English Language Textbooks Dealing with Global Issues

Publishers are invited to send in sample copies of new books relating to global issues.
Readers interested in writing book reviews should contact the editor.

Changing Asia

by Nicholas Walker

Eichosha, Kusaka Bldg., 2-28 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101. 1996; ¥1800.

This 110-page content-based intermediate EFL text aims to build both students' knowledge of Asia and their communication skills by talking and learning about Asian topics in English. The book's 12 units cover themes such as Asian geography, languages, customs, food, art, money, information, tourism, religion and sports. Each lesson includes pre-teaching tasks, pronunciation and listening exercises, short readings on Asian topics, discussion questions on the readings, a sample dialog, and a composition topic. The book also contains useful Asian "factfile" data and information charts plus many photos and maps. It comes with audio tapes and a teacher's guide.

Today's Headlines

by Norma Reveler

Kinseido Ltd., 3-21 Jimbocho, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101. 1998; ¥1800.

This 90-page upper-level text aims to build English language skills through newspaper articles on social issue topics. The book's 15 lessons cover themes such as child abuse, species extinction, the aging society, illegal immigrants, anti-smoking, discrimination, religious cults, pollution, terrorism, bullying, prostitution, freedom of speech and US bases in Okinawa. Each lesson has 3 parts: (1) an exercise where students arrange paragraphs to form newspaper articles, then match these to the correct headlines; (2) a news report listening with comprehension questions; (3) an "expressing opinions" section where students read a "letter to the editor", translate sentences, then give their opinions. Audio cassettes are available separately.

Women and Men For a Better World

by Joan McConnell

Seibido Ltd., 3-22 Kanda Ogawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 110. 1997; Student Book ¥1,648

This 100-page college reading text contains extended English essays giving the author's experiences and opinions on a variety of topics concerning the roles of men and women. The book's nine chapters have titles such as Women in the West, Working Women, The Beauty Cult, Women as Civilizers, Language and Education, Men's Search for Happiness and Uniting the Two Halves. Each lesson includes a 1-page profile of famous women such as Joan of Arc, Susan Anthony, Cleopatra, Marie Curie, Maria Montessori and Florence Nightingale. Japanese vocabulary notes are given at the back of the book. Audio cassettes are available separately.

SuperDossiers: Planet Earth

by Stephen Rabley

Prentice Hall, Nishi Shinjuku KF Bldg. 602 8-14-24 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160.
E-mail: elt@phj.co.jp. 1996; ¥2,280

This glossy 72-page text, part of the SuperDossier series, features authentic English readings on cross-cultural themes which stimulate global awareness. The book's 28 chapters are divided into 4 units: (1) The New Europe (European cities, languages, history, Eastern Europe customs from around the world); (2) The Pacific World (country profiles of Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea); (3) the USA (portraits of American cities, work and natural wonders); (4) The Green World (Planet Earth report, rainforests, sea life, ideas to help save the environment). The book includes background notes, useful addresses and an 8-page teacher's exercise booklet.

The Multicultural Workshop

by Linda Blanton and Linda Lee

Heinle & Heinle, 20 Park Plaza, Boston MA 02116, USA
OR International Thompson, Nemoto Bldg. 6F, 1-7-11 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102. 1994; ¥2,480

This 3-book ESL series mixes multicultural readings and activities on student concerns to develop English reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Book 1 includes a unit on Conflict (conflict resolution, peace building, discrimination, analyzing war). Book 2 includes units on Conflict and Culture (growing up bicultural, assimilation, the human family) and Environmental Change (species extinction, deforestation). Book 3 has units on Gender (gender roles, gender stereotyping), Working for Social and Political Change (Gandhi and non-violence, Rosa Parks and civil rights, the Amazon rainforest), and Language in Conflict (language loss, bilingualism).

These books can be ordered directly from the publisher, from your local bookstore or through The English Resource, 15-15-2F Matsugae-cho, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa-ken 228 JAPAN Tel: 0427-44-8898 Fax: 0427-44-8897

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