Customer Reviews

Grammar Practice Activities: A Practical Guide for Teachers (Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers)

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Imaginative, interesting, engaging and well organized this book is one of the most valuable resources I have seen in nearly three years of full time ESL teaching. The book is divided into two parts.Part One provides a clear and concise introduction to grammar teaching in the foreign language classroom, a very useful guide to designing and presenting grammar-practice activities and some tips for getting the most out of coursebook exercises. The heart of the book, however, is Part Two which consists of nearly 200 game-like grammar practice activities. The activities are grouped into sections according to grammatical categories. The categories are ordered alphabetically and cross-referenced in the text. The descriptions of the activities are accompanied, where appropriate, by reproducable sample texts and visuals. The activities are not classified by proficiency level or age and the author encourages teachers to adapt them to suit their own students. I have found that most of the activities are readily adaptable to different levels, and although most as presented in the book seem orientated toward adult students I have successfully adapted many for use with teenagers and younger children. Likewise the activities are not classified by skill practiced as many are designed or can be adapted to practise any or all of the four skills. This book is also exceptional in that it doesn't fall foul of that ill which inexplicably plagues many similar books - a cumbersome and unwieldy index. The index in this book, although perhaps not quite as complete as it could be, is among the very best I have seen in this type of publication. A single alphabetical list identifies activities by term, topic and title. In addition there is a clear list of contents at the front of the book. The book's easy-to-use format, comprehensive coverage, sturdy paperback construction and handy size make it an indispensable addition to any ESL teacher's tool-kit.

This book is packed full of useful grammar activities. They are easily classified according to grammar point and can be easily searched for use. I've used the activities numerous times, and there are a lot of great ideas in this book. The only thing that isn't so great is that the pictures have a late 70's or early 80's look, but it's not such a big problem since you can easily get pictures out of magazines or other such resources. Also, the English featured here is British English, so if you're teaching American English, you have to adjust some of the phrases or vocabulary. Other than that, it's great. Check it out.

I borrowed a copy from my ESL instructor while student-teaching. It is FANTASTIC. I have found that the activities proposed in the book can also be modified to fit another activity -- or to even get my own creative juices flowing. There have been times when I felt overwhelmed by all the good examples and couldn't pick just one. It's easy to carry and pack -- don't leave home without it!

Penny Ur's book "Grammar Practice Activities" is a neat little book with some simple, but very effective activities for a good range of grammar forms.

The activities can be used at a range of different levels, and cover everything from pair to group work. Some require some preparation, and they sometimes come with pictures and other materials. There are also some variations you can try for some, as well. They cover a wide range of grammatical forms, and that will keep the book useful for a long time. The activities are fairly focused on forms, and that means students will almost be forced to use the ones that you are practicing.

Perhaps the only problem I have found with the book is trying to photo copy some of the photos or pictures without damaging the spine too much. The small cover size means that the spine is pretty stressed when flattened out in a photocopier. If it is a heavily used book, you might want to keep a "master copy" of such materials to prolong the life of the book.

This book is simply a very useful, easy-to-use book. Ur has done a great job of presenting some nice activities that are easy to set-up, and very effective for the students. This is a wonderful little book that should be on any shelf.

I am constantly using and/or adapting exercises from this book for my classes. Like the previous reviewer, my only complaint is in the format. I wish it were larger and spiral bound, as my copy is getting very beat up from the copy machine! An essential in my resource library.

This book is practical for several reasons. Most of the activities are excellent for visual reinforcement of language concepts and as most learners tend to be more visual than auditory, they are effective with the majority. Many of the activities offer alternative uses or suggestions for expansion of the activity. There is also a great index which cross references activities according to grammar structure. But I think that what I like most is that the activities are so easy to adapt by either changing the vocabulary or adjusting the level. The fact that this book is not a new publication and still continues to be purchased and used by so many attests to its quality.

This book has many activities that can be done. It's a great resource to have in the library of an ESL teacher!

Oh man, do I like this book! Most ESL students would rather have teeth pulled than to have to learn English grammar, but this book can make learning fun. Adaptable to pairs or groups, most age groups, and most levels of ability. The B&W pictures in the book are helpful, but the CD makes it easy to print out a flawless copy you can take to the photocopier. With a little preparation and adaptation, this is a painless way to weave a fun grammar activity into a lesson.