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[PinceNez]

Hello,
it is getting near the end of the semester and I need to put in my text book order for next semester. I have selected almost all of the books I am going to use but have one class that I am having trouble choosing a main textbook for. Perhaps someone out there has an idea�

They are a second year class of 19 students. The focus of the class is communication skill, mainly speaking and listening. The students are quite bright and interested in English. A few have experience of studying abroad. They are what are called tobikyu here, meaning their entrance exam results enabled them to skip the introductory units in the first year. I would call them intermediate.

This semester I have been using a textbook called, �Impact Conversation 2� from Pearson Longman. While this text book has its strengths and weaknesses it is time to move on.

I have been looking at the book, �Impact Issues 1� from the same publisher but I am not sure how it will play out in the class. I have tried lessons with issues similar to the ones presented in the book... crime, environment, etc with varying success. In some ways I think the students perhaps lack awareness, or maturity or simply don`t care much about the issues. The book seems to focus on having the students give their opinions and agree and disagree with each other. I would prefer something that allows for practice of different language functions. Also, this book doesn`t have varied listening tasks in it.

Well, this has ended up being more long-winded than I had planned.

Basically, anyone know any good text books to get 2nd year university students in Japan talking? Anyone used the �Impact Issues� series?

Thank you.

[Glenski]

Try using Touchstone. Excellent teacher's manual!

[Mr_Monkey]

[PinceNez]

Thank you both for your replies. I had never heard of the Touchstone series before.

I have checked out some online samples and it seems like exactly what I am looking for.

Cheers.