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.
The book contains a wide range of relevant and functional materials and
exercises, that include mind-maps, role-plays, fill in the blanks, matching
exercises, as well as conscious-raising activities and discussion questions. I also
can see that the four skills are well balanced in terms of activities offered to
develop each skill. I can see that all the materials are attractively and clearly
presented in the book.
The fact that a lot of mind-maps are repeatedly used throughout the unit
helps students to assimilate the material much easier as well as demonstrate the
connection of different lexical terms making them more memorable.
Furthermore, the contents pages show that the book has a functional focus, thus,
the units are organized with an emphasis on functionality and there are a lot of
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
,activities that give students the ability to communicate effectively in various
everyday situations.
The topics are very interesting and appropriate for the age of the group.
Since adults have a lot of experience in life and their opinions about its different
aspects are quite formed, I am sure
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 2
,that they will find topics such as globalisation, self-improvement, education very
interesting and entertaining.
On the other hand, I can see that the book offers contextualized practice of
grammar and vocabulary to make the learning process more memorable and
engaging (this point is of utmost importance for the learners). The speaking
activities are very well structured and provide students with the effective and
meaningful practice which can be carried out in pairs as well as in the small/big
groups.
The book also contains a variety of real-life photos that makes it appealing
to adults and young adults (which I guess this book is aimed at). Besides, these
colourful visuals introduce characters, stories and set the settings for the
listening exercises, so the students are able to activate their previous knowledge
about the topic and make predictions about the language and vocabulary being
used.
Every unit starts with the clear goals and it ends with an “after unit”
section in which students can evaluate themselves by reflecting on their own
progress and what they are able to do after completing the unit. These kinds of
self-evaluating activities tend to give students not only a sense of achievement,
but also help them identify the areas to improve and to practice more.
I also like the idea that all the points seen during the lesson are
summarised in the language summary and practice sections at the end of the
book (language summary, grammar, and vocabulary practice). It can help
students who are having difficulty and can provide more practice for students
who want to practice more and revise the material.
I was wondering if the coursebooks currently offer a digital version as
well. If this is the case it would be one of the biggest points in its favour.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
, All in all, since my knowledge of the students will be based on their need’s
analysis, and our relation will be developed throughout the course because I will
get to know them better, I will decide whether I need to add or omit something
from the course book material, but I definitely would use this book in my course!
© 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.
The book contains a wide range of relevant and functional materials and
exercises, that include mind-maps, role-plays, fill in the blanks, matching
exercises, as well as conscious-raising activities and discussion questions. I also
can see that the four skills are well balanced in terms of activities offered to
develop each skill. I can see that all the materials are attractively and clearly
presented in the book.
The fact that a lot of mind-maps are repeatedly used throughout the unit
helps students to assimilate the material much easier as well as demonstrate the
connection of different lexical terms making them more memorable.
Furthermore, the contents pages show that the book has a functional focus, thus,
the units are organized with an emphasis on functionality and there are a lot of
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
,activities that give students the ability to communicate effectively in various
everyday situations.
The topics are very interesting and appropriate for the age of the group.
Since adults have a lot of experience in life and their opinions about its different
aspects are quite formed, I am sure
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 2
,that they will find topics such as globalisation, self-improvement, education very
interesting and entertaining.
On the other hand, I can see that the book offers contextualized practice of
grammar and vocabulary to make the learning process more memorable and
engaging (this point is of utmost importance for the learners). The speaking
activities are very well structured and provide students with the effective and
meaningful practice which can be carried out in pairs as well as in the small/big
groups.
The book also contains a variety of real-life photos that makes it appealing
to adults and young adults (which I guess this book is aimed at). Besides, these
colourful visuals introduce characters, stories and set the settings for the
listening exercises, so the students are able to activate their previous knowledge
about the topic and make predictions about the language and vocabulary being
used.
Every unit starts with the clear goals and it ends with an “after unit”
section in which students can evaluate themselves by reflecting on their own
progress and what they are able to do after completing the unit. These kinds of
self-evaluating activities tend to give students not only a sense of achievement,
but also help them identify the areas to improve and to practice more.
I also like the idea that all the points seen during the lesson are
summarised in the language summary and practice sections at the end of the
book (language summary, grammar, and vocabulary practice). It can help
students who are having difficulty and can provide more practice for students
who want to practice more and revise the material.
I was wondering if the coursebooks currently offer a digital version as
well. If this is the case it would be one of the biggest points in its favour.
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 1
, All in all, since my knowledge of the students will be based on their need’s
analysis, and our relation will be developed throughout the course because I will
get to know them better, I will decide whether I need to add or omit something
from the course book material, but I definitely would use this book in my course!
© 2020 The TEFL Academy. All rights reserved. 2
