giving information, checking
understanding, using social networking sites.
 W: sentences about you. Notes about people
you know. An online profile.
Independent
work/hrs.
8
 Platform
 Workbook
 Project
 Other activities
1
Project monitoring : April 18-22
4 Evaluation:
 Independent work: platform/workbook
Listening: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling,
Speaking: e.g. role plays, presentations, videos/audio recording
Reading: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling
Writing: “A profile about me”
Unit test 1: April 21-22

5. UNIT : 2 Work and Study DATE: April 25 – May 6
Objective: SWBAT Ask and reply about a work they find interesting and their study habits.
In-class hrs.
8
Contents:
 L: conversation about a T.V. programme. A
survey about study habits. Ordering in a café;
asking for help. Three monologues about
studying English; A teacher addressing her
class.
 R: An article about Ice Road Truckers. An
online forum about study habits. A
competition entry form.
 S: Jobs, study habits; Asking for things and
replying; Reacting to news. Studying English
 W: Sentences about jobs. Questions about
study habits. A form.
Independent
work/hrs.
8
 Platform
 Workbook
 Project
 Other activities
1 Project Monitoring: May 2-May 6
4 Evaluation:
 Independent work: platform/workbook
Listening: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling,
Speaking: e.g. role plays, presentations, videos/audio recording
Reading: e.g. multiple choice quizzes
Writing: “Complete a form”
Unit test 2: May 5-6

6. UNIT : 3 Daily Life DATE: May 9 - May 20
Objective: SWBAT Communicate about their routines, arrangements and technology in their lives
In-class hrs.
8
Contents:
 L: conversation about family routines. Three
conversations about gadgets. Making arrangements
to go out. A monologue about someone’s family.
 R: An article about an Indian Family. An interview
about using the internet. Two informal emails.
 S: Daily routines. Spending time with your family.
Using the internet; technology in your life. Making
arrangements. Your family
 W: A dialogue. Notes about routines. Sentences
about gadgets you’ve got. An informal email
invitation. Inviting and replying.
Independent
work/hrs.
8
 Platform
 Workbook
 Project
 Other activities
1 Project Monitoring: May 16- May 20
4 Evaluation:
 Independent work: platform/workbook
Listening: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling,
Speaking: e.g. role plays, presentations, videos/audio recording
Reading: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling
Writing: “Plan a party or any other event. Make notes about it
Write an invitation to it for another classmate.
Reply to the invitation (use emails if possible)
Unit test 3: May 19-20
MIDTERM TEST: May 23-26
(UNITS 1-3)
Hours: 4
Written test: 2 hours
Oral test: 2 hours
Grades report: May 26
Posting grades: May 27
(Midterm)
Hours: 2

7. UNIT : 4 Food DATE: May 30 – June 13
Objective: SWBAT talk about food and order a meal.
In-class
hrs.
8
Contents:
 L: conversation about cooking. At a restaurant. Four
monologues about cooking
 R: A factfile about Heston Blumenthal; Two personal
emails. A cooking blog.
 S: buying food, the food you like and don’t like. Cooking
programmes. Arriving at a restaurant and ordering a meal.
Cooking for others
 W: questions about food. A blog about something you
know how to do; Making the order clear.
Independent
work/hrs.
8
 Platform
 Workbook
 Project
 Other activities
1 Project Monitoring: June 6 – June 10
4 Evaluation:
 Independent work: platform/workbook
 Listening: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling,
 Speaking: e.g. role plays, presentations, videos/audio recording
 Reading: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling
 Writing: “A blog about something you know how to prepare”
Unit test 4: June 10-13

8. UNIT : 5 Places DATE: June 14- June 28
Objective: SWBAT describe towns and houses; ask for and give directions.
In-class hrs.
8
Contents:
 L: conversation about new home. On the street.
Three monologues about neighbourhoods.
 R: An article about an unusual town. A newspaper
advertisement. A website about neighbourhoods
around the world.
 S: Places you like. Describing a picture of a town.
Your home and furniture. Giving and following
directions. Your neighbourhood.
 W: Questions and sentences about what there is in a
town. Sentences about your home. A description of
your neighborhood.
Independent
work/hrs.
8
 Platform
 Workbook
 Project
 Other activities
1
Project Monitoring: June 26- July 1
4 Evaluation:
 Independent work: platform/workbook
Listening: e.g. .multiple choice quizzes, gap filling,
Speaking: e.g. role plays, presentations, videos/audio recording
Reading: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling
Writing: “W rite a description of your neighbourhood”
Unit test 5: June 27-28

