First, let’s talk about what Talk a Lot Spoken English Course is not. It’s not actually software. It’s a 168-page PDF. So if you’re looking for audio, video, or even color pictures, keep looking. You’re not going to find it here.

Talk a Lot is not designed for self-study. The instructions make it clear that it’s meant to be used in a classroom setting with an instructor, and the course relies heavily upon class discussion, show-and-tell activities, and small group work. This is a book for teachers, not students. Users may find that the course provides an innovative approach to ESL instruction, focusing strongly on speaking (and thinking) in English. The course provides detailed instructions to teachers on how to use the method, including sample dialogues between teacher and student to illustrate the course in action. The heart of the course consists of a sort of miniconversation built around a specific verb tense. This exercise forces students to think through scenarios in English and become comfortable using different verb tenses without the drudgery of grammar lessons. Vocabulary is woven through the course and grouped in themes such as town, home, work, and clothes.

Although the course focuses on speaking English, it also supplies quizzes and worksheets, as well as certificates of completion for course participants. The lone English-learner is not likely to gain much from this course, but ESL instructors looking for free course materials may find that Talk a Lot is just what they need.