Robin Hood [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION As researchers conclude that reading in a second language is not substantially different from reading in one's native language, it is becoming clear that one task of ESL instruction is to train learners to approach texts in English much as they approach those in their own language. Students need to be weaned from their dictionaries and their arduous translation methods so that they can begin to read with confidence and ease. It is also becoming clear that people learn to read better, in any language, simply by reading. Thus, another task of ESL instruction is to provide learners with materials that motivate further reading. The Regents Illustrated Classics series is designed to motivate low-level reading through highly appealing stories which have all the excitement, action, and universal themes of the well-known classics on which they are based. The stories are presented in a fully illustrated format and are written within strict vocabulary and structure limits so that students can read almost immediately with some of the same confidence they feel when reading in their own language. The illustrated format is an effective teaching tool in our visually oriented society, where students are used to learning through images and are often intimidated by uninterrupted pages of text. The illustrations immediately connect the printed word to a recognizable context and provide visual clues to vocabulary and plot. The picture panels, with their sophisticated drawings and easy-to-read type, can be used a variety of ways to facilitate the reading process. The readers are divided into four levels. Levels A and B are for beginning students and levels C and D for intermediate students. Level A is intended for learners who have nearly completed a basic language course and is based on a list of 500 frequently used words. Level B is based on a cumulative list of 750 words. Stories in the beginning levels are told in the present tenses, except when other tenses are needed to preserve the authenticity of the narrative. Levels C and D use all major tenses and structures; the list for level C contains 1000 words while the list for level D contains 1250. Any vocabulary not included on the base list for a particular level is given in the "Vocabulary" section of the reader and is generally defined in the glossary. Another goal in the series is the active teaching of reading skills. Readers are divided into three parts; each part is introduced by a "Getting Started" section consisting of pictures to stimulate interest in the story and questions to focus attention on the main events. Each part ends with several pages of exercises, entitled "Getting the Main Idea," "Understanding Details," and "Building Vocabulary." A section called "Summarizing" at the end of the readers leads to student discussion of the story. Since exercises concentrate on comprehension and vocabulary-building, the readers are also appropriate for native speakers of English who want to develop basic reading skills. Suggestions for using the various features of the readers are given in the teacher's manuals. There is one manual for levels A and B and one for levels C and D. The manuals also contain answer keys for all exercises and ideas for additional reading activities. Thanks to Tim Welch at IPS Publishing: He developed this series. Marjorie Walsleben gave unequaled editorial help. Etc. Graphics labored artfully producing these titles. Finally, thanks to Mary Vaughn for her steady hand and constant patience. Elaine Kirn Santa Monica, CA Copyright © 1981 by Prentice Hall Inc All Rights Reserved All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in advance in writing from the copyright holder, IPS Publishing, Inc.