Languages Books

Pronounce It Perfectly in English with Audio CDs (Pronounce It Perfectly)

Jean Yates

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Barron''s Educational Series Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $13.00

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Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> Pronunciation & Conversational English

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Excellent Book 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

What I love most about this book set is the CD. You can be in the car listening to the CD without the book. Learning on the go.

muy buen metodo 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 6 people found this review helpful.

me gusta mucho escucharlos cuando voy en mi auto, creo que los CDs son muy pedagogicos-

Great book but not so many exercises to practice 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

You can learn a lot about pronunciation but there is not so many exercises to practice and audio quality of tracks is not so good. It's a good program for this price I think.

Editorial Review:

ESL students, TOEFL and TOEIC test takers, and all others for whom English is a second language and who want to improve their pronunciation will find this book and compact disc combination especially instructive. The new second edition presents a significantly increased number of exercises, all of them providing practice in every sound that is specific to American-style English. Emphasis is on stress and intonation patterns in conversational English. Recognition of these patterns is essential to fluent speech and listening comprehension. Four compact discs replace the first edition’s audiocassettes, and have been increased by 50 minutes in playing time to a total of 5 hours and 20 minutes.

TOEFL iBT Audio CD Package (Barrons How to Prepare for the TOEFL)

Pamela Sharpe Ph.D.

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Barrons - Model: 0764179055 Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $14.99

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> General AAS
Subjects -> Reference -> Education -> TOEFL & TOEIC
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Watch for typos 2 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

I am an English instructor of ESL students, many who are preparing for the Toefl exam. I have reviewed 5 books myself before recommending students buy one. While this book appears to be well organized, WATCH OUT!!! It is loaded with typos and errors from the start.

For example, in the Model Test 1: Pretest, I counted 11 errors in just 5 pages!!!

For example, They indicate which paragraph to read, and have them numbered incorrectly (1 and 2 are ok, but they have questions for paragraph 5 and there are only 4 paragraphs!)

Vocabulary words on the test should be highlighted, but they missed one, so a student has to search for it in the paragraph, thus wasting valuable time for a timed test.

For the question asking the student to insert a sentence, the correct answer is "C" and the answer key has the correct answer as "B" - which is NOT correct!! Then they go on to say why B is correct, while explaining the answer response for "C". This is just careless and unforgivable for a test publisher!

On one answer - where three choices are required - they list the correct choices as: "E, F and D". Fine, but why not make it: D, E, and F?

The Toefl test is difficult enough for ESL students, and I would NEVER recommend a book that makes the test literally impossible and so confusing.

The Princeton books are so far, my top picks.

Editorial Review:

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is now being offered as an internet-based test, or iBT, and the new edition of Barron's TOEFL manual and accompanying software have been completely revised and updated to reflect the new format. The manual presents seven full-length model TOEFL iBT tests with explanations or examples for all questions, including sample essays and speaking responses. The author also offers general orientation to the new TOEFL iBT, as well as a review of academic skills, which include note taking, paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing. There is also a review of language skills listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The optional CD-ROM presents seven on-screen TOEFL iBT exams that simulate actual test conditions and provide automatic scoring.

Easy Pronunciation (LL (R) ESL)

Living Language

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Living Language Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $17.01

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Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> General
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> Pronunciation & Conversational English

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Improve your American English Pronunciation quickly, easily, and effectively with the simplest and most practical program available. No matter what your level of English is—or if you're trying to lessen a strong regional accent—this program will help you sound more natural and communicate with greater ease and confidence.

Better pronunciation means clearer communication—at school, on the job, or in any social setting. Easy Pronunciation from Living Language ® is practical, convenient, and simple to use. The explanations are clear enough for anyone to understand, and there's plenty of practice to get every sound just right. All you have to do is listen and repeat.

In this program you'll find:

• Six hours of recordings on six CDs
• A 64-page reference guide to improve your spelling and reading
• Simple explanations of sounds, words, and sentences
• Helpful hints on avoiding pitfalls
• Natural conversational English
• Plenty of practice, not just with sounds and words, but with phrases and sentences

There is no easier way to improve your pronunciation!

