UN, DEUX, TROIS. By Bryan Goodman-Stephens and Bernard Kavanagh. LongmanStages 1 and 2: Student’s book pound;7.99. Activity book (pack of 10) pound;10. Activity book cassette pound;9.99 + pound;1.75 VAT. Teacher’s book pound;19.99. Evaluation Pack pound;29 + pound;3.50 VAT. Stage 3: Student’s book pound;7.99. Activity book (pack of 10) pound;12. Activity book cassette pound;9.99 + pound;1.75 VAT. Teacher’s book. pound;19.99. Evaluation pack. pound;30.40 + pound;3.50 VAT
With the publication of Stage 3, Un, Deux, Trois is now available as a complete GCSEStandard Grade course. The later stages contain the same up-to date and entertaining features as the earlier book, and should prove a motivating asset to French language classrooms.
The books cover, in depth, all the main GCSES Grade themes, and there is a clear progression both within each book and within the stages of the course. Students’ knowledge of grammar is developed through the “Sur la Piste” sections, in which they are encouraged to think about how the language works, and to see links with previously covered grammar points.
Stage 3 builds on the Club Lecture pages of the previous books, by introducing extended reading texts with several differentiated activities. It also introduces a new feature in the Flash Culture sections, which allow students to explore the differences between French and British cultures, and can lead on to extended writing and speaking tasks.
The activity books give students the chance to consolidate their learning and to work through the extension activities at their chosen level. They allow students to have ownership of their work, but as with the earlier stages they lend themselves more to students of a certain ability level, as instructions written in the target language can pose problems without a lot of teacher input.
The cassettes accompanying the course contain up-to-the-minute listening materials recorded at a realistic pace.
A handy feature is the inclusion of photocopiable sheets which can be used as OHP slides or worksheets. The grammar, language and vocabulary sections at the back of each book will prove useful to students revising for examinations or assessments. (Continuous and summative assessments are built into the course.) With the completion of stage 3, the authors have produced an excellent and extremely comprehensive course for average and above average ability students.
Carolyn McInnes is assistant principal teacher of modern languages, Eastbank Academy, Glasgow’Un, Deux, Trois’ was first reviewed on March 6, 1998
