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TURNS TOEIC PREPARATION INTO A SATISFYING EXPLORATION
Target
Score Student's Book with 2 Audio CDs and Test Booklet with Audio CD:
A Preparation Course for the TOEIC Test
By Graham Tullis, Charles Talcott
Designed to help end the tyranny of standardized tests while preparing
international students to dramatically improve their TOEIC scores, this
multi-skill textbook provides compelling readings and practical tips. The
authors introduce each chapter with illuminating photographs to provoke
discussion. The listening statements describing each picture also exposes
students to a wider range of realistic descriptions. This segment stands
out compared to the usual "drill and kill" TOEIC test preparation
books. Of course, this specialized textbook covers each type of question
on the traditional TOEIC test, including short and focused grammar exercises
embedded in realistic readings for business professionals and magazine
readers. A fine example of why I like the book can be found on p.49 (The
Jelly Belly Factory Tour) which combines a quick look at an unusual industry
with verb tense review. Other grammar checks cover reporting verbs (p.103)
and transition words expressing contrast (p.116) which often confuse English
students . Teachers in many intermediate and advanced ESL classrooms will
appreciate these self-contained, one page exercises. Finally, Target Score
engages students with concise, clear articles summarizing trends in our
emerging 21st global business culture. Readers learn about effective work
spaces, contemporar cultures of communication, exotic trips for eco-tourists,
and the hidden cost of virtual world crimes for software companies. Again,
these one page readings - which resemble Time Magazine or USA Today feature
articles - introduce common TOEIC vocabulary words in context. Consequently,
Target Score readers should both improve their TOEIC scores and improve
their real-world communication skills in English. Many teachers, and students,
will want to supplement this book with a traditional TOEIC test preparation
book. I understand their desire, and taking practice TOEIC tests remains
a vital technique to prepare for the TOEIC test. The strength and originality
of Target Score, however, rests on a deeper insight: the real goal for
internation students should be to both achieve an excellent TOEIC score
and become effective, worldly communicators in English! Target Score meets
the practical and longterm goals of ambitious individuals facing the TOEIC
test. Finally, Target Score gives ESL/EFL instructors the ability to transform a
dry, dreary test preparation course into a meaningful, satisfying class.
What more can you ask for in a test preparation textbook?
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