New Headway English Course: Student's Audio CD Intermediate level - John Soars

Advantages: Well set out and easy to use.
Disadvantages: Missing some of the more common verbs

...This is a good guide for an student of the language but it does also have quite a few flaws. The verbs are fully conjugated and arranged in alphabetical order throughout the book which makes using it as a reference extremely easy. In this respect, the guide is extremely user-friendly. However, many of the common verbs are missing. You need to be quite well practised at using verb guides and linguistics and language manuals to be able to use the book to its full potential. There are sections on idiomatic expressions as well as relatively basic grammar and translations for the verbs are given from and to both Spanish and English. However, there is little chance that this could be used wholly successfully without a dictionary. A must for any student of languages at an intermediate level or above but I'd recommend something much simpler... Read review

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Advantages: Some unusual inclusions
Disadvantages: Assumes aspects of grammar have been studied previously

..., grammatical definitions, the gender of nouns and the sounds of French. Improve Your French looks like an average-sized book, but it is packed with language practice and grammar topics that would enable any learner with a grasp of basic French to move beyond beginner level and have confidence and fluency. The dialogues on the CD are clear and easy to follow; it is of course up to you whether you decide purely to listen to them or to follow the transcript in the book while listening. I would certainly recommend this pack to an intermediate learner of French. I think perhaps the BBC's 'French Experience 2' has the edge over it, unless you are looking for something a little different from the usual textbook that offers one of two poems and some 'Franglais' for example. In that case, go for 'Teach Yourself Improve Your French' The pack is currently... Read review

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Advantages: Authentic recordings; good listening, reading and speaking practice
Disadvantages: Grammar not in great depth; less emphasis on writing skills

...Whether you are embarking on self-study or a private tuition course in French,THE FRENCH EXPERIENCE is highly recommended. Writing and grammar are not over-emphasised, but if you wish to speak, understand and read texts, there is a wealth of material here. Each unit focuses on a particular topic such as health, travel, food and drink, professions, holidays and so on, providing useful vocabulary for tourists as well as residents. The CDs contain authentic dialogues and interviews recorded in France; within each unit the recordings concentrate initially on listening and recognising vocabulary, and then on the learner producing similar language through role-play. THE FRENCH EXPERIENCE 2 enables you to progress through intermediate level French, increasing your fluency and understanding. The ten units each comprise six pages of audio... Read review

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