My portfolio II

My language learning history

I’ve learnt English for eight years. I started speaking the first words in English when I was about eight years old. Since then I’ve enjoyed it all the way. It’s just fun to sing along my favourite lyrics in English and to be able to understand a film in English. I’m currently in the 10^th form and until now I’ve had good marks in English.

My linguistic and intercultural experiences

I went to London on a class trip last summer. London is pageantry, a city full of life and opportunities. There is so much to be seen that the whole week wasn’t enough! In September we had an international week at our school and I met some new friends from Austria and Finland. We spoke in English all the time!

My language learning priorities

On this stage I’d like to improve my language skills in writing and speaking. I also want to acquire more vocabulary and gain more confidence in speaking. Training my listening skills would also be great, specially becoming used to different accents and pronunciations.

My portfolio

Language Passport

Hi! My name is David Alves. I’m in the 10^th form, class X at Alcaides de Faria Secondary School. I’ve learnt English for six years. I use English all the time when I’m listening to music, to my favourite singer – Katie Melua, watching films or surfing on the internet. I’d like to improve my vocabulary and to write better English. I know I’ll need it for my future career. If everything goes according to plans I’ll eventually apply for a degree in economics. I’d like to work in a big multinational company.

Language biography

My language learning aims

I’m learning English in order to understand other cultures; to communicate with people from other countries and to get a better a job.
I need to understand different types of text and to engage in conversation on most general topics.
I want to learn with a group and a teacher.
I’d like to do some research on the internet, listen to CDs and watch DVDs.

Language Portfolio

What is a Language Portfolio?

It is a document in which you can record and reflect on your language learning and cultural experiences.

The Language Portfolio may consist of three parts: a Language Passport, a Language Biography and a Dossier.

1 Language Passport

An updateable overview of your experience in and ability with the English language. It records formal qualifications and allows for self-assessment and teacher assessment.

2 Language Biography

A record of your personal language learning history which helps you to evaluate your learning objectives, and reflect on your language learning and intercultural experiences. The Language Biography may comprise four sections:

My language learning aims.

2. My language learning history.

3. My most significant linguistic and intercultural experiences.

4.My current language learning priorities.

1. My language learning aims

Tick the options that best suit you.

1. What are you learning English for?

o a) Learn for personal satisfaction

o b) Understand different cultures

o c) Communicate with people from other countries

od) Get a better job

o e) Speak with friends or family

o f) Get by on a short visit abroad

o g) Read newspapers, magazines and books

o h) Use the Internet

o i) Other (name them)

2. What do you need to be able to do in the language?

o a) To understand people talking

o b) To speak fluently

o c) To engage in conversation on most general topics

o d) To understand different types of text

o e) To write clear texts on various topics

3. How and where do you want to learn?

o a) With friends/in a group

o b) On my own

o c) Self-study/distance learning

o d) With a teacher

o e) At home

o f) At school

o g) Abroad

o h) On line

o i) Quickly and intensively

o j) Over a long period of time

4. What sort of methods and materials would suit you?

o a) Conversation lessons with a native speaker

o b) Listening to CDs

o c) Using a textbook

o d) Reading newspapers and magazines

o e) Doing research on the Internet

o f) Using CD ROMs

o g) Watching DVDs

o h) Speaking practice

o i) Concentrating on grammar exercises

o j) Translating articles into English

o k) Writing essays

3 My Dossier (very shortly)

New Aerial 11, Areal Editores (adapted)

Hi Class!

This is the beginning of a new era! I've created this blog for you and me to work as a community. On this site I'll give you the latest news on your individual and group work. You'll also have the chance to check your assessment and to reply to your teacher. Enjoy it and leave here your own ideas!