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Rating: 
Summary: An Uneven Book with Potential
Review: I went "down" to this book with my advanced skills writing and reading class. Whereas Book 3 provided wonderful readings, my students were not quite up to the steep writing challenges of that book. I thought Book 2 would remedy the writing situation, which it did. This time it's the reading material that's inappropriate for my level. Book 2 is way too easy, more appropriate for a beginning high or low intermediate class. A student should know most if not all of the vocabulary and terms in this book by the time he/she reaches an advanced class such as mine. "Invented," "special dish" are too easy, and so are the readings, normally just two or three paragraphs long. The questions at the end of each reading of Book 2 deal only with vocabulary and details. I am disappointed there is nothing to do with drawing conclusions or making inferences, like Book 3. Really, making inferences can be done at any level, and the author should have included some in this book without encumbering the teacher to come up with some. But then the readings are so skimpy it would make making inferences next-to-impossible. The writing is on target. It teaches topic sentences and supporting details, and gives many fine examples along the way. The book is patient and explains paragraph writing from brainstorming and outlining to writing and revising. It walks students through the process of writing with plenty of exercises. If only the reading would be "harder", then my students and I would be happier. As it is, I must use supplemental material that includes higher vocabulary and enough fodder for students to make inferences and draw conclusions.
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