Analysis of text book: Total English

Anelise, Brbara, Bruno, Camille, Luana e Robinson

Total English is an updated collection from starters to advanced students.
Based on the topic-based approach, the book brings units directed to specific
topics, such as business and food.
The proposed vocabulary is close to real situations and to students real
necessities in contemporary world. The goals and objectives of this series are
clear based on CEF (Common European Framework), thought to help students
from A1 to C2. Each level is composed by student's book with DVD, workbook,
teacher's edition, class audio CDs and tests. Also, on Internet teachers can
access a huge quantity of worksheets and printable to give different and more
interesting classes.
The artwork is clean and the layout is updated. It is very simple to
understand the divisions in units (each topic in one unit) and also to
comprehend the divisions in each unit. Both audio and written materials are
authentic or close to it: texts generally come from magazines and newspapers,
and audios are thought to close represent podcasts, phone calls, among other
real world situations where students will use their listening skills. Writing and
speaking activities are closely related to readings and listening, all
representative of situations students might face in their lives, given
contextualized and meaningful vocabulary and grammar to each situation.
By the end of each unit, students can check to a summary of grammar
aspects studied throughout the chapter, as well as some review exercises
concerning to grammar points. Although it is a really useful tool in learning,
there is a lack of vocabulary and pronunciation exercises to review or self-
evaluate. Some of this material is available online to teachers download
and print, but in general it demands teacher preparation and maybe the
development of some activities. Also, teacher should develop some form to
engage students that learn in different ways, because the book did not provide
any strategy to do so.
Total English provides a huge cultural background to students throughout
reading and listening passages that take into account the reality in different
English speaker countries. Special holidays such as Halloween and 4th July are
also worked upon. Some holidays and special cultural aspects of different
cultures are also part of the book, providing students with not only a good
amount of vocabulary but also general knowledge.
Both grammar and vocabulary items are related to CEF and developed
in a meaningful way, close to real world situations and inviting students to
actively participate into their own learning process. The four skills are integrated
in the major part of the material, but specially writing and reading skills are
worked together, and listening and speaking. The quantity of spoken English
material is considerable, but not impressive. On the other hand, writing
materials are impressive. In each unit, there are some writing propositions, and
by the end of the book there is a Writing Bank, with detailed instructions and
tips to good writing and also compositions proposes. These activities are well
elaborated and also involve some reading skills.
In general, the series provided authentic material and different exercises
to work with the four skills in an integrated way, given support to learners move
forward in English