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Dear instructor,

Thank you for choosing "People and Places" for your ESL class!

This module is designed for an intermediate level ESL class with an academic focus. It may be used alone or in conjunction with the next module in the series, "Getting to Know You." Both modules use a genre-based approach to reading, writing, speaking and listening. A variety of authentic texts on a single broad theme allow students to encounter a wide range of genres and build rhetorical flexibility. The materials present the opportunity to practice reading strategies, analyze rhetorical features, and produce original texts using the authentic texts as models. In "People and Places," students read and analyze excerpts from college level textbooks, an ESL reader, student emails, traditional paragraphs and promotional websites. They watch educational videos and guided video tours. They have the opportunity to produce a traditional paragraph, an email, a tourist blurb, and a guided video tour.

Grammar and vocabulary instruction are thematically integrated. Vocabulary activities and quizzes are included. Grammar is presented using inductive and deductive reasoning in slide presentations that offer curated videos with grammar instruction for extended study and thematically related practice activities.

I recommend using this module during the first few weeks of a semester, since it covers fundamental sentence grammar and basic email communication etiquette. The module comprises four chapters, or approximately four weeks' materials for a six-unit ESL community college class.

Materials in Google doc and Google slide format are available at People and Places. Instructors can also find password protected quizzes and answer keys at that site. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any comments or questions about this module. I hope you and your students enjoy!

Sara Ferguson

Grossmont College