A Conversation Book 2A

 (13 customer reviews)

I use this book in a beginning level English class for Hispanics. I work all day at a computer-related job and volunteer teach ESL two nights a week. I really do not have enough time to think of new conversation starters all the time. I find that this book used in conjunction with other material is ideal for low level adults. It provides a non threatening, informative introduction into American life. It is a fun way to learn the basics.

My M.A. thesis was a comparison of adult, entry-level ESL textbooks; I give _A Conversation Book_ (ACB) a five-star rating.

What is does (that other books do not):

ACB treats learners as intelligent; while it is written for a true beginner, it does not over-simplify the topics that it covers.

ACB provides an above-average amount of pertinent vocabulary for each topic.

Each unit is about 10 pages long, with 6 smaller topics of 2 pages each. Individual topics within the units are independent, each with their own vocabulary list, making it especially helpful if student attendance is sporadic.

ACB draws on the wealth of existing knowledge that students bring with them. Conversation questions often asks students to share about their lives before coming to the U.S., whether it be regarding food, healthcare, or beliefs about gender and housework.

ACB avoids traditional grammar-based instruction.

ACB includes...Read more

More a series of detailed vocabulary lists arranged by topic than an actual conversation book, this ESL book - approximately half of Conversation Book 2 - helps students find the appropriate word for everyday activities. This seems like a better resource for teachers than a book for students - given the price - and should be supplement by a worksheet of at least 10-15 questions. When I taught at a local community college, this was the assigned textbook and few students wanted to buy it. On the other hand, this book forced me to create many conversation worksheets to supplement the text.