Assignment C - Part 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
Use the checklist from unit 10 ('Evaluating course book material') to write a general evaluation
of the book.
You won't be able to comment on all items as you only have one unit and the contents but say as
much as you can.
This must be presented as a coherent essay, not just a list.
Then say whether you personally would like to use the book with an advanced class and why or
why not - this is just your opinion, so there is not a right or a wrong response to this part.
You do not need to refer to the class described for Part 2 of this assignment.
Write 300 - 500 words.
Evaluation:
Cutting Edge Advanced Students’ Book, written by Sarah Cunningham and Peter Moor, is highly
regarded as one of the best coursebooks that can be used in the ESL classroom. However, it is
important to first evaluate a textbook to see if it is a good match for the class and the teacher.
An important thing to note is that this textbook follows the task-based learning approach of
teaching. This is ideal, because it makes learning more engaging and fun for the students. It allows
them to figure things out on their own without being given all the answers by the teacher. These
tasks tend to create a comfortable environment where the teacher can evaluate the actual language
capabilities and needs of the class. The course content is also culturally appropriate. There aren’t
any references to offensive topics relating to race, sexuality, religion or politics. Everybody will be
able to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.
It is also important to check that the language in this textbook is appropriately graded. This
coursebook is in fact perfect for a C1/C2 class, because there are many higher-level vocabulary
words/items (such as numerous, devised, globalisation and urbanisation) taught and used in the
activities.
This unit is clearly structured with a pre-defined theme and lesson objectives. This makes sure that
students know exactly what is expected of them and that they can track their progress. There’s also
a carefully balanced range of activities that will ensure that all 4 skills – reading, writing, listening
and speaking - are improved throughout the unit. Many of these activities are also set up as
groupwork. This ensures that there’s a fun and interesting environment for students to learn the
work.
In addition to the activities found in this unit, there are also exercises for independent use and
revision at the end of the coursebook. The students can thus practice, recycle and revise the
grammar and vocabulary on their own time. A language summary for each unit can also be found at
the end of the coursebook. This allows students to easily revise their work without having to sift
through all the activities. A Useful Language block on page 13 of this unit provides students with
new and valuable language they can use when talking about everyday things.
The only downside is that this coursebook is quite expensive. A new and updated version cost
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
, around $50 on Amazon. I believe that this is quite expensive and not all language learning students
will be able to afford it after the (usually) hefty English course fees.
In conclusion, I would definitely use most of the activities and content of this coursebook in an
advanced ESL classroom. It has plenty of task-based activities that practice all 4 skills. It’s language
graded as well as culturally appropriate. It’s also well-structured with language summaries and
revision exercises that can be found at the end of the coursebook.
Words: 484
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 2
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
Use the checklist from unit 10 ('Evaluating course book material') to write a general evaluation
of the book.
You won't be able to comment on all items as you only have one unit and the contents but say as
much as you can.
This must be presented as a coherent essay, not just a list.
Then say whether you personally would like to use the book with an advanced class and why or
why not - this is just your opinion, so there is not a right or a wrong response to this part.
You do not need to refer to the class described for Part 2 of this assignment.
Write 300 - 500 words.
Evaluation:
Cutting Edge Advanced Students’ Book, written by Sarah Cunningham and Peter Moor, is highly
regarded as one of the best coursebooks that can be used in the ESL classroom. However, it is
important to first evaluate a textbook to see if it is a good match for the class and the teacher.
An important thing to note is that this textbook follows the task-based learning approach of
teaching. This is ideal, because it makes learning more engaging and fun for the students. It allows
them to figure things out on their own without being given all the answers by the teacher. These
tasks tend to create a comfortable environment where the teacher can evaluate the actual language
capabilities and needs of the class. The course content is also culturally appropriate. There aren’t
any references to offensive topics relating to race, sexuality, religion or politics. Everybody will be
able to learn in a safe and nurturing environment.
It is also important to check that the language in this textbook is appropriately graded. This
coursebook is in fact perfect for a C1/C2 class, because there are many higher-level vocabulary
words/items (such as numerous, devised, globalisation and urbanisation) taught and used in the
activities.
This unit is clearly structured with a pre-defined theme and lesson objectives. This makes sure that
students know exactly what is expected of them and that they can track their progress. There’s also
a carefully balanced range of activities that will ensure that all 4 skills – reading, writing, listening
and speaking - are improved throughout the unit. Many of these activities are also set up as
groupwork. This ensures that there’s a fun and interesting environment for students to learn the
work.
In addition to the activities found in this unit, there are also exercises for independent use and
revision at the end of the coursebook. The students can thus practice, recycle and revise the
grammar and vocabulary on their own time. A language summary for each unit can also be found at
the end of the coursebook. This allows students to easily revise their work without having to sift
through all the activities. A Useful Language block on page 13 of this unit provides students with
new and valuable language they can use when talking about everyday things.
The only downside is that this coursebook is quite expensive. A new and updated version cost
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
, around $50 on Amazon. I believe that this is quite expensive and not all language learning students
will be able to afford it after the (usually) hefty English course fees.
In conclusion, I would definitely use most of the activities and content of this coursebook in an
advanced ESL classroom. It has plenty of task-based activities that practice all 4 skills. It’s language
graded as well as culturally appropriate. It’s also well-structured with language summaries and
revision exercises that can be found at the end of the coursebook.
Words: 484
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 2
