Cultures and Celebrations

Author: Greg Banks (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: July 1, 2005
Features: Want to improve your English writing skills effortlessly while enjoying reading? You'll find that this "National Geographic English Reading and Writing Training Series" is an excellent choice. The series consists of 14 volumes, covering 14 themes. Each theme includes 4 related subtopics that revolve around key concepts, arranged progressively in terms of reading and writing difficulty. With its innovative format of "Key Concepts + Progressive Reading + Task-Based Writing," the series helps students develop language intuition and thinking patterns from the beginning, naturally acquiring the principles and characteristics of English writing through reading, thereby fundamentally enhancing their comprehensive language application skills. Additionally, the series closely aligns with the practical needs of high school English teaching, offering unparalleled advantages in targeted applicability:
First, it provides annotations for new words. These annotations not only create space for readers to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words but also offer convenient quick references, ensuring that readers are not discouraged by difficult vocabulary. Considering the importance of phonetic symbols in memorizing words, as well as in developing students' reading and speaking skills, we have added International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) annotations to all annotated words.
Second, based on the requirements of high school English learning and the college entrance examination writing, the annotated words are classified into three levels. Memory words are basic vocabulary, also commonly used in high-scoring essays. Learners should aim to write, read, listen, and use them proficiently. Intermediate reading words are essential English vocabulary for high school students to improve their language skills. It is recommended that learners frequently use and familiarize themselves with these words to enhance their essay expression. Reference reading words include specialized and uncommon vocabulary related to the topics. Learners can simply be aware of them and select as needed based on their own circumstances. In the layout, memory words are bolded in the text. For easy memorization, memory words in the "Reading" section are placed at the beginning of each subtopic, while those in the "Task-Based Writing" section are compiled together at the end of the book. Intermediate reading words and reference reading words are marked in green and blue, respectively, with annotations appearing on the same page for easy reference.
Third, it systematically introduces various types of English practical writing through diverse themes and genres. Writing starts with reading, meaning students first understand what excellent essays look like. Based on this foundation, the series introduces the formats and applicable ranges of different sample essays, including narrative and expository essays, among more than ten common writing styles. At the same time, with a rigorous approach and clear operational steps, the series guides students into a writing training camp that offers both step-by-step progressive guidance and ample creative space.
Fourth, it has comprehensive teaching functions. Due to its unique design and careful layout in guiding practical writing, this series is not only suitable for self-study but also ideal for classroom writing instruction. The writing training examples in the series are invaluable references for English teachers in writing instruction, as supplementary teaching materials for English writing courses.
Try it! You'll discover that English reading can be this easy and enjoyable, and English writing doesn't have to be synonymous with "headaches" or "pain."