Progress to Vantage

This book is an enjoyable intermediate business English course, which paves the way for students at the BEC Cambridge exam level to reach the "higher ground" Vantage level. The student's book is divided into 12 units. A typical unit features a work-oriented topic, termed "Topic Focus", consisting of texts for reading and listening. Each of these units also includes a "Consolidation" page with a wealth of exercises such as gap-fills, word-matching, finding the mistakes, inserting words, and finding the correct phrasal verb, which gives an opportunity to practise the language learnt. Students are encouraged to think for themselves by undertaking given tasks, such as doing a quiz in pairs about being the boss, or giving advice in pairs about delegating (Unit 5). A sentence such as -"is essential for a good manager" leads to a host of ideas, sparking off a lively discussion.

Following all this, there is a grammar-based section, called "Language Focus", which targets the main verb forms. Like the other units, this section has a "Consolidation" page for students to ensure they "know their stuff". Units 5 and 11 also have a Review section of the previous units, to enhance students' awareness of their needs and progress.

Units 3, 6, 9, 12 deal with Business skills - socialising, writing, telephoning and presentations. The sections on "Situations" deal with the language required for that topic, and the "Skills" sections focus on practising the actual skill.

The centre of the book covers strategies for the four main Language skills, productive and receptive, i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking. The 16 "Focus" units which follow clearly explain the rules for verb forms and other grammatical areas (linking words, time clauses...) and are punctuated with just the right amount of exercises, so students can use this section for self-study, monitoring their language and grammar skills.

The student's book has a complete tapescript at the back, which is a boon for weaker students trying to understand "a voice on a tape" with no visual aid. The teacher's pets can therefore consult the script as we listen. As the scripts are often for two people, the students are prompted to role play the conversations, which would interest the budding actors among us! There is, in addition, an answer key at the back of the book for the Consolidation and Focus units, so that faster students can see any mistakes they make, instead of relying on the teacher. Model answers for the writing activities are also given. A few "Supplementary materials", "Essential vocabulary" pertaining to each unit, and the CD track list are also found at the back of the student's book.

The "Essential vocabulary" from the book is listed under headings such as nouns, verbs, making it easier at a glance to check back to what they have learnt. The notorious irregular verbs list is conveniently included too.

I particularly liked the fact that mainly authentic material was used (broadsheet news, banking magazines, for instance), which students could relate to more easily than if a common-or-garden text had been used. I found that this prompted them to read on and develop their understanding of the texts, as they were not overly long. However, careful reading was necessary, as some exercises require finding the words from the text with the same meaning as the list, or summarising the salient points. I also liked the photos inserted at the top of each page, as you automatically cast your eyes to the top, and it made page-turning more interesting!

This course would primarily be suitable for students wishing to tackle the BEC Vantage exam, but also for those whose main goal is to reach an intermediate business English level. Comprehensive, and enjoyable, sure to score high with students and teachers alike.

Barbara Bouysse is an in-company English teacher with a language school in l'Essonne, France.