Dear Ivush,

In my opinion, you should analyse the Textbook, covering the following items.  I have given examples of typical comments which you will find written in the book.

Analysis of a Textbook (or Part)  You must decide your Headings for the Assignment.

DESCRIPTION:  Give a detailed description of the Textbook or Part of the Textbook.

Title (of book and chapter); Author (and his/her qualifications); Date; Publisher; Current Price; Number of Pages; Hardback or Paperback; Colour, or Black and White.

AIMS: The stated Aims of the book, usually written on the back page: (�This book will teach a beginner English in 6 months�).

For aims to be effective, they are very often described by educationalists as �SMART� --- Specific; Measureable; Achievable; Relevant; and Time-based.  The chapters/sections which teach should each contain these elements.  What is to be accomplished in each part should be specifically stated; capable of being checked or measured on completion; achievable by these students; relevant to their studies or their life-style; and capable of being completed within a stated time.

CRITICISMS: Criticisms given by critics of the book (if any).  �This is an excellent reader for Pre-Entry students.  Unfortunately, it does not have a chapter which describes the problems of pronunciation�.

READERS: Age, etc. of students/readers for whom the book is written.  (�Male and female adult learners of English as a Second Language�.)

Level, description of readers.  (�Beginners, with a basic knowledge of English�.)

TEXTBOOK: Brief description of the layout, naming sections/chapters, describing photographs, diagrams, etc.  (This gives the Examiner an overall impression of the Textbook.)   

ANALYSIS: Begin an analysis of the chapter/pages, stating the precise pages: (�Pages 115 to 120�), and why these pages were chosen to analyse.

�Page 115, �The Alphabet� begins with ...�.  Give a brief description of these pages.

Ask yourself questions, Ivush!

�Is this chapter easy to understand?  If so, why?  If not, why not?�  �Does this chapter do what it said it would do?  If so, how?  If not, how not?�  �Is it appropriate for these learners?  Why?  Why not?�  �Would I change this chapter?  Precisely how would I improve it?�  �Are the pages laid out well, or not?�  �Is there sufficient �white space� in comparison with printed material?�  �Do the photographs/drawings add to the information, or not?�  �Is this book up-to-date, or old-fashioned?�  �Does it meet the needs of the students/readers?�  �Is it current, relevant to Students� needs?�  �Is this chapter set out so that the Aims are achieved in a �SMART� manner?�

ARGUMENT: List the points �for� and �against� the chapter.

If you can quote another author who agrees with your point of view --- excellent!  But don�t be afraid to say that someone doesn�t agree with you --- because you must present a balanced report!

Proceed through all of the pages that you must analyse, asking yourself the question: �Does this book/chapter/page do what it said it would do, and accomplish the Aims of this book?�

I suggest that you do not slavishly say: �This is an excellent book!� but that you find something that you can genuinely criticise --- but be sure of your argument!

CONCLUSION: Here you summarise your argument.  You briefly list the main points �for� the book/chapter, and points �against�, which you have made in the previous pages.  Do not introduce new arguments in the Conclusion!

You have previously compared the two lists, so you write your final paragraph.

�In my opinion, this book generally succeeds because ... ...  However, I believe that it lacks information regarding ... ...  Overall, the book generally achieves its Aim, �This book will teach a beginner English in 6 months�, but I am of the opinion that it would be improved with a Chapter on Pronunciation and ... ....  

If you refer to Books, Internet, etc. give a Bibliography, References etc,

If you were asked, give a Word Count, and do not exceed the maximum number of words.  Print the title of the work at the top of every page.  Print a page number on every page so that nothing becomes lost.  Read the Assignment Instructions and make sure that you comply with every rule.

I am sorry, Ivush, if this Post is a little disjointed, but I am trying to do 3 things simultaneously.

However, I hope that I have been of some little help to you.

Les