D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths

Ingri D'Aulaire, Edgar Parin D'Aulaires

List Price: $18.95 By: Airplay Audio Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $9.99

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> General AAS
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Folklore & Mythology
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 145 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

No education is complete without a large slice of Greek mythology. And there's no better way of meeting that literary quota than with the D'Aulaires' book. All the great gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are depicted in this big, beautiful classic, lovingly illustrated and skillfully told. Young readers will be dazzled by mighty Zeus, lord of the universe; stirred by elegant Athena, goddess of wisdom; intimidated by powerful Hera, queen of Olympus; and chilled by moody Poseidon, ruler of the sea. These often impetuous immortals flounce and frolic, get indiscreet, and get even. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds, their actions cover the range of godly--and mortal--personalities.

The D'Aulaires' illustrations have a memorable quality: once pored over, they will never leave the minds of the viewer. Decades later, the name Gaea will still evoke the soft green picture of lovely Mother Earth, her body hills and valleys and her eyes blue lakes reflecting the stars of her husband, Uranus the sky. No child is too young to appreciate the myths that have built the foundation for much of the world's art and literature over the centuries. This introduction to mythology is a treasure. (Ages 10 to adult) --Emilie Coulter

Learn in Your Car: Complete Language Course: Spanish

Henry N. Raymond, Oscar M. Ramirez

List Price: $39.95 By: Penton Overseas Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $5.83

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Automotive -> Foreign
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> General AAS
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> Spanish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Look ma, no textbooks! The Learn in Your Car series treats you like a child--in the best possible way--starting with one-word phrases ("please," "good-by"), counting exercises, and simple nouns ("bus," "train") designed to imitate a child's learning process. First you hear the words in English, then they are repeated slowly in clear, unaccented pronunciations. The method is extremely effective for those who don't know a thing, or for those who want to brush up by testing themselves when the English words are spoken. The tapes emphasize the building blocks of communicating in a foreign country rather than rote phrases that only apply on the tape and not in real-life exchanges. Level 1 painlessly covers basic verb forms, essential prepositions, near future and past tenses, as well as shopping, hotel reservations, and other travel-related situations. The series includes French, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and Spanish in three levels that can be purchased individually or in boxed sets. Each individual level contains two 90-minute cassettes (or CDs) and an accompanying booklet (not for use behind the wheel) with helpful explanations and scripts for the lessons.

English for Russian Speakers: Learn to Speak and Understand English as a Second Language with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Language Program)

Pimsleur

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Pimsleur Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $9.95

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Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 2.0 of 5

too basic 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Assumes user will be visiting the United States instead of living here. Too much emphasis on hotels and street names, and too repetitive. My wife is an immigrant and she found it very boring and useless.

Simple 2 out of 5 stars.
8 of 13 people found this review helpful.

This is for the anyone just begining to learn english. It has basic pronunciation and lessions for the beginner.

Editorial Review:

Q&S ESL Russian includes the first 8 lessons from the Pimsleur Comprehensive Level I. 4 hours, audio-only, effective language learning with real-life spoken practice sessions.

Easy American Idioms: Hundreds of Idiomatic Expressions to Give You an Edge in English (LL (R) ESL)

Living Language

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Living Language Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $12.86

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Easy American Idioms 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is a very good Englsh book/audio Cd set that I purchased from
Amazon.com, Thank's Amazon and Living Language Company, keep going,
please produce more great English learning material for ESL students.

Editorial Review:

"It slipped my mind," "Don't fly off the handle," and "I'm counting on you" are just a few of the idiomatic expressions that native English speakers use on any given day, but that can completely confuse non-native speakers. Easy American Idioms cuts through the confusion and teaches natural-sounding conversational English.

The lessons in Easy American Idioms focus on everyday situations: meeting people, expressing likes/satisfaction, expressing dislikes/displeasure, working, shopping, socializing, sports, television, going out, and more. Each section features useful and appropriate idiomatic expressions with dialogues interspersed between lessons.

KEY FEATURES:
· Package includes a booklet and 4 CDs, all for only $24.95.
· Easy-to-relate-to dialogues that focus on everyday situations and events.
· Simple, clear lessons and dialogues.

