Hotline is a four-level series for teenagers. It may be started at beginner level (American Hotline Starter) or false-beginner level (American Hotline Progress). American Hotline takes students to an intermediate level of English. Its key features are:
- a loopback syllabus. The series incorporates extensive recycling and review of language, ensuring that what is studied is learned, retained, and easily recalled when needed.
- a grammar-based analytical approach. Grammar is treated as a problem-solving activity and students are treated as thinkers who are guided to figure out the rules of grammar for themselves.
- Skills work. All four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are covered.
- project work. Through project work students are given the opportunity to talk and write about their life and to relate language to their own experiences and aspirations.
- cross-cultural and cross-curricular studies. Students are encouraged to compare their own language and culture with American English and the world of English speakers, Topics from other school subjects are introduced to integrate studies with other subjects in the curriculum.
- learner training, Through a variety of activities including a learning diary, self-checks, and project work, students are guided toward good learning strategies and encouraged to accept responsibility for their own learning.
