Ya Gotta Know It: A Conversational Approach to American Slang for the ESL Classroom [Paperback]

Hania Hassan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 187944027X | ISBN-13: 978-1879440272 | Publication Date: July 15, 2000 | Edition: 1st

A complete advanced English as a second language (ESL) course in American slang, this book presents a story about four 20-something main characters (the typical age group of ESL students) in 30 short dialogues. Each dialogue is followed by classroom-tested questions that help students master the new terms. The developing story serves as a guidepost that aids in the recall of slang terms and their meanings, and provides usage examples appropriate to particular social contexts. This book includes a glossary of grammatical terms, a dictionary of all slang terms introduced, pronunciations, usage notes, and sample sentences.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Since 1989, Hania Hassan has enjoyed teaching ESL to international students both in the US and overseas. She obtained her BA in Behavioral Science from the University of Arizona in 1987, and has also attended the UC San Diego TESOL certification program. Hania is a first generation American who spent her high school years growing up in Kuwait and time teaching in Japan. She now resides in sunny San Diego.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Optima Books; 1st edition (July 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 187944027X
• ISBN-13: 978-1879440272
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,424,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh ESL fun!!, November 14, 2000

By 

Carol Ash (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ya Gotta Know It: A Conversational Approach to American Slang for the ESL Classroom (Paperback)

I have used most of the slang/ idiom books out there in the market, but none of them have been as up-to-date, well-organized and informative as this! My students loved all of the conversation questions. They keep begging me for more. The dictionary section is especially helpful as it contains info about any and every question students may come up with! I also love how straightforward it is.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I CAN FINALLY UNDERSTAND AMERICANS!, October 21, 2002

By 

keiko (Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ya Gotta Know It: A Conversational Approach to American Slang for the ESL Classroom (Paperback)

I've been a student studying English for many years, but had difficulty understanding American people and American Movies and TV.This book really helped me to understand real American English. The stories are fun to read, so I don't feel like I'm studying... Just having fun. Anyone who wants to understand real American English should buy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!, July 15, 2011

By 

Artur (Poland) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ya Gotta Know It!: A Conversational Approach to American Slang for the ESL Classroom (Paperback)

I'm pleasantly surprised at how good this book actually is. The artwork may not be something to write home about, but it definitely doesn't skimp on content. Other books of this sort often introduce two or three hundred slang/colloquial words and expressions. This one gives you at least a thousand; and masterfully contextualized and explained at that. It's also one of the most up-to-date publications you can find. So, in a word, don't let this front cover fool you. You've got the real McCoy here.