Practical English Level 365 Volume 1 (Day 1 – Day 200)

Kaakyire Akosomo Nyantakyi
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432749132
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (05/10)

 

When considering the genre of books dedicated to teach the English language, words like ‘dry’ and ‘boring’ can come to mind.  While these types of books are meant to instruct and not entertain, it seems as though many continue to maintain the ‘Dick and Jane’ or ‘See Spot run’ level of excitement as they attempt to educate readers on one of the world’s most difficult languages.  Further, with the sheer number of books on this subject available today, it can prove most difficult for a self-published work to stand out.  Author Kaakyire Akosomo Nyantakyi hopes to do just that with the release of his book, “Practical English Level 365 Volume 1 (Day 1 – Day 200).” 

Nyantakyi begins his lessons by explaining his ‘two lessons per day’ format and that “language acquisition does not take a day off” (which explains ‘Level 365’).  He emphasizes hard work and that a good attitude will considerably contribute to the student’s success in learning.  Nyantakyi offers a variety of drills such as matching, finding misspelled words, dictionary drills, finding words within words, and more.  “Practical English Level 365 Volume 1” is a fantastic way for those learning English as a second language to build a foundation upon. 

Nyantakyi’s lessons are absolutely delightful!  I loved the distinct African flavor that seemed to spice up the otherwise boring subject matter.  I also enjoyed the regular, unobtrusive examples of respecting an elder (in dialogue sections, the student always addresses the teacher with ‘sir’ or a title), emphasizing hard work or denouncing laziness (as illustrated in sentence drills), and praising the acts of learning and teaching.  Nyantakyi’s lessons portrait a genuine love of education and community.  For those of us who live in the bubble we call ‘America,’ “Practical English Level 365 Volume 1” offers a multicultural-based essence to its lessons.

While Nyantakyi is African, his native country, Ghana, is an English-speaking nation.  His lessons reflect more ‘Queen’s English’ than ‘American English’ but the small differences do not hinder the overall learning concepts.  There are some minor editing mistakes, such as in the Parents Section – ‘four disciplines’ are noted but there are actually five in the numbered list, but otherwise reliably accurate.  One of my favorite parts is a quote from his motivational section.  Translated to English, it reads “If life were not hard to live, the hen would cover its anus with red bandana.”  Now, I can’t even begin to explain its meaning but I laughed pretty hard and no English textbook has ever made me do that!  “Practical English Level 365 Volume 1 (Day 1 – Day 200)” earns an A+.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure