Description:
Instant Immersion English Pro is a comprehensive seven-CD suite of programs and utilities designed to teach the fundamentals of the English language. Ideal for English newcomers who want to grasp the basics and English-speaking children who need to improve their skills, English Pro instructs by immediately immersing its students in common conversational and written English. It's important to note that this is not a structured course as much as a wide-ranging and often entertaining supplement to standard learning processes. Questionably organized and not without its flaws, English Pro should nevertheless make a valuable companion to those who find classes and instructional books somewhat dry. The central component of the package is the four-CD Tell Me More collection. Consisting of a single installation disc and three increasingly challenging "lesson" CDs, Tell Me More is a multimedia extravaganza of video snippets, still photographs, interactive dialogue, written and verbal exercises, and edutainment games. Intended only for those who speak Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, German, and English, the program offers everything from strict text-based phonetics and conjugation instruction to lighthearted games of hangman and fill in the blanks, wherein incorrect answers generate a chorus of boos and proper responses prompt wild applause. Unfortunately, Tell Me More does not always understand the spoken word as well as it should, and therefore may award average or failing scores for perfectly enunciated passages. Furthermore, the program's many interfaces are not particularly easy to navigate. Such is not the case with English Vocabulary Builder, a single-CD application structured for total rookies and especially appealing to children. With its uncomplicated flash card format, warm and fuzzy illustrations, enthusiastic verbal delivery, and customized printable certificates, this is a great beginner's tool and a lot of fun to boot. Two other CDs complete the collection. The first, English Plus, works in similar fashion to Tell Me More but is substantially less interesting and versatile. The material seems sensible and the instructors do enunciate clearly, yet its mouse-heavy navigation is dated and its sense of repetition when compared to Tell Me More is quite obvious. The seventh and final disc, Road to Citizenship, is not a full-blown language tutor but a primer for those who want to become citizens of the U.S. Updated in 2001, Road to Citizenship helps determine eligibility, offers numerous governmental contacts, and even teaches users how to read and speak some of the most common naturalization interview questions. Instant Immersion English Pro delivers a wealth of material for a budget price. Despite its foibles, there's still very much to like in this instructional yet entertaining language tutor. --Gordon Goble
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