Simple and casually informative.
A straightforward text designed to help ESL students learn the language and culture associated with many American jobs.
Beveridge, a certified ESL instructor, compiled her first book in response to requests from many English language learners who wanted to know more about the American workforce. She consulted a diverse range of more than 100 people in North America about their lines of work. She asked each person six simple questions: What their job entails, where they do it, when they work, why they chose it, which part is their favorite and finally, “Who are you?” Each profession is revealed on the opposite page. Beveridge copied each answer exactly as it was given to her, which conveys to students a realistic conversational tone. The book is divided into 17 different job categories including Art, Manufacturing, Medical, Office and Travel. By reading each job description answered in informal English, students not only learn about an assortment of professions but also improve their conversational vocabulary. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of American culture by learning the many reasons why many people do what they do—a strong desire to help people (firefighter) or wanting to have the summers off for traveling (teacher)—and their favorite parts, such as an early morning ride when the sun comes up (cyclist) or knowing they don’t have to work overtime (secretary). Since they remain consistent from person to person, the questions act as a controlled variable, which is helpful for learning a new language. The book’s simple layout allows for many opportunities for classroom use, but it would be equally valuable for independent study.
Simple and casually informative.Pub Date: March 19, 2012
ISBN: 978-1469941172
Page Count: 276
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2012
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
The sub-title of this book is "Reflections on Education with Special Reference to the Teaching of English in the Upper Forms of Schools." But one finds in it little about education, and less about the teaching of English. Nor is this volume a defense of the Christian faith similar to other books from the pen of C. S. Lewis. The three lectures comprising the book are rather rambling talks about life and literature and philosophy. Those who have come to expect from Lewis penetrating satire and a subtle sense of humor, used to buttress a real Christian faith, will be disappointed.
Pub Date: April 8, 1947
ISBN: 1609421477
Page Count: -
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1947
This guide to Black culture for White people is accessible but rarely easy.
A former NFL player casts his gimlet eye on American race relations.
In his first book, Acho, an analyst for Fox Sports who grew up in Dallas as the son of Nigerian immigrants, addresses White readers who have sent him questions about Black history and culture. “My childhood,” he writes, “was one big study abroad in white culture—followed by studying abroad in black culture during college and then during my years in the NFL, which I spent on teams with 80-90 percent black players, each of whom had his own experience of being a person of color in America. Now, I’m fluent in both cultures: black and white.” While the author avoids condescending to readers who already acknowledge their White privilege or understand why it’s unacceptable to use the N-word, he’s also attuned to the sensitive nature of the topic. As such, he has created “a place where questions you may have been afraid to ask get answered.” Acho has a deft touch and a historian’s knack for marshaling facts. He packs a lot into his concise narrative, from an incisive historical breakdown of American racial unrest and violence to the ways of cultural appropriation: Your friend respecting and appreciating Black arts and culture? OK. Kim Kardashian showing off her braids and attributing her sense of style to Bo Derek? Not so much. Within larger chapters, the text, which originated with the author’s online video series with the same title, is neatly organized under helpful headings: “Let’s rewind,” “Let’s get uncomfortable,” “Talk it, walk it.” Acho can be funny, but that’s not his goal—nor is he pedaling gotcha zingers or pleas for headlines. The author delivers exactly what he promises in the title, tackling difficult topics with the depth of an engaged cultural thinker and the style of an experienced wordsmith. Throughout, Acho is a friendly guide, seeking to sow understanding even if it means risking just a little discord.
This guide to Black culture for White people is accessible but rarely easy.Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-80046-6
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2020
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