Facts & Figures: Basic Reading Practice

April 2001 Volume 5, Number 1

Facts & Figures: Basic Reading Practice (3rd ed.)

Patricia Ackert, with Nicki Giroux de Navarro and Jean Bernard (1999)
Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle
Pp. xv + 267
ISBN 0-8384-0865-6 (paper)
US $19.00

Thoughts & Notions: High Beginning Reading Practice

Linda Lee and Barbara Bushby (2000)
Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle
Pp. xi + 225
ISBN 0-8384-8222-8 (paper)
US $19.00

Cause & Effect: Intermediate Reading Practice (3rd ed.)

Patricia Ackert, with Nicki Giroux de Navarro and Jean Bernard (1999)
Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle
Pp. xi + 317
ISBN 0-8384-0874-5 (paper)
US $19.00
Facts & Figures, Thoughts & Notions, and Cause & Effect comprise a recent reading
skills series from Heinle & Heinle. Facts & Figuresconsists of 35 readings organized
into 7 theme-based units. Thoughts & Notions and Cause & Effect each contain 25
readings in 5 theme-based units. All books have an accompanying teachers edition.
Audio cassettes and videotapes are also available.
The series seeks to create a well-informed world community through English
language learning. Activities and readings focus on global issues; thus the materials
are appropriate for students from any culture. The material is directed at both ESL
and EFL learners from low beginner through intermediate levels. The books are
particularly appropriate for students intending to use English for academic
purposes. Facts & Figures, Thoughts & Notions, and Cause & Effect respect the
dynamic nature of reading by combining reading material with videos and
audiocassettes. The teachers editions contain suggestions for using the authentic

CNN videos. All reading selections are short informational passages. The selection of
a particular genre for each reading passage prepares students for normal academic
reading. Each book contains many different exercises within every unit that
encompass a variety of reading skills. By emphasizing many different approaches to
reading skills development, the books manage to cover all bases. Exercises include:
using context clues, pre-reading questions, three types of vocabulary practice,
comprehension questions, finding the main idea, word study, and writing practice.
Additional dictionary use and extension activities encourage students to embark
upon further learning. The activities alternate between top-down and bottom-up
processing in order to abide by the commonly accepted interactive model of reading.
Teachers can choose whether to include more or less discussion about subjects
covered in the series, depending on time constraints. [-1-]
The unique three-book combination creates transitional stages that any teacher will
find easy to follow. Reading and exercises gradually lengthen and increase in
difficulty throughout the series. Learners will benefit from the smooth development
of the material. Facts & Figuresutilizes straightforward material for the beginner.
The books intend to aid students in building the relevant and useful vocabulary that
they require to continue their language study. Thoughts & Notions intends to begin a
process by which students acquire the critical thinking skills necessary for academic
work in English. Cause & Effect encourages the process of critical thinking in English
by adding more challenging texts and subjects.
Teachers and students are expected to use the books in order. The series creators
have carefully sequenced vocabulary and grammar for learners. Each book contains
specifically selected vocabulary considered essential by the authors. Facts &
Figures and Thoughts and Notionsintroduce approximately 12 words per lesson.
Words are recycled naturally to keep vocabulary active in students minds. Some
educators may find the series highly structured format somewhat limiting. However,
the books organization will make planning simple for any educator, especially since
supplemental activities are provided.
Overall, the series integrates interesting subject matter with skill building to create a
successful EFL/ESL textbook. Students will find they are able to comprehend the
interesting material, thus increasing motivation. Educators seeking a clear text for
beginners will find this series practical for classroom situations.
Carol Foye Eyal
University of Hawaii
<carolfoye@yahoo.com>
Copyrightrestswithauthors.PleaseciteTESLEJappropriately.

EditorsNote:Dashednumbersinsquarebracketsindicatetheendofeachpageforpurposesofcitation.

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