DISCOVER THE GRAMMAR
In this section, the user demonstrates recognition of the target structure and its function. Targeted pop-up Grammar Notes are available to help answer each question. There are two activities:
- Recognize - The user demonstrates the ability to recognize sentences that contain a particular structure. Four sentences are given, and the user must click on the two that contain the structure. For example, in a unit that teaches the past tense, the user must click on the two sentences that contain verbs in the past tense.
- Identify - The user demonstrates the ability to recognize the parts of a particular structure in extended discourse. The user picks out numerous examples of the structure within a paragraph and clicks on them word-by-word. Feedback explains what, if any, mistakes the user has made and gives suggestions for trying again. This more challenging exercise requires more discrimination to complete than does Recognize.
PRACTICE
In this section, the user practices using the target structures in five to eight separate exercises per unit. A variety of exercises (from over fifteen variations of the six listed below) is offered. Clear and concise instructions tell exactly what is expected for an answer to be correct. Practice exercises often utilize illustrations, word banks, charts, and other material to provide context or reference. Each unit has a unique mix of exercises, allowing the user to continually encounter new formats and exercise types. With the click of a mouse, Grammar Notes specific to each item can be accessed for help. The types of Practice exercises include:
- Fill-in - A sentence, dialog, or paragraph containing a blank or multiple blanks appears on the screen. The user must type the correct word in the blank spaces. Most fill-in exercises are contextualized, with numerous variations from unit to unit.
- Unscramble - The user must unscramble a list of words to create a sentence containing the target structure. The user drags the words in order into a separate field, where he or she can see the sentence forming.
- Multiple choice - The user is given a number of possible answers and must click on the correct one. Correct answers may best complete a sentence, give the same meaning as a sentence, indicate if a sentence is true, etc.
- Edit the sentence - The user sees a sentence with an error in the target structure. The user must correct the error by deleting it and typing in the correct replacement.
- Edit the paragraph - The user sees a paragraph or dialog with a specified number of errors in the target structure. The user must correct the errors by deleting them and typing in the correct replacements.
READ
In this section, a reading passage demonstrates use of the target structure in context and is the core of the following three types of exercises. The user may look at the reading at any time while completing the exercises.
- Comprehension - The user demonstrates understanding of the reading passage and the target structure by clicking on the correct multiple-choice answers.
- Cloze - The user is given the reading passage again in sections with target structures and certain words blanked out. The user must type in the correct words.
- Unscramble - The user is given a scrambled sentence from the reading that includes the target structure. The user drags the words in order into a separate field, where he or she can see the sentence forming.
LISTEN
In this section, a recorded listening passage demonstrates use of the target structure in context and is the core of the following four types of exercises. The user may listen to the selection again at any time while completing the following exercises.
- Focus - While listening to the recorded selection, the user demonstrates basic understanding of the listening passage by clicking on a choice of topics, details, or ideas spoken about in the listening. The user may listen to the recording as many times as necessary.
- Recall - After listening to the recorded selection, the user demonstrates understanding of the listening passage by choosing the correct answers to questions about the passage.
- Guided Dictation - The user hears a sentence from the listening passage. The same sentence appears on the screen, with some words blanked out. The user types the missing words in the blanks. The user may listen to the sentence as many times as necessary.
- Dictation - The user hears a sentence from the listening passage. The user types the entire sentence. The listening selection can be replayed as often as necessary.
WRITE
In this section, the user is given the opportunity to use the target structure to express his or her own ideas. Three to five topics for writing are provided. The screen becomes a word processor for the student's use. When completed, the writing selections can be printed out for a variety of uses (peer-editing, teacher feedback, portfolio development, etc.).
REVIEW TESTS
After a group of related units, there is a TOEFLŪ -type test. The test follows the format of the Structure and Written Expression section of the TOEFLŪ test: the first section of the test is a multiple-choice test; the second section requires the user to recognize the element of a sentence that is incorrect.
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