Intermediate

Typical Characteristics of the Intermediate Language Learner

• Hesitation as students think of appropriate words when participating in conversations
• Uses a limited vocabulary to speak in detail
• Communicates best through use of familiar high-frequency words and phrases
• Asks for clarification often
• Makes literal interpretations
• Writes limited, short, simple sentences with few details
• Clarifies meaning through native language
• Uses simple sentences with only the present tense when explaining a past event
• Increasingly developing academic language ability

(Adapted from Jameson, 1998; Texas Education Agency, 2006b.)

Some Suggested Strategies (in addition to those introduced for beginning students)

• Continue to make lessons comprehensible and interactive.
• Focus content on key concepts while using language skills.
• Use performance-based assessment.
• Model correct open-ended responses.
• Provide structured response stems, such as “the slope of the results in this graph indicates ______.”
• Continue to use graphic organizers such as charts, tables, graphs related to math content, and other conceptual visual aids. Examples: Frayer Model, Bubble map, Venn Diagram, and other strategies identified in previous level as needed to support the learner and provide opportunities for success.
• Model appropriate grammar and usage using compound sentence structure.
• Use cloze passage with work bank. Example: Eight is a _________ number, but five is a _______ (prime, composite) number.
• Paraphrase word problems.
• Use Cornell notes.