Passive VoiceA sentence where the subject is receiving the action. This is contrasted with the active voice, where the subject is doing the action. To form the passive voice you use the verb “to be” plus the past participle. The Merchant of Venice was written by Shakespeare. A man was taken to the police station. |
PBLProject-Based Learning. A teaching approach that
consists of using projects – usually research projects – to further learning in
the classroom. |
PhonemeThe smallest sound that can make a difference in
meaning. For example, the word sheep has five letters but only three phonemes
(“sh,” “ee,” and “p”). |
PhonologyThe study of phonemes (sounds), intonation, word
stress, sentence stress, rhythm, and connected speech. |
Phrasal VerbTwo- or three-part verbs, usually with prepositions, that take on a different meaning than their separate parts suggest. Some examples include: to go out with = to date / to bring up = to raise a topic in conversation / to look after = to watch |
Placement TestsAn assessment instrument or procedure used to
determine a student’s language skills relative to the levels of a particular
program he or she is about to enter. |
Positive FeedbackPraise for correct or well-spoken utterances or
speech, something that can be motivating for learners. Positive feedback is
more effective when it is more specific and might include something like
highlighting correct grammar or improvement in pronunciation. |