Functional Skill: Participating in Straightforward Factual Conversations (B1)

This B1 interactive skill focuses on the ability to engage in relatively simple, direct conversations where the primary goal is the exchange of factual information on familiar topics.

Scope:

Covers basic conversational turn-taking, asking for and providing information, and maintaining interaction on concrete subjects.

1. Understanding and Responding:

• Comprehending direct questions about personal details, work, studies, hobbies, daily routines, past experiences, future plans (using B1 grammar and vocabulary).
• Providing relevant factual answers to these questions clearly and coherently.
• Example Question: Wat heb je gisteren gedaan? (What did you do yesterday?)
• Example Answer: Gisteren ben ik naar mijn werk gegaan en daarna heb ik boodschappen gedaan. (Yesterday I went to work and after that I did groceries.)

1. Asking Questions:

• Formulating direct questions (yes/no and Wh- questions) to obtain specific factual information from others on familiar topics.
• Using appropriate question words (wie, wat, waar, wanneer, waarom, hoe, hoeveel, welke).
• Example: Waar werk je? (Where do you work?)
• Example: Hoe lang woon je al in Nederland? (How long have you lived in the Netherlands?)
• Example: Heb je broers of zussen? (Do you have brothers or sisters?)

1. Maintaining the Conversation:

• Using simple phrases to show attention and understanding (Ja, Okë, Ik begrijp het, Ah zo).
• Asking follow-up questions to show interest and keep the conversation flowing.
• Example: Oh, interessant. En wat voor werk doe je precies? (Oh, interesting. And what kind of work do you do exactly?)
• Taking turns appropriately in the conversation.

1. Topics:

• Typically involves concrete, familiar subjects: personal information, family, work, studies, hobbies, daily life, past events, future plans, weather, directions, etc.
• Less focus on abstract discussions, complex opinions (though basic opinions might be exchanged), or highly nuanced topics.

Characteristics of "Straightforward Factual Conversations":

• Clear purpose: Exchanging information.
• Relatively simple language structures.
• Familiar vocabulary.
• Direct questions and answers.
• Less ambiguity or figurative language.

Skills Developed (B1):

• Engaging in basic social interactions.
• Exchanging essential information about oneself and familiar topics.
• Asking for necessary information in everyday situations.
• Maintaining simple conversations with clear turn-taking.

Learning Focus:

• Practicing question formation (word order, question words).
• Reviewing vocabulary related to common familiar topics.
• Role-playing common conversational scenarios (introductions, asking about work/hobbies, making simple plans).
• Developing active listening skills to respond relevantly.
• Learning simple interaction management phrases.