How English Works: A Grammar Practice Book [Paperback]

Michael Swan (Author)

Book Description

Covers all the important elements in the standard EFL grammar syllabus. Includes entry tests to show students what they need to study most; short, learner-friendly grammar presentations followed by examples of correct use, and simple traditional-type exercises to build confidence. There are two editions - with Answers and without.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'An exciting and innovative book... definitely a book worth looking at, and anyone interested in the way English grammar teaching is going should get their hands on How English Works as a matter of priority!' - The TEFL Farm

About the Author

Michael Swan is a writer specializing in English language teaching and reference materials. His interests include pedagogic grammar, mother-tongue influence in second language acquisition, and the relationship between applied linguistic theory and classroom language-teaching practice, and he has published a number of articles on these topics. Michael has had extensive experience with adult learners and has worked with teachers in many countries. He is a Visiting Professor at St Mary's College, University of Surrey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (May 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019431457X
• ISBN-13: 978-0194314572
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,512,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Swan has written and co-authored a wide range of English language teaching and reference materials, informed by 20 years' TESOL experience in Britain and abroad. He has published a number of articles on the principles and methodology of second language teaching, and is a regular speaker at international conferences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, Simple and Readable!, May 11, 2001

By 

Khaled AalAli "AalAli" (Halifax, NS, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How English Works: A Grammar Practice Book (Paperback)

I easily get bored when i read english grammar books, but with this book grammar become more enjoying and easy to understand. Before going through grammar lessons you can test your grammar by questions and know your weak points. You can use it as starter book for english grammar and as reference. It is very clear, simple, readable and contains some colorful cartoons. With each topic there is tasks and excercises. I highly recommend it for intermediate students.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grammar book for high intermediate students, November 17, 1999

By 

Emil ([e-mail]) (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How English Works: A Grammar Practice Book (Paperback)

A very clear book. It's great at explaination, short on excercises- but it does have an answer key. Too few excercises for a text, but a great refrence for teachers and ESL students.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a practice book must be!, January 8, 2003

By 

Artur Padovan - See all my reviews

This review is from: How English Works: A Grammar Practice Book (Paperback)

I am very glad to see that this book is rated 5 stars here in amazon.com, for my opinion is that such book is a most perfect one for purposes of grammar practice of the English language.
What really should be noticed is that, usually, the more advanced the book is, the more tiring it is for the student to read; but the previous logic does not apply to this one! I feel a great pleasure in reading it and doing its exercises mainly because of one very important caracteristic that every didatic book should embody: the abundance of visual elements, especially the little comic strips and the numerous strong sayings uttered by various famous people, which are spread profusely throughout the book. Its visually rich and coloured pages shall, most certainly, banish the usual boredom that students feel in studying grammar, and please, future reader, do not worry; the contents of the book are also very rich, and I may assure any purchaser in potential that this book doesn't lack any important information; it is a thorough coverage for students who wish to get more fluent in written and spoken language alike.