Connections: Reading and Writing in Cultural Contexts

Rating:
Summary: Connections is a great way to get students to write.
Review: This collection of essays with the prereading questions and suggestions for further thought works to get even the most reluctant students to express opinions. The essays are organized around thematic units such as "Roots and Arrivals," "Family," "Ways of Learning," etc. When I have used this text, I have found that students -- even those who hate English -- find themselves discussing and writing about what they have read. The focus on making connections with people from different cultural or experiential backgrounds also helps to prepare students for an increasingly diverse world. The only drawback to the book is the lack of really useful information on writing. However, I find it easier to develop my own guidelines for students; and the thought-provoking essays make up for this lack.