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Beginner English

Places and Getting Around

Rebecca Payne-Passmore and Anna Murray

In this course, you will develop your English conversational skills that you can use to build your personal and professional relationships. Learning activities in this course will take place on Voxy, an engaging language learning platform that automatically adapts to your current level and your performance across reading, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills so that every lesson is optimized for rapid improvement.

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In this course, you will develop your English conversational skills that you can use to build your personal and professional relationships. Learning activities in this course will take place on Voxy, an engaging language learning platform that automatically adapts to your current level and your performance across reading, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills so that every lesson is optimized for rapid improvement.

Each week is made up of engaging, short, task-based lessons that can be done anywhere, anytime. Lessons include content from the real world, so you will learn from dozens of real conversations about a variety of common topics that come up when describing places, navigating transportation, and using essential travel language. By the end of the course, you will feel confident talking about places, navigating, and traveling.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction & Voxy Orientation
This week, you will learn about this course and understand how to use Voxy's innovative platform.
Talking About Places
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses real-world conversations about common topics, which helps learners develop practical communication skills for everyday situations
Focuses on essential travel language, which is useful for learners planning to visit English-speaking countries or interact with international travelers
Employs an adaptive learning platform, which personalizes the learning experience and optimizes improvement in reading, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary
Includes lessons on navigating transportation and understanding schedules, which are valuable skills for independent travel and daily life
Requires learners to use the Voxy platform, which may require a subscription or additional fees beyond the course enrollment

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Reviews summary

Practical english for places and travel via voxy

Learners say this course offers practical conversational skills focused on places and getting around, making it useful for travel and helpful for everyday situations. The course primarily uses the engaging language learning platform, Voxy, which is designed to be adaptive to your level. Some students noted that the level may be too basic for some, suggesting it's best suited for absolute beginners. Overall, it provides a focused, platform-based approach to essential beginner English topics.
Platform-specific learning approach.
"Note that you need to use the Voxy platform exclusively."
"The course structure is built entirely around the Voxy interface."
"Requires getting used to the Voxy learning system."
Interactive lessons via the Voxy platform.
"I found the Voxy platform really fun and interactive to use."
"Liked how the lessons adapted to my level as I progressed."
"The learning activities on Voxy kept me engaged."
Focuses on useful real-world English.
"The course was really helpful for my upcoming trip abroad."
"I learned a lot of useful phrases for asking directions and getting around."
"Good practical English for everyday situations like talking about where you live."
May be too slow for some beginners.
"I found the pace a bit too slow for my needs."
"Some parts felt very basic, even for a beginner course."
"Good if you are starting absolutely from zero English knowledge."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Beginner English: Places and Getting Around with these activities:
Review Basic Grammar Concepts
Reviewing basic grammar concepts will help you form accurate sentences when describing places, navigating, and traveling.
Browse courses on Present Simple
Show steps
  • Review verb tenses and sentence structure.
  • Practice constructing simple sentences.
Read 'English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book'
Reading a beginner-level English textbook will reinforce grammar and vocabulary skills needed for the course.
View English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read each chapter carefully.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Write a Short Paragraph Describing Your Hometown
Writing about your hometown will help you practice describing places using new vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm descriptive words about your hometown.
  • Write a paragraph using at least five new vocabulary words.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Asking for Directions
Practicing asking for directions will improve your ability to navigate and understand directions in English.
Show steps
  • Find a partner to practice with.
  • Take turns asking for and giving directions to local landmarks.
Create a Travel Itinerary
Creating a travel itinerary will help you practice using travel-related vocabulary and planning skills.
Show steps
  • Choose a destination you would like to visit.
  • Research transportation options and accommodations.
  • Write a detailed itinerary including activities and estimated costs.
Read 'Lonely Planet's Spoken English for Travelers'
Reading a travel phrasebook will expose you to common expressions used when traveling.
View Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019 on Amazon
Show steps
  • Browse the book for useful phrases.
  • Practice using the phrases in simulated travel scenarios.
Practice Describing Places with a Partner
Practicing with a partner will improve your fluency and confidence in describing places in English.
Show steps
  • Find a partner who is also learning English.
  • Take turns describing different places to each other.
  • Provide feedback on each other's pronunciation and grammar.

