Then comes an NPR commentary that shapes the central listening activity of the unit. Next, a second, contrasting opinion is provided. This is followed by a section synthesizing the two viewpoints.
The unit concludes with speaking and writing activities that give students ample opportunities to explore and present their own points of view. The five chapters that remain from the first edition are essentially untouched, except for two or three fewer vocabulary words per unit. At a time when the demand of vocabulary development is growing, reducing the number of vocabulary words is an odd decision.
Most of the small changes to the carry-over units are improvements, however. These include simpler direction lines, a few more graphic organizers, charts that no longer spill over to a second page, and numbering for exercise items. Numrich has also added a model answer for each writing exercise, which establishes a helpful benchmark for students.
The main problem with these units is the age of the material. The first edition was published in , which means the essays, commentary, and related readings are over ten years old; in fact, a number are from the s. Moreover, the statistics, issues, and activities in those units were not updated.
In the intervening years, the content of some topics has moved beyond the material in the book. Numrich added a nice, straightforward Scope and Sequence, making explicit the critical thinking skills and outlining the four skill areas in each unit. She also maintains the strong variety of speaking activities from the first edition: role-plays, task-based discussions, and purposeful debates.
The Grammar section is at an appropriate level and evolves from the readings. Moreover, it ties in directly with the writing activities, providing good support and modeling.
Cloning is featured, of course, but so is a provocative essay by James D. His essay reminds us of the ambivalence that historically has met new scientific advances.
The balance of new chapters is thoughtful and current, if a bit flat. The only section of the unit that hits any kind of nerve is in the case study in the Speaking section. And the unit on the global village tries so hard to be even-handed that it loses any sense of the real emotions globalization generates on both sides.
The two other new topics may not be especially appealing to international students: unisex, especially all female, schools versus co-education and the pros and cons of legalized gambling. This is too bad, because it has always been the content in this book that drives classroom discussions. I was pleased to see that the answer key and listening transcripts were transferred from the back of the text to a separate answer key booklet.
Top of page. The product you are about to purchase does not give you access to the digital book; you will only have access to the online activities. Overview Description. Carol is the author of a number of series, and a series editor for NorthStar. You will also like.
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