Assignment C - Part 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
This evaluation is written in the context of my being new to EFL teaching and have no practical
experience in using or assessing coursebooks. I researched the topic to learn how experienced EFL
teachers rate Cutting Edge on merit, and against other coursebooks. This evaluation is my own
view based on how useful I find Cutting Edge as a new teacher.
The Global Living Unit is a good fit for advanced level students, and once I had become
accustomed to the layout and flow of the pages, I found the subject matter to be real-world
relevant and the activities or tasks well-suited to the aims of the students. The flow of the work
was logical, and I found I wanted to move through the work because I was learning more than
English language. The grammar and vocabulary grew more complex throughout the unit, with later
elements providing the required “stretch” for the students’ skills and abilities.
The book is not made up of blocks theoretical text, and rather provides engaging individual, paired,
and group activities which develop both receptive and productive skills. The reading texts are up-
to-date and interesting for students who are studying English to broaden their horizons and
become global citizens. The content is comprised mainly of sentences or phrases which require
students to expand or comment on. There are three texts which are all pertinent and interesting,
especially the ‘language learners around the world’ section. This assists students in developing
their own ideas when participating in tasks and activities, particularly those where they are
working independently.
The texts and topics present no obvious areas of cultural, religious, or political sensitivity. The
subjects are current, topical, and appropriate in a socially conscious context.
I located the Teachers Book sample pages online which contain the resources required including
Audio/Video, photocopiable worksheets/Unit tests/Mid & End Course tests/ test Audio/Video
materials/and test answers. The Teachers Book also provides pointers on teaching the units and
includes advice on practice and recycling of vocabulary and phrases. This is useful in lesson
planning for a novice teacher.
I would supplement the content with additional speaking opportunities, and use of online
resources like the Oxford online dictionary app and its pronunciation and phonetic alphabet tools. I
would also introduce authentic texts and audio-visual material on current global topics. I noticed a
possible grammar list reference in the red rubric marked “Grammar extension bank” but I could
not locate a vocabulary list. This is a possible area for supplementation.
Cost may be an issue in developing countries with the Amazon price being $29 plus around $14
shipping. It may be that schools are able to purchase bulk at a reduced rate. Photocopying is
possible but could also be costly.
As a new teacher, I find this course book to be well suited to my own and advanced level student
needs and would be pleased should a school ask me to use it.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
An Evaluation of Cutting Edge Advanced
This evaluation is written in the context of my being new to EFL teaching and have no practical
experience in using or assessing coursebooks. I researched the topic to learn how experienced EFL
teachers rate Cutting Edge on merit, and against other coursebooks. This evaluation is my own
view based on how useful I find Cutting Edge as a new teacher.
The Global Living Unit is a good fit for advanced level students, and once I had become
accustomed to the layout and flow of the pages, I found the subject matter to be real-world
relevant and the activities or tasks well-suited to the aims of the students. The flow of the work
was logical, and I found I wanted to move through the work because I was learning more than
English language. The grammar and vocabulary grew more complex throughout the unit, with later
elements providing the required “stretch” for the students’ skills and abilities.
The book is not made up of blocks theoretical text, and rather provides engaging individual, paired,
and group activities which develop both receptive and productive skills. The reading texts are up-
to-date and interesting for students who are studying English to broaden their horizons and
become global citizens. The content is comprised mainly of sentences or phrases which require
students to expand or comment on. There are three texts which are all pertinent and interesting,
especially the ‘language learners around the world’ section. This assists students in developing
their own ideas when participating in tasks and activities, particularly those where they are
working independently.
The texts and topics present no obvious areas of cultural, religious, or political sensitivity. The
subjects are current, topical, and appropriate in a socially conscious context.
I located the Teachers Book sample pages online which contain the resources required including
Audio/Video, photocopiable worksheets/Unit tests/Mid & End Course tests/ test Audio/Video
materials/and test answers. The Teachers Book also provides pointers on teaching the units and
includes advice on practice and recycling of vocabulary and phrases. This is useful in lesson
planning for a novice teacher.
I would supplement the content with additional speaking opportunities, and use of online
resources like the Oxford online dictionary app and its pronunciation and phonetic alphabet tools. I
would also introduce authentic texts and audio-visual material on current global topics. I noticed a
possible grammar list reference in the red rubric marked “Grammar extension bank” but I could
not locate a vocabulary list. This is a possible area for supplementation.
Cost may be an issue in developing countries with the Amazon price being $29 plus around $14
shipping. It may be that schools are able to purchase bulk at a reduced rate. Photocopying is
possible but could also be costly.
As a new teacher, I find this course book to be well suited to my own and advanced level student
needs and would be pleased should a school ask me to use it.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