Career center

Learners who complete Beginner English: Places and Getting Around will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
ESOL Teacher
An ESOL teacher instructs students in the English language. The course may be helpful to those who want to become ESOL teachers, because it develops conversational English skills. ESOL teachers often use descriptions of places and travel to engage students in learning. This course provides a foundation for teaching students how to discuss locations, weather, and travel, as well as how to understand schedules and use transportation. Each week is made up of engaging, short, task-based lessons so that you learn a lot.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESOL Teacher
ESL Teacher
An ESL teacher instructs students in the English language. The course may be helpful to those who want to become ESL teachers, because it develops conversational English skills. ESL teachers often use descriptions of places and travel to engage students in learning. This course provides a foundation for teaching students how to discuss locations, weather, and travel, as well as how to understand schedules and use transportation. Each week is made up of engaging, short, task-based lessons so that you learn a lot.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken or written material from one language to another. The course may be useful for those who want to become interpreters, because it develops conversational English skills to describe places and to understand travel related topics. When you become an interpreter, you must be able to discuss locations, weather, and travel, as well as how to understand schedules and use transportation. The course is made up of engaging, short, task-based lessons so that you learn a lot.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter
English Teacher
An English teacher instructs students in the English language. The course may be helpful to those who want to become English teachers, because it develops conversational English skills. English teachers often use descriptions of places and travel to engage students in learning. This course provides a foundation for teaching students how to discuss locations, weather, and travel, as well as how to understand schedules and use transportation. Each week is made up of engaging, short, task-based lessons so that you learn a lot.
See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language to another. The course may be helpful to those who want to become translators, because it develops conversational English skills to describe places and to understand travel related topics. When you become a translator, you must be able to discuss locations, weather, and travel, as well as how to understand schedules and use transportation. The course is made up of engaging, short, task-based lessons so that you learn a lot.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. This involves clear communication about procedures, directions, and assistance with travel-related inquiries. This course may be helpful to anyone who wishes to become a flight attendant, because it develops conversational English skills for booking travel, checking in, and asking questions at the airport. Addressing passenger concerns and providing clear directions are crucial aspects of the role, and the course's focus on real-world scenarios can build confidence in these situations. Every lesson in the course will help you to manage travel-related communications with passengers effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Attendant
Travel Agent
A travel agent helps clients plan and book trips, including flights, accommodations, and activities. They need strong communication skills to advise clients on destinations and travel arrangements. If you wish to become a travel agent, this course may be useful because it develops conversational English skills for booking travel, checking in, and asking questions at the airport. Travel agents need to be able to talk about places, navigate, and handle essential travel language and this course provides practice in these areas. Each lesson enhances your understanding of real-world conversations, so that you are equipped to handle a variety of client requests and provide excellent service.
See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Agent
Tour Guide
A tour guide helps visitors understand and appreciate a new place. This requires excellent communication skills and comfort with describing locations and how to get to them. This course may be helpful to those who wish to become a tour guide, because it focuses on developing conversational English skills related to describing places, navigating transport, and using essential travel language. Becoming well-versed in these topics builds a strong foundation for clear and engaging explanations, which are essential so that every tour is both informative and enjoyable. This course may give a prospective tour guide the confidence to speak about places and how to get around.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives address customer inquiries and resolve issues. This often involves guiding customers through processes or explaining locations and services. This course may be useful for those who want to work as a customer service representative since it develops conversational English skills. A customer service representative must be able to speak about places, navigate transportation, and generally assist customers with travel queries. This course emphasizes real-world conversations, which prepare you to handle a variety of customer interactions effectively. Each lesson provides the skills needed to address customer needs with confidence.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
Taxi Dispatcher
A taxi dispatcher coordinates taxi services, taking calls or digital requests, and directing drivers to pick up passengers. They need to clearly understand locations and give accurate directions. Those who want to become taxi dispatchers may find this course useful since it develops conversational English skills, particularly in navigating. This course may help you confidently give and follow directions in various settings, from reading signs to understanding schedules, which enables you to guide drivers effectively. You will learn to understand and respond to requests related to places and transportation and this helps you become an effective taxi dispatcher.
See salaries and explore the career path for Taxi Dispatcher
Receptionist
Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, and provide information. This role requires clear communication skills, especially when giving directions or explaining the location of different offices or departments. This course may be useful for those who want to become receptionists since it develops conversational English skills related to places and getting around. It provides practical lessons on describing locations and navigating, which are essential for assisting visitors effectively. This course emphasizes real conversations, which helps you handle various inquiries with confidence and provide excellent first impressions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Receptionist
Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers transport goods to various locations, so knowing how to read maps and follow directions is key. This course may be helpful to those who want to become delivery drivers since it develops conversational English skills related to places and navigating. The course's focus on understanding schedules and using transportation builds a foundation for efficient route planning and navigation. Because of this course, delivery drivers will be able to confidently give and follow directions in different settings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Delivery Driver
Bus Driver
A bus driver transports passengers along a set route, requiring them to understand and communicate directions and schedules. The course may be useful for those who want to become a bus driver as it develops conversational English skills related to navigating and understanding schedules. Being able to read signs, use transportation, and understanding schedules may help you to confidently give and follow directions in different settings. This course will enable you to assist passengers with their queries and ensure they reach their destinations safely.
See salaries and explore the career path for Bus Driver
Language Interpreter
A language interpreter facilitates communication between individuals who speak different languages. This role requires an excellent command of multiple languages and the ability to convey information accurately. This course may be useful for those who want to become language interpreters, because it develops conversational English skills related to describing places, navigating travel, and using essential travel language. Language interpreters often work in travel and tourism, and the skills acquired in this course can help you be more effective in this setting. With the course, you will become more confident about talking about places, navigating, and traveling.
See salaries and explore the career path for Language Interpreter
International Aid Worker
An international aid worker provides assistance to communities in need across the globe. It is important to be able to communicate effectively with local populations and understand unfamiliar environments. This course may be useful for those who wish to become an international aid worker, because it builds conversational English skills related to describing places and navigating transportation. You will also practice talking about weather, climate, and distances to better understand the locations you will be working in. You will become confident asking questions when you need help in unfamiliar environments.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Aid Worker

