Threshold 1990 (Paperback)

Based on extensive research carried out by the Council of Europe since the seventies, Threshold 1990 attempts to specify in detail the degree of competence an adult language learner should have in order to communicate effectively in English. The first specification resulting from this research was The Threshold Level, published by the Council of Europe in 1975. An adaptation of the Threshold level specification for school-age learners followed in 1976 The Threshold Level for Modern Language Learning in Schools, published by Longman 1977), but the present volume is an updated and thoroughly revised version of the specification, containing syllabus inventories for the following areas of language use: notions and functions, the four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing, pronunciation and intonation, grammar, vocabulary, as well as sociocultural competence and learner training.

The work is based on, but has also helped consolidate, what is known in language teaching as the Communicative Approach, and in its original form was the first attempt to specify language learning objectives in terms of communicative ability. The revised version found in Threshold 1990 takes into account more recent developments in our understanding of what is involved in language learning and includes detailed specifications of strategies of learning to learn, compensation and repair strategies, as well as discourse strategies, which were not an explicit part of the original threshold level.

The authors provide a comprehensive list of items in each case, including lists of grammatical exponents and lexical items, which will prove invaluable to all those concerned with syllabus or course design, materials writing and examination development. It should be noted that the specification has provided a basis for the development of a number of European English language examination, including UCLES˘s PET (Preliminary English Test), which is popular in many European countries. The level envisaged is, therefore, intermediate and represents Level 2 of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (limited but effective command of the language in familiar situations, e.g. can take part in a routine meeting on familiar topics, particularly in an exchange of simple factual information.).

Although the target group of the specification is adults, a lot of the information in it will be relevant to younger learners as well. However, very young learners might benefit more from working towards a lower level specification to begin with, such as Waystage 1990, also published by CUP, which forms the basis for the syllabus of UCLES˘s increasingly popular Young Learners examinations, as well as for their KET (Key English Test) examination for adult learners.

Overall, as a course designer and materials writer, I found the information in the book invaluable , and I regularly use it, not only when planning a syllabus or course, but also as a yardstick when assessing the syllabus and content of an intermediate level course. It is not the kind of book that will make it into the bestseller list, but it is definitely a much-needed source for many professionals in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages.