Spoken English: A Foundation Course Parts 1 & 2 (revised editions) are intended to help develop the oral communication skills of second language learners, especially those who have had a regional language medium of instruction at school and who have had little or no exposure to spoken English. They are aimed at students preparing to enter the mainstream, which would require them to compete with those who have a stronger base in English. The books can, however, be used just as effectively as self-instructional material by older learners who are employed or engaged in different activities of their own.

 The two parts of the book come with audio CDs that give learners an opportunity to listen to dialogues in everyday situations and that provide answers to the practice exercises as well. Also included in the books are brief, easy-to-understand tips on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and usage that learners are sure to find useful when learning to speak English.

 The books have been revised to include new dialogues set in familiar situations, more usage notes and an additional appendix.

Dr Kamlesh Sadanand retired as Professor and Head, Centre for Phonetics and Spoken English, EFLU, Hyderabad. She is presently a consultant with OBS and has authored our title Teaching Listening and Speaking.  

Dr Susheela Punitha retired as Professor of English, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore. Dr Punitha is based in Bangalore, where she conducts courses on spoken English. She is also involved with some of our school titles.  

Module 1

1. Meeting People, Exchanging Greetings and Taking Leave

2. Introducing Yourself

3. Introducing People to Others

4. Giving Personal Information

5. Talking about People, Animals and Places

Module 2

6. Answering the Telephone and Asking for Someone

7. Dealing with a Wrong Number

8. Taking and Leaving Messages

9. Making Inquiries on the Phone

10. Calling for Help in an Emergency

Module 3

11. Getting People’s Attention and Interrupting

12. Giving Instructions and Seeking Clarifications

13. Making Requests and Responding to Them

14. Asking for Directions and Giving Directions

15. Thanking and Responding to Thanks

Module 4

16. Inviting, and Accepting and Refusing an Invitation

17. Apologising and Responding to an Apology

18. Congratulating and Responding to Congratulations

19. Paying Compliments, Showing Appreciation,

Offering Encouragement and Responding

20. Asking for, Giving and Refusing Permission

Module 5

21. Talking about the Weather

22. Describing Daily Routines

23. Talking about Possessions

24. Talking about Current Activities

25. Asking for the Time and Date

Appendices

Appendix A: Distinguishing between Spelling and Sound

Appendix B: The Consonants of English

Appendix C: The Vowels of English

Appendix D: The Relationship between Spelling and Sound