Word Skills Intermediate: (Book and CD-ROM)

Oxford Word Skills is a series of three books designed for students to learn, practice, and revise new vocabulary. The series is divided into three levels:

1. Basic: Elementary and pre-intermediate (CEF levels A1 and A2)
2. Intermediate: Intermediate and upper-intermediate (CEF levels B1 and B2)
3. Advanced: Advanced (CEF levels C1 and C2)

Each level introduces over 2,000 new words or phrases, and students can use the material both in the classroom and for self-study.

How are the books organized?

Each book consists of 80 units that present and practice vocabulary. Units range from one to three pages depending on the topic. Each unit presents new vocabulary in manageable amounts, followed by practice exercises. The units are grouped thematically into modules of four to nine units, with review units at the end of each module to help learners revise and test their vocabulary.

At the back of each book, you will find:

• Vocabulary building tables
• An answer key for all exercises
• A list of all the vocabulary taught, with phonemic pronunciation guides and unit references

Moreover, each level includes a CD-ROM with oral pronunciation models for all the vocabulary and additional practice exercises, including listening activities.

What vocabulary is included?

At the Intermediate level, the vocabulary encompasses:

• A wide range of common topics, such as money, health issues, and relationships
• Words and phrases necessary for social interactions, such as giving opinions and making arrangements
• Areas of lexical grammar, like prefixes and suffixes, and link words

There is a particular emphasis on high-frequency vocabulary used in everyday spoken English, as well as vocabulary from various written texts, such as job advertisements, magazine articles, web pages, and warning signs. At the Advanced level, learners encounter more figurative meanings, idiomatic language, and a wide range of collocations.

The series includes nearly all the words in the Oxford 3000™, which lists the 3,000 words teachers and students should prioritize. Oxford University Press developed this list based on frequency and usefulness, using corpus evidence and expert input. Additionally, the series includes high-frequency phrases and context-specific vocabulary.

We have ensured that learners understand the new words and phrases by providing clear illustrations, glossary definitions, or examples. Learners should refer to appropriate learner dictionaries for additional meanings and structures.

How can teachers use the material in the classroom?

Teachers can present new vocabulary through various texts, including dialogues, tables, and visuals. Accompanying glossaries or illustrations explain the meanings of new words. ‘Spotlight’ boxes highlight important items.

A suggested classroom procedure is as follows:

1. Students study the presentation for 5-10 minutes.
2. Address any queries and provide a pronunciation model.
3. Students complete the first exercise and check their answers using the answer key, or review answers as a class.
4. Move on to further exercises, monitoring and assisting as needed.
5. After completing the exercises, students can test themselves using the cover card.
6. Use the review exercises after a period (e.g., a few days or a week) for consolidation and testing.
7. Personalized exercises (‘About you’ or ‘About your country’) allow students to use new vocabulary in context. These can be used for pair work or individual writing activities, with possible answers provided in the answer key.

How can students use the material on their own?

Students can effectively use the material in both classroom settings and self-study. For self-study, start with the Starter unit and use the book alongside the CD-ROM for pronunciation models and additional practice. Learners can check their own answers and use the cover card to test themselves. Furthermore, self-study allows students to choose topics of interest or areas where they need to expand their knowledge.