Longman International English Course (Unit Test)

Author: Molinsky, S., Bliss, B. (Eds.)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: There are two main approaches to writing textbooks for the foundational stage of English learning: one is grammar-based, and the other is communicative function-based. Both approaches have their own emphases but also their own drawbacks. Grammar-based textbooks focus on systematic mastery of grammar systems, emphasizing proficiency and accuracy in constructing sentences, but they often neglect the development of students' communicative skills. The extreme manifestation of this is knowing grammar but being poor at speaking. Communicative function-based textbooks prioritize the cultivation of students' ability to use language for communication, but they often overlook the need for accuracy in language (including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc.). The extreme manifestation of this is speaking boldly but making numerous language errors. Communication is the fundamental purpose of learning a foreign language. If you spend a lot of time studying grammar rules but still cannot communicate with others, it is almost like studying in vain. Conversely, the grammar rules of a language (broadly speaking, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation) are the foundation of the language. No sentence can exist without grammar. Those who only seek to meet immediate communicative needs without seeking solid language proficiency will eventually find themselves unable to express themselves clearly and lacking the ability to cope with situations, and will be ridiculed. Ideal textbooks and corresponding teaching methods should find a reasonable balance between grammatical ability and communicative ability, as well as their organic integration. In recent years, many textbooks written domestically and internationally have made efforts in this direction and achieved varying degrees of success. This set of "Side by Side," adapted and published by Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press after being introduced from Longman Publishing Group, is considered a relatively successful example. In this four-book series, each lesson has a grammar focus point and communicative scenarios where the grammar point is frequently used, so students can immediately apply the grammar knowledge they learn to language communication.