Bridges to English is a fully articulated series of six English language learning texts designed for the adult student whose first language is other than English. Educational, business, and professional demands, as well as cultural interests, continually force today's adult beyond national boundaries only to find that a sound working knowledge of English is indispensable. To this learner Bridges to English is directed.
The principal goal of the study of English is to be able to understand spoken and written English and to make oneself understood. Bridges to English is designed to ensure rapid acquisition of the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for effective communication. The introduction of language constructions, vocabulary, and pronunciation is carefully sequenced and controlled in order to promote efficient patterns of learning through constant reinforcement and extension of skills.
Each lesson integrates development of the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The lessons are organized according to the following plan:
New Words The lesson begins with the new words which are presented in the context of sentences. Sometimes the new words are defined using vocabulary already learned. The questions and brief drills that immediately follow provide the practice which helps to make the new words an active part of the student's vocabulary.
Structure The structure concepts of each lesson are presented by means of pattern drills. Through a varied series of oral exercises the student has ample opportunity to learn the grammatical generalizations. A summary of each new structure item follows the oral exercises. After the summary, writing practice which focuses on the new structure concept is provided.
Conversation The conversation contains previously learned vocabulary and structure. It is designed to be learned with a minimum of effort. The conversation is based on a familiar situation so that the student can immediately talk about the particular situation. Unfamiliar structures are avoided. The questions which follow each conversation serve to check comprehension and permit the learner to use the vocabulary and structures of the conversation. The personal questions encourage the students to apply the situation of the conversation to their own lives.
Reading The reading selection in each lesson allows the student to apply the newly acquired vocabulary and structure skills. It also serves to review and reinforce language skills learned in preceding lessons. A list of questions follows each reading selection, encouraging the student to discuss the material which has been read.
Lesson Review Each new language concept is represented in the lesson review. The student is provided a variety of written practice drills in order to promote mastery of the vocabulary and structure items presented in the lesson.
Oral Review The focus of the oral review is an illustration at the conclusion of each lesson. It serves as a stimulus for oral and written expression, requiring the utilization of the material presented in the lesson.