Assignment C - Part 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
For advanced L2 ESL students, the course book is a pertinent choice, especially in the first unit,
titled: “Global Living”. This unit engages the multi - national, general English class by inspiring a
feeling of being global citizens, which they are fast becoming. Students resonate with the various
scenarios presented and identify with tasks to be completed.
The contents page indicates a well - rounded course book structured to cover grammar, vocabulary
and general knowledge aspects suitable for L2 ESL students. The outlay is not that of a typical text
book with huge chunks of theory and explanations followed by questions at the end of a chapter,
rather this course book is appropriately designed with colourful pictures, paired and group
activities and word-web tasks. The task-based approach cleverly used by the author, makes the
book more learner-centred and user-friendly, and is designed to develop English proficiency for
advance level students, which will help to enhance their receptive and productive skills. The
appropriately selected illustrations are attractive, cleverly placed and progressively ordered.
The many forms of ethnic and cultural references in the form of illustrations and text will help to
peak students’ interest and nurture the topic of globalisation. The language is relatively suitable
with opportunities for building on new vocabulary. Reading, writing and listening skills are
adequately covered, however, more speaking and pronunciation activities should have been
included to consolidate the different learning objectives. The course material gets progressively
more difficult, beginning with simple tasks and ending off with a challenging task of report-writing
to gauge students’ language skills. The activities are varied and interesting with each activity
leading into the next, allowing for practice, recycling and revision of the various grammatical
aspects.
There are opportunities for students to provide their own opinions, then compare, discuss and
analyse in pairs and groups. Their analytical and critical thinking skills are tested with the listening
exercises at various stages, which help keep the lesson interactive and exciting. The book includes
exercises that allow students to integrate the context with their personal lives/experiences,
thereby creating a degree of familiarity with the topic. In many instances application is followed by
integration which helps students navigate the content with ease. Most students will be able to
cope with the level of language used whilst some will be linguistically challenged or inspired to
improve their knowledge and better their skills. The articles and texts are culturally and ethnically
sensitive, and will be suitable for most diverse classes.
There is no evidence of tests and assessments in unit one or the contents pages. It is also difficult
to conclude if the school can afford the course book or not. If the book is to be photocopied, it will
need to be done in colour, which may also be expensive for a poorer school.
A teachers’ guide is not mentioned in the unit or contents page. The book seems to lack grammar
reference pages and phonetic charts.
I would, nevertheless, be willing to us this course book in my class room for advanced students.
[506]
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
For advanced L2 ESL students, the course book is a pertinent choice, especially in the first unit,
titled: “Global Living”. This unit engages the multi - national, general English class by inspiring a
feeling of being global citizens, which they are fast becoming. Students resonate with the various
scenarios presented and identify with tasks to be completed.
The contents page indicates a well - rounded course book structured to cover grammar, vocabulary
and general knowledge aspects suitable for L2 ESL students. The outlay is not that of a typical text
book with huge chunks of theory and explanations followed by questions at the end of a chapter,
rather this course book is appropriately designed with colourful pictures, paired and group
activities and word-web tasks. The task-based approach cleverly used by the author, makes the
book more learner-centred and user-friendly, and is designed to develop English proficiency for
advance level students, which will help to enhance their receptive and productive skills. The
appropriately selected illustrations are attractive, cleverly placed and progressively ordered.
The many forms of ethnic and cultural references in the form of illustrations and text will help to
peak students’ interest and nurture the topic of globalisation. The language is relatively suitable
with opportunities for building on new vocabulary. Reading, writing and listening skills are
adequately covered, however, more speaking and pronunciation activities should have been
included to consolidate the different learning objectives. The course material gets progressively
more difficult, beginning with simple tasks and ending off with a challenging task of report-writing
to gauge students’ language skills. The activities are varied and interesting with each activity
leading into the next, allowing for practice, recycling and revision of the various grammatical
aspects.
There are opportunities for students to provide their own opinions, then compare, discuss and
analyse in pairs and groups. Their analytical and critical thinking skills are tested with the listening
exercises at various stages, which help keep the lesson interactive and exciting. The book includes
exercises that allow students to integrate the context with their personal lives/experiences,
thereby creating a degree of familiarity with the topic. In many instances application is followed by
integration which helps students navigate the content with ease. Most students will be able to
cope with the level of language used whilst some will be linguistically challenged or inspired to
improve their knowledge and better their skills. The articles and texts are culturally and ethnically
sensitive, and will be suitable for most diverse classes.
There is no evidence of tests and assessments in unit one or the contents pages. It is also difficult
to conclude if the school can afford the course book or not. If the book is to be photocopied, it will
need to be done in colour, which may also be expensive for a poorer school.
A teachers’ guide is not mentioned in the unit or contents page. The book seems to lack grammar
reference pages and phonetic charts.
I would, nevertheless, be willing to us this course book in my class room for advanced students.
[506]
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