9. UNIT : 6 Family DATE: June 29 - July 13
Objective: SWBAT communicate about their own family and their history.
In-class hrs.
8
Contents:
 L: A conversation about a family tree. A
conversation about childhood hobbies. On the phone.
A monologue about someone’s life story.
 R: An article about Steve Jobs. A life story.
 S: Your family. Steve Jobs; What you did at
different times; A childhood hobby. Leaving a
voicemail message; Asking for someone on the
phone; asking someone to wait. Important years in
your life.
 W: Notes about your family. Notes about a
childhood hobby. A life story about someone in your
family.
Independent
work/hrs.
8
 Platform
 Workbook
 Project
 Other activities
1
Project Monitoring: July 11- July 15
4 Evaluation:
 Independent work: platform/workbook
Listening: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling,
Speaking: e.g. role plays, presentations, videos/audio recording
Reading: e.g. multiple choice quizzes, gap filling
Writing: “Write a life story about someone in your family”
Unit test 6: July 12-13

10. FINAL EXAM: July 19-20
(Units 1-6)
Hours: 4
Written exam: 2 hours
Oral exam: 2 hours
(Oral defense of project)
Grades report: July 21
Posting grades: July 22
(SECOND term)
Hours: 2
Supplementary exam: July 25-27
Hours: 4
Written exam: 2 hours
Oral exam : 2 hours
Grades report: July 28
Posting grades: July 29 Hours: 2
6. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 Unit tests
In this course participants will be expected to complete one test (written/oral) at the end of each unit.
 Assessment activities
All course participants will be asked to complete four assignments or activities one for each skill (listening,
speaking, reading, and writing). These activities can be done whether in class or as independent work within
each unit.
 Mid-term Written test
Participants will be required to complete the mid-term exam, which will cover the course content from unit 1
to unit 3
 Mid- term Oral test
In pairs, participants will have a 10 minutes interview with the instructor.
 Final written exam

11. All participants must complete the final exam, which will cover the content form unit 1 to unit 6
 Integrated project /Final oral exam
Individually, participants will verbally present their project at the end of the course. (3 minutes video about a
typical weekend). The precise nature of this project and its requirements are attached on the following pages.
 Required text:
Textbook: Empower A2 Units 1-6
7. GRADING :
MID-TERM 10/10 SECOND TERM 10/10
Unit tests 3 points Unit test 3 points
Assessment activities 2 points Assessment activities 2 points
5 points 5 points
Written test 3.75 points Written exam 3.75 points
1-3 1-6
Oral test 1.25 points Oral Exam 1.25 points
5 points (Integrated project) 5 points
8. RESOURCES ANDMATERIALS
 Student’s book Empower A2 (split edition)
 Workbook
 Cambridge Platform
 Social Networks: (YAMMER)
 Cambridge Whiteboard
 CD players, board, markers.
 Laptop / speakers.
 Videos (DVDs).
 Internet.
 Projector.
 Hands on material.
 Dictionaries
 Others.
9. Bibliography:
5/1
0
5/10
10/
5/1
0
5/1
0

12. Doff, A., Thaine, C., Puchta,H.,Stranks, J.,Lewis-Jones P. (2015). Empower A2. Elementary Student’s Book.United
Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Anderson, P. (2015). Empower A2. Elementary Workbook Without Answers. United Kingdom: Cambridge University
Press
Council of Europe. (2006). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching,
Assessment. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge UK. Retrieved from
https://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf
____________________ ____________________
Elaborated by: MSc. Gabriela Bastidas A. Revised by: B.A. Linda López
____________________
Approved by MSc. Marcia Mantilla
Ibarra, April 8, 2016