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.
300 - 500 words
Overall, I was impressed with presentation of the sample provided and believe it would be
appropriate for an advanced class of 18 years and older based on the mature nature of the topics. I
think the study units are arranged logically and the topics are current, varied, relevant and
interesting; I was curious to read more. The sample supplied was very informative, the vocabulary
practical, the grammar point (continuous verb) and topic appropriate. It follows the basic lesson
structure, having a warmer, body and plenary. The content is modern and cosmopolitan, there is
no cultural bias or offensive content that I could acertain.
Each study unit seems to be consistently structured, well-formulated and thorough. It clearly sets
out what is expected from the student and what material will be covered in the study unit. The
order of language items appear to be logical and appropriate. The course book includes a language
summary, grammar reference pages, vocabulary lists and many communication activities, giving
the student many opportunities to practice independently or in pairs. The text uses functional
language and equal attention is given to all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
There is a selection of tasks provided, covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and the four
skills already mentioned. The student has a range of different activities to practice, recycle and
revise material. Based on the number of exercises provided for in this sample study unit, the
student will most certainly have exercises to complete independently of classwork. The activities
are varied, challenging, interesting and require creativity from the student which should inspire the
student to engage themselves in class and use the course book independently. If the content was
stale and irrelevant the student would hardly refer to the course book and this would negatively
impact the student’s progress in learning the target language. The reading text was authentic,
interesting and relevant. Based on the sample, I would assume the audio scripts are of a good
standard and reflect authentic content and natural accents. The exercises and teaching points are
very practical, for example ‘Points of argument’ (p11) and ‘Useful language’ (p13). I also believe
the study units can be adapted to add other activities if there is a need to further practice any
particular skill in greater detail.
Visually, again I was impressed. Images are current and colourful. The layout is clean and engaging
despite the amount of content on a page. One could argue that it would be easier to refer back to
your work (as a student) if the content was more spread out. Other possible disadvantages, based
on what was supplied, include: the lack of a teacher’s guide with lesson plans, procedures and
answers. In addition, tests for the students and other digital material do not seem to be provided.
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.
300 - 500 words
Overall, I was impressed with presentation of the sample provided and believe it would be
appropriate for an advanced class of 18 years and older based on the mature nature of the topics. I
think the study units are arranged logically and the topics are current, varied, relevant and
interesting; I was curious to read more. The sample supplied was very informative, the vocabulary
practical, the grammar point (continuous verb) and topic appropriate. It follows the basic lesson
structure, having a warmer, body and plenary. The content is modern and cosmopolitan, there is
no cultural bias or offensive content that I could acertain.
Each study unit seems to be consistently structured, well-formulated and thorough. It clearly sets
out what is expected from the student and what material will be covered in the study unit. The
order of language items appear to be logical and appropriate. The course book includes a language
summary, grammar reference pages, vocabulary lists and many communication activities, giving
the student many opportunities to practice independently or in pairs. The text uses functional
language and equal attention is given to all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
There is a selection of tasks provided, covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and the four
skills already mentioned. The student has a range of different activities to practice, recycle and
revise material. Based on the number of exercises provided for in this sample study unit, the
student will most certainly have exercises to complete independently of classwork. The activities
are varied, challenging, interesting and require creativity from the student which should inspire the
student to engage themselves in class and use the course book independently. If the content was
stale and irrelevant the student would hardly refer to the course book and this would negatively
impact the student’s progress in learning the target language. The reading text was authentic,
interesting and relevant. Based on the sample, I would assume the audio scripts are of a good
standard and reflect authentic content and natural accents. The exercises and teaching points are
very practical, for example ‘Points of argument’ (p11) and ‘Useful language’ (p13). I also believe
the study units can be adapted to add other activities if there is a need to further practice any
particular skill in greater detail.
Visually, again I was impressed. Images are current and colourful. The layout is clean and engaging
despite the amount of content on a page. One could argue that it would be easier to refer back to
your work (as a student) if the content was more spread out. Other possible disadvantages, based
on what was supplied, include: the lack of a teacher’s guide with lesson plans, procedures and
answers. In addition, tests for the students and other digital material do not seem to be provided.
