Comprehensive English. Book 4

Author: Qiu Guohong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: The "Public English Series for Vocational and Technical Schools" was developed in accordance with the objectives and requirements of the New "Teaching Outline for English in Secondary Vocational and Technical Schools (Trial)" issued by the Ministry of Education (hereinafter referred to as the "Outline"). It was also designed to address the characteristics of English teaching in vocational and technical schools and the current teaching realities in Beijing and other provinces. This series consists of 8 volumes (including teacher's guides), divided into two categories:
Ⅰ. "Comprehensive English" (6 volumes): 4 textbooks and 2 teacher's guides;
Ⅱ. "Daily Communication English Listening and Speaking" (2 volumes): 1 textbook and 1 teacher's guide.
The reading texts in the Comprehensive English series and the listening and speaking materials in the Daily Communication series are accompanied by audio cassettes. The teaching aids for this series will be released soon. The guiding principle of this series is: carefully selected materials, meticulous writing, striving to make the content suitable for learning and teaching, and aiming to create a high-quality textbook that meets the characteristics of English teaching in vocational and technical schools.
1. Solid foundation, step-by-step progress: Starting from the English foundation of junior high school, it expands the scope of basic knowledge while, in line with the "Outline," it systematically cultivates students' listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation skills.
2. Strengthen communication, focus on application: Based on the "Brief List of Daily Communication Expressions" and "Topics" in the "Outline," the materials are carefully selected and written to highlight the characteristics of English teaching in vocational and technical schools, focusing on cultivating students' ability to use English for basic daily communication. At the same time, it introduces students to some basic knowledge and skills of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), laying a foundation for future studies and careers.
3. Spark interest, make learning enjoyable: Using a wide range of vivid and engaging language materials, the series aims to spark students' interest in learning foreign languages and cultures, fostering good learning habits and enhancing their autonomy and enthusiasm for learning.
4. Cultivate cultural awareness and quality: Educating students to better understand Chinese and foreign cultures, enhance their awareness of international communication, improve their cultural literacy, and enrich their thoughts.
The features of this series are:
1. Broad, novel, interesting, and practical materials: The first four volumes of the Comprehensive English series are rich and diverse, with each topic featuring novel, vivid, and practical materials. Each textbook in the series includes two reading passages (A and B), and to further stimulate students' interest and help them transition smoothly from the limited language materials of junior high school to the greater reading volume required in vocational and technical schools, each unit of the Comprehensive English series also includes a "READ FOR FUN" short passage. Additionally, each unit of every volume ends with a proverb or saying. The selection or creation of materials for the Practical Communication series adheres to the principles of strengthening communication, focusing on practicality, sparking interest, and making learning enjoyable.
2. Lively and appropriately challenging language: The selection and writing of language materials are rigorously maintained: the materials strive for diverse styles, simple and vivid vocabulary (with a word count of 5%–8%), and smooth syntax. The difficulty level of the passages is clearly defined: the first two volumes emphasize lively and spoken language, while the third and fourth volumes focus on language that is both and reflects the dynamic flexibility and modernity of English. The explanations of grammar are concise and clear; writing and translation exercises are of moderate difficulty.
3. Comprehensive training, emphasizing practicality: The two parts of this series—Comprehensive English and Daily Communication English Listening and Speaking—are both distinct and integrated. The distinction lies in focusing on different language skills, particularly in strengthening listening and speaking abilities based on comprehensive reading and writing. The integration lies in that both parts are developed under unified principles, with content generally revolving around the same topic. While promoting the coordinated training of comprehensive skills, the series emphasizes the cultivation of students' listening and speaking abilities through authentic, vivid, and memorable materials and organic exercises to develop their sense of language and interest in speaking. Additionally, the arrangement of vocabulary and grammar learning and practice in each unit adheres to the principles of diversity, moderate difficulty, and ease of learning and practicality. The practicality principle here includes two key points: , cultivating basic language skills to meet social demands; second, aligning the exercise types and difficulty levels with current examination content.
4. Simple format, reasonable and appropriate content arrangement: Following the principles of being suitable for learning and easy to teach, the series emphasizes clarity in its format. Both parts use popular modules, and each teacher's guide provides detailed references and accurate answers. The four volumes of the Comprehensive English series are designed for use over four semesters; the Daily Communication Listening and Speaking series consists of 38 units, with topics identical to those in the Comprehensive English series. These can be used synchronously or selectively expanded or reduced based on the teaching schedule for listening and speaking. The principle of combining and separating in the writing is precisely to meet the flexible needs of teaching, allowing teachers to adjust as needed.