Non-Fiction Language Guide

A Year In the Life of an ESL (English Second Language) Student: Idioms and Vocabulary You Can't Live Without
by Edward J. Francis
ISBN-10: 1412020034
Review by Heather Froeschl

For anyone who is an English Second Language (ESL) student, the most challenging aspects of the language are idioms, slang and vernacular. It can be very difficult to follow what people are saying and to make sense of it all. ESL instructors are there to help but they cannot always be present to explain things. You likely wouldn't want to go to the movies or hang out with your friends with your teacher by your side. Edward J. Francis has created an excellent study guide just for the idioms and vocabulary that an ESL student can't live without.

Whether for use in the classroom as an additional tool for teachers or as a personal aid for anyone whose second language is English, "A Year in the Life of an ESL Student" is sure to be a welcome help. With hundreds of vocabulary words and idioms to work with, readers will find that their understanding of English has improved upon completing this study guide.

Using a storyline to show the words in context, Francis allows readers to experience what is being talked about rather than just read about it. Andre, a student from Switzerland, spends a year studying English in North America. His experiences center around typical young adult life, including trips to the mall, movies and a bar. Days spent in class, on the road for a weekend trip and picking up a friend at the airport give example to every day life. During all of these short story experiences Andre encounters idioms and slang. Reading these in context is a perfect way for ESL students to learn about them.

Each chapter includes a story scene, a list of definitions, seven exercises including matching terms, fill in the blanks, crossword puzzles, word searches, and more, comprehension questions to think about and answer, discussion questions to work on with a partner and a section to put your new knowledge to the test. After the sixteen chapters the author gives an extensive list of website resources that relate to each chapter, the answer key to the entire book, and finally, a glossary that lists every one of the hundreds of idioms in the book.

This is a thorough guide that is sure to be a hit. It will make learning English a bit more fun and "hands on". Edward Francis is an ESL professional with over 15 years of teaching experience. He has created a tool that will enhance the lives of many people and those that surround them.