Better English

by Robyn; Watson Carol Gee, Carol Watson, Kim Blundell (Illustrator)

Aimed at children aged nine and over, this book will encourage them to improve their English skills in a fun and lively way. It points out common mistakes and misspelt words in written English, showing how they can be avoided. The book is packed with quizzes, tests, games and tips.

Genres: Language

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1983

Reviews

[James]

This a children’s book that teaches the basics of written English. It uses funny pictures of small people interacting with an informative text to explain all the major English punctuation, why English spelling is difficult and how to manage that, and finally a section on grammar that covers everything from nouns to prepositions, and even tips on how to put it all together and write well. It tests the reader’s understanding with some short quizzes at the end of each section.

I haven’t read this book from cover to cover, but I’m pretty close. I used it quite extensively for reference when I spent several years teaching English as a second language. Even though they were all adults, I also recommended it to my students, because it provided better explanations of many of the things I was teaching than books on the same topic aimed at an older audience, and the amusing illustrations liven up what is otherwise a rather dry subject. I’m reviewing the book now because I had to check the exact details of a couple of grammar points for a friend today and it was a good source of precise but quick information. So I skimmed through the book to find what I needed and decided to write a review, since I hadn’t done one yet.

Some of the pages can seem a little cluttered but that’s the only complaint I have. The displays are laid out logically so it’s easy to follow and kids would probably enjoy the busy feeling of organised chaos. As a learning tool for all ages, I can’t recommend it enough. Usborne is a well-known children’s publishing brand from Britain that does an excellent job of educating kids (and in this case, adults) in an entertaining way. I am not paid to promote Usborne but I’ve admired their books since I first saw one around age seven, and it’s great to see they’re still doing well.

[Maria Oliveira]

fantastic

[Andrew]

While on school placement a teacher recommended this book to me. It was out of print at the time. Thankfully it is available again. The book is an invaluable simply laid out reference book for basic English punctuation, grammar and spelling. It is a little over 100 pages, each crammed with helpful hints, tips and information. The illustrations are helpful and brighten up what can be a dull a dreary subject. The book is arranged to three clear sections and there is a comprehensive index at the back. So if you want to know when and where to use apostrophes, or the difference between a main clause and a subordinate clause this is the book for you. Would recommend to upper Primary children and parents and also to trainee teachers who were perhaps not taught the intricacies of English when they were at school.

[Lbaker]

Dated, but information is still relevant.