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

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #408,091 in Books (See Bestsellers 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

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

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars now I can understand american english, April 26, 2009

By	Marcelo A. Barichello "Chelo´s books" (Tarragona, Spain) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's an exelente ESL book, the author has made I don't give up in my studies of conversational English, so confused for overseas students. Right now slang is really very easy and funny to study and it is great for me learn how Americans really talk, not only young or uneducated people, and I feel, I'll became to understand movies, magazines or newspaper.