Assignment C - Part 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
✔ Use the checklist from unit 10 ('Evaluating course book material') to write a general evaluation
of the book.
✔ You won't be able to comment on all items as you only have one unit and the contents, but say
as much as you can.
✔ This must be presented as a coherent essay, not just a list.
✔ Then say whether you personally would like to use the book with an advanced class and why or
why not - this is just your opinion, so there is not a right or a wrong response to this part.
✔ You do not need to refer to the class described for Part 2 of this assignment.
✔ Write 300 - 500 words.
First of all, I have to say that the Cutting Edge Advanced coursebook almost checked all the boxes
as I was evaluating it. Provided this coursebook not only focuses on the task based learning
approach, but also adds special emphasis to communicative skills through a wide range of tasks
and activities. Additionally, all four skills are well balanced and at the same time students are given
plenty of practice exercises plus a language summary, grammar and vocabulary practice as well as
communication activities.
Furthermore, the materials are clearly structured and appropriately graded, not to mention that
the topics discussed in each unit are contemporary and consequently represent meaningful and
interesting learning opportunities for advanced students.
Similarly, the vocabulary is purposeful and relevant to the topic and it is often elicited through a
variety of activities. In the same way, grammar points are presented through the inductive
approach and language functionality and grammar are equally balanced.
Another significant positive aspect I could see in this coursebook was that students were often
asked to discuss the topic and express their opinions, either in pairs or small groups along with a
student centred approach in almost if not all the activities. This particular feature leads me to the
conclusion that the interesting range of activities and the way they are structured can potentially
foster the development of 21st Century Skills (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and
Creativity)
It is also relevant to point out that even though the reading texts do not seem very authentic, both
the preparation and follow-up activities bring students closer to real life situations. Also from what
I was able to analyse in the sample unit, some of the reading texts assumed that the students will
have certain cultural knowledge which could present some comprehension difficulties if not
tackled carefully and properly.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
✔ Use the checklist from unit 10 ('Evaluating course book material') to write a general evaluation
of the book.
✔ You won't be able to comment on all items as you only have one unit and the contents, but say
as much as you can.
✔ This must be presented as a coherent essay, not just a list.
✔ Then say whether you personally would like to use the book with an advanced class and why or
why not - this is just your opinion, so there is not a right or a wrong response to this part.
✔ You do not need to refer to the class described for Part 2 of this assignment.
✔ Write 300 - 500 words.
First of all, I have to say that the Cutting Edge Advanced coursebook almost checked all the boxes
as I was evaluating it. Provided this coursebook not only focuses on the task based learning
approach, but also adds special emphasis to communicative skills through a wide range of tasks
and activities. Additionally, all four skills are well balanced and at the same time students are given
plenty of practice exercises plus a language summary, grammar and vocabulary practice as well as
communication activities.
Furthermore, the materials are clearly structured and appropriately graded, not to mention that
the topics discussed in each unit are contemporary and consequently represent meaningful and
interesting learning opportunities for advanced students.
Similarly, the vocabulary is purposeful and relevant to the topic and it is often elicited through a
variety of activities. In the same way, grammar points are presented through the inductive
approach and language functionality and grammar are equally balanced.
Another significant positive aspect I could see in this coursebook was that students were often
asked to discuss the topic and express their opinions, either in pairs or small groups along with a
student centred approach in almost if not all the activities. This particular feature leads me to the
conclusion that the interesting range of activities and the way they are structured can potentially
foster the development of 21st Century Skills (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and
Creativity)
It is also relevant to point out that even though the reading texts do not seem very authentic, both
the preparation and follow-up activities bring students closer to real life situations. Also from what
I was able to analyse in the sample unit, some of the reading texts assumed that the students will
have certain cultural knowledge which could present some comprehension difficulties if not
tackled carefully and properly.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
