Job Discussion Forums

[worth]

I have a few questions about books. First, what grammar books best answer those (occasional?) grammar questions that you may have, and also what grammar books have the best explanations and exercises for students. For my own use, I usually use either Azar or Bland. For students, I often use Murphy. I would rather not have this inquiry turn into a debate about teaching grammar because everyone knows that the grammar translation school of thought is the most effective way to teach any language (for those of you lacking a sense of humour, that's sarcasm!)

Second, what, if any, series of books are particularly good. Years ago, I think I used the "streamline" series. This was in the early 90's and I may have the name wrong. The reason I ask is that currently, my program uses no books (or rather many different books), and we are thinking of switching to a series. I like the freedom I have right now, but there are a couple of small problems; mainly inconsistency between levels and between teachers. Also, I wouldn't mind being able to take little break from the extreme amount of lesson planning I have now.

Finally, is there a website that has trustworthy, objective reviews of ESL/EFL books?
Thanks

[delian]

For my own reference (not as a course book) I have found that "The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course" by Marianne Celce-Murcia & Diane Larsen-Freeman is quite helpful. It isn't a beginner's book, but answers those 'occasional' grammar questions that come up. Also there's the Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English - here's a review of the book if you're curious <http://www-writing.berkeley.edu/TESL-EJ/ej15/r14.html>. Both books are a bit hefty in terms of price, but they are excellent reference books.

This is all just my opinion, of course.

Good luck.

From the depths of corpus and grammar analysis in lovely Hong Kong...

[shmooj]

Swan, Michael