The goal of this lesson, apart from its grammar and lexical objectives, is to encourage Sts to begin reading, as this is a great way to consolidate and expand their knowledge of English. Sts are advised to read “Graded readers” (easy-to- read books that have been simplified according to level). Sts first look at three Starter Level Bookworm Readers, and object pronouns (me, you, him, etc.) are presented through the plot summaries. Sts then look at three sounds (/ai/, /i/, and h!) in Pronunciation.

Workbook page 36

In this third Practical English lesson, Sts learn some basic clothes vocabulary and some key phrases for buying clothes in English. The story develops: Jenny spills Robs coffee on his shirt, so he has to buy a new one. While he is looking for a new shirt, Jenny gets a call from somebody named Eddie. Rob comes out of the store and hears the end of her conversation, and wonders who Eddie is. When Jenny sees the shirt he has chosen, she insists he goes back to change it.

Workbook page 34-35

The main context of this lesson is New York City and its weather. Many Sts who have not visited the US have the idea that New York City is often cold and bleak, and here they learn the real facts about the climate in the city.

Workbook page 32-33

This lesson is based on a newspaper survey about noisy neighbors. Sts begin by learning new verb phrases and talk about the top noise problems in their countries. Then the present continuous (used for what is happening now) is presented through a dialogue between a couple who live in a very noisy apartment building. Pronunciation focuses on the /r)/ sound, used in all present continuous endings, and Sts then do a “Spot the differences” speaking activity, where they practice the new grammar.

Workbook page 30-31

This lesson is based on TV shows like American Idol or The Voice, where amateur musicians compete in the hope of winning and becoming famous. The lesson starts with the introduction of more verb phrases. Then a picture story of a contestant waiting for his first audition (based on a real experience) introduces Sts to sentences with can. Can is a very versatile verb in English and is used to express ability, possibility, permission, and to make requests. Sts will have met can for requests and permission in Practical English 1, and should already be familiar with the verb.