Criterion

Grade: 5/4/3/2/1

Comments (5 being the highest grade and 1 the lowest)

Overall rating

5

As far as teacher’s books go, to say that Ready for First is thorough is somewhat of an understatement. It has virtually everything you could wish for from a teacher’s book. It’s not just that it has all of the usual and expected features (instructions, keys, scripts etc) nor that it does them in such detail or to such a high standard. It’s the plethora of extra features to help the teacher provide stimulating and ultimately rewarding lessons to their students that really makes it stand out. In this respect it really does seem to have the students’ best interests at heart.

Whether it’s ideas for lead-ins and additional activities, alternate ways of doing activities, learner training tips or exam notes, they all help offer the teacher excellent support. Of particular note are the sample answers to the writing tasks, complete with examiner comments which not only offer students an insight into what is expected, but also the mind of the examiner when it comes to marking. They’re only little things, but they make a difference and really help the teacher guide their students to the standards required for the exam. All the while it’s well organised and presented clearly, thus making it easy to follow.

The addition of a DVD-ROM full of material also enhances the quality of the course. Containing photocopiable communicative tasks for each unit (although more would be nice), as well as progress tests for every two units, there’s no excuse for students not getting enough focussed practice. Also included are 10 Teacher Training videos, with Roy Norris taking teachers through the methodology and thinking behind each aspect of the book. It’s a nice touch.

With all this in mind it’s fair to say that it’s a very teacher-friendly book, which novice and experienced FCE teachers alike will find beneficial.

What outstanding strengths/ weaknesses do you feel this title possesses?

Supports teachers well with lots of extra ideas on how to get the most out of the coursebook.

Plenty of exam extra practice for students.

On which courses do you envisage being able to use this material?

FCE exam courses.