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Beginner English: Places and Getting Around.
Cover image
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019
Save
Focuses on practical English phrases and vocabulary for travelers. It covers topics such as booking accommodations, ordering food, and asking for help, which are directly relevant to the 'Traveling' module of the course. It useful reference tool for learning essential travel language and improving conversational skills. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019
Paperback
Check
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to basic English grammar and vocabulary. It is particularly useful for beginners who want to build a solid foundation in the language. The book covers topics such as greetings, introductions, and basic sentence structures, which are essential for the 'Places and Getting Around' course. It can be used as a reference text or for additional practice.
English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book
Paperback
Check
English for Everyone: Level 1: Beginner, Course Book
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
5 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Voxy
Instructors
Rebecca Payne-Passmore
Anna Murray
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch 中文 العربية हिंदी Pусский Bahasa Indonesia tiếng Việt
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses real-world conversations about common topics, which helps learners develop practical communication skills for everyday situations
Focuses on essential travel language, which is useful for learners planning to visit English-speaking countries or interact with international travelers
Employs an adaptive learning platform, which personalizes the learning experience and optimizes improvement in reading, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary
Includes lessons on navigating transportation and understanding schedules, which are valuable skills for independent travel and daily life
Requires learners to use the Voxy platform, which may require a subscription or additional fees beyond the course enrollment
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