New Horizons English Course—Reading and Writing Tutorial 1

Author: Zheng Shutang Hu Quansheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The "New Horizon English Course" was developed in accordance with the "Basic Requirements for English Teaching in Higher Vocational and Technical Education" issued by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education (referred to as "Basic Requirements"). It is a series of English textbooks specifically designed for use in higher vocational and technical colleges across the country. It reflects the teaching objectives proposed in the "Basic Requirements," covers the practical English language knowledge and communication skills required, and emphasizes the principle of "pragmatism as the main focus." The "New Horizon English Course" is a complete series of textbooks composed of two main lines, three media, and four levels. The "New Horizon English Course" has two main lines: "Reading and Writing Course" and "Listening and Speaking Course": The "Reading and Writing Course" consists of a student textbook, a teacher textbook, and "Comprehensive Practice"; the "Listening and Speaking Course" consists of a student textbook and a teacher textbook. The "New Horizon English Course" is a three-dimensional teaching resource composed of textbooks, audio tapes, and CDs. The "New Horizon English Course" ranges from Level 1 to Level 4, forming a complete series of textbooks that progress from simple to complex. Given that the English proficiency of students entering higher vocational and technical colleges varies, the teaching requirements of the "New Horizon English Course" are divided into two levels, A and B, to facilitate classified guidance and tiered teaching. The "New Horizon English Course" also includes a preparatory-level textbook for students with lower starting points upon enrollment. During the development of the "New Horizon English Course," the authors conducted multiple interviews in several higher vocational and technical colleges across the country, collected, organized, and analyzed opinions from many English teachers in these institutions. Based on this, the outline and key points of the textbook were revised several times before being finalized. Over 30 experienced professors and middle-aged and young teaching staff from more than ten universities, including those specializing in higher vocational and technical education, participated in the development and production of the "New Horizon English Course." The authors who contributed to the "New Horizon English Course" are teachers who have long been engaged in English teaching and research, familiar with the practicalities of English teaching in higher vocational and technical education, and understand students' English proficiency and needs. This ensures that the textbook development is closely aligned with the teaching principles of English at the higher vocational and technical education level.