From the blurb: "Language
Links combines grammar, vocabulary and phrases to give the range of
language you need to communicate effectively in English. To talk about
clothes, for example, you not only need vocabulary (trousers, skirt),
but also grammar (I'm wearing, she's wearing) and phrases such as
get dressed. Special links between units direct you to related
language areas, allowing you to choose your own learning path through
the book and progress at your own pace."
In a
clogging sea of grammar and vocabulary books, drowning in the same old
same old, I think this is a genuinely refreshing approach, without being
too radical or weird to scare off the timid.
I've actually started
using it with a couple of my students and the feedback is very positive.
Each of the 80 double page units takes a topic such as The Body
or Months and Seasons or Shops and Shopping, or a simple
grammar point, and deals with it succinctly.
Most
units are divided into between two and four sections covering
vocabulary, grammar or phrases.
There is only one colour
used (green) along with black and white, but by using different levels
of shading the pages are pleasant to look at. The book is well
illustrated with a combination of photos and diagrams, illustrations and
boxes to keep the eye interested.
The emphasis certainly
seems to be on providing heaps of typical sentences and expressions and
the grammar is dealt with lightly, not laboured over as in some books.
I think this fresh,
uncrowded approach might just make this the grammar/vocab book students
actually do find the time to complete, as the units are short and
relatively easy to do, and would also make ideal homework assignments.
My student who
particularly like the book also praises the very clear and simple
accompanying CD ROM, with a variety of British voices allowing the
student to practise their understanding and pronunciation without fuss.
Numerous
side panel links in each unit send you off to related areas of the book,
joining up the Sports and Leisure unit, for example, with sections on
the verb watch, the adverbs sometimes, often and
never, and the structure go ...-ing. This encourages jumping
around thereby maintaining interest and continuing learning themes
rather than just ploughing through the book from start to finish, or
more likely never finish!
The index includes both
vocabulary and grammar headings and as usual the whole work has been
guided by the respected Cambridge International Corpus.
So Language Links
for elementary and beginner level, along with its CD, would make an
ideal studying companion for those either working alone or as a
complement to work done in class. Certainly worth considering.
Language
Links
