4,000 words and phrases are organized thematically within 163 topics. Realistic illustrations and exercises are designed to build vocabulary and critical thinking skills. 13 bilingual editions available.Content is organized within 12 thematic units, from Everyday Language, to People, to Housing, to Food, to Recreation. Each unit starts with an Intro page (new for this edition) and ends with a story page, with single or double-page sub-topics introducing new words in a realistic visual context and easy-to-learn chunks. The target new vocabulary is listed, and simple practice activities help students to put their new words into practice. Story pages include pre-reading questions to build previewing and predicting skills, and post-reading questions and role-play activities to support critical thinking and to encourage students to use the new language they have learned. Rich visual contexts recycle words from the unit.This structure is designed to address the needs of multilevel classrooms, with much more guidance on this and on assessing needs and lesson-planning given in the supporting components.