Teach Yourself Russian Conversation (3CDs + Guide) (Teach Yourself Conversation Packs)

Rachel Farmer

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: McGraw-Hill Amazon Marketplace: 20 new & used starting at $11.80

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Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> Russian
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Nice addition 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This set will be a nice addition to your library if you learn Russian for the first year. As a Russian language teacher I think these CDs can help you to improve the basic Russsian conversation skills BUT a big minus of this set is that all Russian conversations are given in English transcription along with the translation. I am converting for my students these conversations in original language because if you are serious about learning any language you should be able to read it. Otherwise these CDs are not a bad buy.

Editorial Review:

A lively, practical way to develop and improve basic foreign language skills

This new, audio-based language series from Teach Yourself is an entertaining, nonintimidating way for beginners to build conversational proficiency. Each course covers 10 key situations—from greetings and buying food and drink to shopping, asking for directions, and visiting locals—and includes two conversations per topic. The explanations and instructions are simple and bite-size, making this a very accessible program.

Each audiopackage:

• Builds confidence through a variety of listening exercises, from repetition of foreign language prompts to replying to English prompts
• Covers structures, useful phrases, and strategies for holding two-way conversations
• Lets learners assess their progress with specific objectives and review sections
• Includes a 48-page guide with key words and conversations in written form for reference

Cambridge IELTS 6 Audio CDs: Examination papers from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Ielts Practice Tests)

Cambridge ESOL

Amazon Price: $36.90 List Price: $41.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cambridge University Press Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $29.44

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Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> General
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> English as a Foreign Language -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 1.0 of 5

Missing Items on delivery 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book to study for my IELTS test which will be in May10th but when I requested the CD and Book I have received only CD without book so I can not prctice, and I paid $15 to Aramix Co.(Shop &Ship) for shipment from my address in NY to my address in Saudi Arabia Jeddah, since I live in Jeddah, I have complained and retruned the CD to Amazon and paid for shipment from Saudi Arabia to NY, and they have apologise and told me that they will send me new CD with Audio book, I waited, and when today I received the items I surprised that it was again only CD without Audio book, and I paid also for another $15 shipment from NY to Saudi Arabia for Aramix.
I will send it back today to Amazon and I am going to gain loos $30 for shipment from USA to my address in Saudi Arabi from Aramiz, and going to pay also for the return mail to USA from Saudi Arabia which cost me around $50.00 total loss I got is $80.00 for CD and book bought them from Amazon for only $41.00
And I hope they will return the $40.00 that they have charged me for buying the IELTS CD &Audio.

Editorial Review:

Provides students with an excellent opportunity to familiarise themselves with IELTS and to practise examination techniques using authentic test material prepared by Cambridge ESOL. Each collection contains four complete tests for Academic candidates, plus extra Reading and Writing modules for General Training candidates. An introduction to these different modules is included in each book, together with an explanation of the scoring system used by Cambridge ESOL. A comprehensive section of answers and tapescripts makes the material ideal for self-study.

Barron's Mastering Spanish : Hear It, Speak It, Write It, Read It (Foreign Service Institute)

Barron's

List Price: $79.95 By: Barron's Educational Series Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $3.00

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Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> Instruction -> Spanish
Subjects -> Reference -> Foreign Languages -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Solid But Not Perfect 4 out of 5 stars.
52 of 54 people found this review helpful.

I'm using the two Barron's tape sets along with the video series, Destinos, to teach myself Spanish. Destinos presents a much wider range of vocabulary and situations, but since (if you're using it on your own) you don't speak back to it, a lot of your learning is passive. The Barron's set gets you into a more active mode. The dialogues can be quite sexist--lots of comments about sexy brunettes, fat girls with glasses, etc.-- and you almost never hear a female speaker. Still, they and the drills are effective and well-designed from a language-learning point of view. The guys on the tapes speak at a realistic pace, not in the exaggerated, artificially slow language typical of beginning language courses--and the drills force you to respond quickly, too. The accompanying book is not terribly informative; for grammar issues I've relied on my knowledge of French and Latin. This probably isn't the best choice for a rank beginner, but if you already know another romance language, or if you've taken a little Spanish in school and want to get better, it's a solid course.