For those learning English as a second language who are looking for a textbook that covers all the essential information required for the standardised CEFR English tests from beginners at A1 through to advanced at C1, hot off the press comes just such a textbook from publisher Dorling Kindersley.
The book is entitled English for Everyone, an English grammar guide.
And I just happen to have a copy of it here with me now.
So, let's dive straight in and take a look through it.
The first thing you'll notice when opening the book is the contents list.
This book contains 120 sections.
Each one has been colour coded to make searching for a particular section easier.
Both the contents layout at the front and the index layout at the back are clear and uncluttered.
The first section deals with one of the basics of English, the present simple.
The present simple is used to make simple statements of fact, to talk about things that happen repeatedly and to describe things that are always true.
This section is a good example of how clearly everything is explained throughout the book.
Examples are shown without overloading the reader with too much information at once.
As I've already mentioned, there are 120 sections covering such topics as present simple questions, present tense overview, imperatives, used to and would, future events, passive voice, conditional, expressing wish and regret, asking questions, reported speech, indirect questions, infinitives and participles, permission requests and offers,
Articles.
Single and plural nouns.
Verbs.
Numbers.
Pronouns.
Ellipsis.
Word substitution.
Comparatives.
Adverbs of time.
Prepositions of place.
Conjunctions.
Linking words.
Suffixes.
Making conversation.
The illustrations are selectively placed and not overused, thus assuring that the book does not come across as patronising or condescending.
My favourite section is the one explaining infinitives and participles, along with the use of present participle and gerund rules.
The use of gerunds in English can be quite difficult to explain, even for the most experienced of English teachers.
From my own observations, this textbook would be ideal for those starting out on their quest to master the English language.
If your level of English is basic and you need to improve your understanding of clauses and grammar, then this book will be of benefit to you.
The easy-to-follow index allows the student to move quickly between sections and the reference section at the end covers most of the things one might find difficult.
Of course, the reference is never quite enough and you might come across the occasional word that will require you to refer to a dictionary.
At the risk of repeating myself, I must say I really like the colour-coded sections and the diagrams inside, while simple, are very effective.
The topics covered in the book are shown in a clear and concise way.
Commonly misunderstood English grammar, such as the use of gerunds, the passive voice and reported speech are all covered very well.
I would recommend this textbook for both the single learner and as a school or training centre reference book to share in class.
So, there it is.
English for Everyone.
English Grammar Guide.
As I understand, this book is available at both the DK website and through Amazon.
A high quality flexi-bound version of the book is available as well as a hardback edition.
I hope this review has been helpful and good luck with your English studies.
This is Mr Duncan in England saying... ta ta for now.