Contemporary English Language Literature
The following reading material is carried out in 2006-2007. In this booklet a few extracts in the original are offered from outstanding books by contemporary English language fiction authors. Each extract is preceded by a short introduction and followed by discussion questions and some vocabulary tasks.Among the authors there are best-selling ones, even "cult fiction" figures from the UK, the USA and Canada.
The collection is for
upper-intermediate level of English.
The Adventure of English: The Biography Of A Language
by Melvyn Bragg
Unabridged
read by Robert Powell
English has become the primary language of the world. It is the language used for business, for air traffic control and of course the Internet. Quite an accomplishment for what began as a minor Germanic dialect in about the year 500. This book is a history of the language itself. How did the language become so important? The Church fought the publishing of the Bible in English because this would allow anyone to read it rather than just the official priests. Part of the reason for the spread of English has been the wealth of literature written in English. From Beowulf to Chaucer and of course the vulgar playwright William Shakespeare (who contributed 2,000 new words to the language). The growth of English continues in spite of things like France making it illegal to use English words where good French words could be used. And English continues to change, the English of India for instance allows computer support desks to be located in Mumbai, but communication is not all that easy. English is the collective work of millions of people throughout the ages. It is democratic, ever-changing and ingenious in its assimilation of other cultures. English runs though the heart of world finance, medicine and the Internet, and it is understood by around two thousand million people across the world. It seems set to go on. Yet it was very nearly wiped out in it’s early years. In this book Melvyn Bragg shows us the remarkable story of the English language; from its beginnings to a minor guttural Germanic dialect to its position today as a truly established global language. Along the way its colourful story takes in a host of characters and locations, from the early tribes, Alfred the Great’s stubborn resistance to the Danes, and through its early literary masterpieces such as Beowulf and the bawdy Geoffrey Chaucer; Henry VIII’s battles with the church over bootleg bibles; a ‘coarse’ playwright named William Shakespeare; the songs of the Creole slaves and the words of Davy Crockett; street slang and Dr Johnson’s dictionary; the role of English in India and its adoption in the United States of America which returned the language with full interest.
Young Learners Go! is a complete English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course that gives young learners a solid foundation and a positive first experience in learning English.
Relevant: teaches English through meaningful themes and practical contexts that are relevant to learners' daily lives
Based on the multiple intelligences theory: designed to introduce and reinforce language items through specially crafted activities
Spiral progression teaching: allowing for a complete understanding and acquisition of the language
A photocopiable resource for busy teachers - This book contains a variety of reading texts, activities and games on every aspect of London life - sightseeing, travel, sport, shopping, museums, galleries and, of course, on Londoners themselves. The texts are aimed at teenagers learning English. - Each activity provides structured language and vocabulary practice, with suggestions for discussion and follow-up pairwork and groupwork. - Topics cover areas as diverse as Hamley's Toy Shop, Cockney Rhyming Slang, Party in the Park and London Football Clubs as well as the more historical side of London
New Proficiency Gold corresponds to the most recent specifications of the Proficiency exam. The course provides enjoyable and thorough preparation. The Maximiser is a unique combination of Students’ Book and Exam Handbook. Thorough exam training and language practice run parallel with practical tips, strategies and learner training to build confidence.
