Review by Irtiza1990 -- Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Liv...
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Irtiza1990
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Review by Irtiza1990 -- Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Liv...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Living (German Edition)" by Peter Liptak.]
This title is a great introductory text for the non-native English speaker and learner. It contains a wide variety of idioms that are used in everyday speech and writing. It is principally directed towards the non-native speaker, but it can equally be read by people with a high command of the language. I myself have learnt a few meanings which I did not know previously! The text is available in a variety of languages; the edition here is in German. Whilst I cannot pass any comments on the translatory accuracy or consistency, I will provide a conspectus of the book's idea and construction.
Idioms are divided by their use in different contexts. And each context or circumstance has a devoted chapter for the reader. A number of features have been included to aid learning and appreciation of meanings. There is a short story at the end of each chapter which is constructed to reflect the chapter's theme, and almost if not all the idioms presented in the chapter are utilised in the story to evince the use of it. Furthermore the chapter contains a fill-in the blanks exercise which tests the reader on their understanding of the idioms. These features I believe are highly ministrative to aid understanding of the idioms, given that idioms are by their nature constructed to convey contextual and situational nuances in meaning. The use of exercises and crossword puzzles adds variety to the learning experience and makes the book more enjoyable to work through. There is also an index at the closing chapter which provides the reader rapid access as and when required.
I did find on closer reading that some idioms were quite straightforward to understand and did not need to be classified as idioms. Chapters 2, 8, 10 and 11 contained idioms which should not really have been included as idioms, because the phrase's literal meaning could be used to convey the idea. These include phrases such as: 'as far as', 'get ready', 'make food' and 'put back' are very easily understood literally.
In addition some idioms which were presented could be interpreted differently depending on the situation, and it would be useful to do so in a future edition.
The points above are of relatively minor importance however and should not detract from the overall quality and utility of the book.
As a whole, this is a very useful reference text which details the use of different idioms in everyday English speech and informal communication. It is written in a simple, easy-to-understand style, with an appropriate translation into the German language. Native and non-native speakers should be welcome to use it as and when required.
Overall Rating: 4/4
******
Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Living (German Edition)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This title is a great introductory text for the non-native English speaker and learner. It contains a wide variety of idioms that are used in everyday speech and writing. It is principally directed towards the non-native speaker, but it can equally be read by people with a high command of the language. I myself have learnt a few meanings which I did not know previously! The text is available in a variety of languages; the edition here is in German. Whilst I cannot pass any comments on the translatory accuracy or consistency, I will provide a conspectus of the book's idea and construction.
Idioms are divided by their use in different contexts. And each context or circumstance has a devoted chapter for the reader. A number of features have been included to aid learning and appreciation of meanings. There is a short story at the end of each chapter which is constructed to reflect the chapter's theme, and almost if not all the idioms presented in the chapter are utilised in the story to evince the use of it. Furthermore the chapter contains a fill-in the blanks exercise which tests the reader on their understanding of the idioms. These features I believe are highly ministrative to aid understanding of the idioms, given that idioms are by their nature constructed to convey contextual and situational nuances in meaning. The use of exercises and crossword puzzles adds variety to the learning experience and makes the book more enjoyable to work through. There is also an index at the closing chapter which provides the reader rapid access as and when required.
I did find on closer reading that some idioms were quite straightforward to understand and did not need to be classified as idioms. Chapters 2, 8, 10 and 11 contained idioms which should not really have been included as idioms, because the phrase's literal meaning could be used to convey the idea. These include phrases such as: 'as far as', 'get ready', 'make food' and 'put back' are very easily understood literally.
In addition some idioms which were presented could be interpreted differently depending on the situation, and it would be useful to do so in a future edition.
The points above are of relatively minor importance however and should not detract from the overall quality and utility of the book.
As a whole, this is a very useful reference text which details the use of different idioms in everyday English speech and informal communication. It is written in a simple, easy-to-understand style, with an appropriate translation into the German language. Native and non-native speakers should be welcome to use it as and when required.
Overall Rating: 4/4
******
Idiom Attack Vol. 1 Everyday Living (German Edition)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Skills of the Warramunga by Greg Kater
