The best English textbooks are the ones that are simple, straightforward, and can easily capture the students’ attention. Opportunities: Pre-Intermediate is one of those books and it is an overall treat to learn and teach from. It has an easy-to-grasp presentation, well-illustrated design and plenty of practice material for students to work on.
In each lesson, the student will come across 8-12 different activities all focusing on certain language points. Each lesson provides a mix of discussion questions, vocabulary lists, fill-in-the-blank exercises, free writing activities, and group activities/role plays. There’s quite a lot per unit and it helps students put all four language skills to use lesson after lesson.
Opportunities Pre-Intermediate takes a very straightforward approach. As soon as you open the book you are met with chapter one without having to go over introductions or index pages. Each unit consists of 8 modules or topics, with 4 sub-units; there is also a communication workshop segment and a review section at the end of each module. Each module covers different topics such as money, design, and cyberspace (just to name a few). Each of the module’s sub-units covers many grammar points, vocabulary, phrases, some reading exercises, listening practices and tons of speaking activities which can only be done with a partner or in small groups. The book has loads of pictures, texts and illustrations that capture the student’s eyes and maintains their attention. Every two modules there is also a language problem solving section to review certain things that were worked on in the past units.
"Opportunities is a very appropriate name for this book simply because it offers many speaking opportunities in each chapter; students will focus on partner work, group discussions, surveys, questionnaires and much more."
The book doesn’t have any useless fluff; in fact, the book is packed with so much relevant and useful information that there is no room for “room fillers”. Opportunities is a very appropriate name for this book simply because it offers many speaking opportunities in each chapter; students will focus on partner work, group discussions, surveys, questionnaires and much more. Also included with the book is a “Language Powerbook” which offers extra practice activities, a mini dictionary and extra online material.
Pros:
· The book follows a specific structure in each chapter which allows students to easily work through the exercises in the book.
· Since the book focuses on developing speaking skills, there is a wide variety of conversation activities throughout the book.
· Lots of visual explanations and examples.
· Somewhat slim (114 pages), but the book is full of useful information.
· Some exercises can be used in mixed level classes.
Cons:
· Some reading activities are very long, but if you’re working with a group class it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Recommended For:
· Large classes of at least 7 students.
· Students who want to improve on all 4 language skills, especially speaking.
· Teenagers and young adults.
Overall, Opportunities: Pre-Intermediate is a fantastic book to use in group and private classes. The book has a similar layout as a magazine and it presents its activities in an attractive and fun way. Opportunities Pre-Intermediate helps the student believe they have opportunities; it’s a great book for pre-intermediate students who want to improve their communication skills.
