Customer Reviews

Well Said: Advanced English Pronunciation

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With so many pronunciation books on the market, I would like to offer my opinion about this book which I have used to teach all levels of ACCENT IMPROVEMENT courses. I consider myself a dedicated and excellent accent reduction coach/instructor. If you want self/home practice, this book seems particulary suited to the intermediate level student. However, any level student could benefit from doing each chapter USING the audio cassette tapes--with CONCENTRATED imitative practice and get good "American English" models to imitate. The format of each chapter goes like this: First, an overview of the concept(s), also indicated by the title of the chapter, with pronunicaiton exercises. Second, you will find "rules" and exercises to practice and internalize the rules. This is followed by a few more exercises. This workbook was intended also to be used with groups therefore, the last thing in each chapter are "communicative practices" to be done with a partner or small group. Two sections of this book I particularly like: The appendices which contain practice for the most stubborn consonant and vowel sounds; and, chapter 7, the Rhythm chapter which is terrific practice to repeat OFTEN for any level. No pronunciation book on the market is perfect, meaning all inclusive and fitting eveyone's need exactly. Each book is only a tool which has it's strengths and weakness. Success with them depens also very much on a high level of motivation. Most books that I have used, including this one, work best as a reinforcement tool to "live" interactive lessons.

I have been using this text and the accompanying tapes with International Teaching Assistants who are polishing their oral English in a university setting for the past four years. I have found it to be extremely easy to use and highly effective. Because of its well organized presentation, the students continue to practice the skills they have previously learned in each successive chapter which maximizes their level of mastery. Thanks to the excellent diagnostic tools included, the students are able to broaden their understanding of those areas having the most impact on their intelligibility, and to see what progress they have made. The book's format encourages self-monitoring as well as peer group work; both are very useful for those trying to communicate in academic areas. The "Helpful Hints"are terrific. There is more than enough material for a semester course, and, students can continue to use the book as a reference and to practice with the tapes long after the course has finished. Students respond very favorably to this text; they are not overwhelmed with "lists", and they progress steadily when using it. I would recommend it very highly, and would encourage the use of the teacher's manual as well.

I used this book in my ESL class last summer. The material was appropriate for my capability, and it will be much more helpful if you study in teacher-led class.