＜Coursebook> Recommendation for Uni Entrance Exam!

Academic Vocabulary in Use 

(McCarthy & O'Dell, 2008) 

Academic Vocabulary in Use (McCarthy & O'Dell, 2008) is designed for learners at intermediate level or higher, providing practical preparations for those who wish to study in higher education where English is the first language and for those who take IELTS. 

The principle idea of this book is “learning the practical use of academic English” on the basis of the communicative approach. Each unit introduces various knowledge of the target vocabulary: part of speech, usage, paraphrases, synonyms and antonyms, which is followed by different types of questions. This coursebook does not rely on “rote learning.” Instead, it provides learners with repeated encounters with the target vocabulary. Accompanied by the firm vocabulary knowledge, learners may promote their vocabulary learning and develop their own vocabulary learning skill, which may lead to autonomy. 

The hidden highlight of this textbook is its references. They are helpful both for teachers and learners since further information of vocabulary is provided in well-organized tables. The answer keys to the questions are also included but without any explanations. All the vocabulary is in the index accompanied with phonemic symbols and the page number. Instruction should be given if phonemic symbols are not familiar to learners. 

Though this coursebook may not have much visual appeal, the contents are quite reliable. Its academic vocabulary is selected from the Cambridge International Corpus. The used example texts are extracts from authentic lectures, presentations, essays, tables and graphs. While learning the academic vocabulary, learners automatically become familiarized with the academic context. 

In the end, it should be noted that this coursebook does not directly aim to improve any four skills. However, good knowledge of vocabulary will eventually turn present English learners into successful university students. For this realization, 31.95 AUD is not so expensive, probably.