2001-01-27 A gentle, friendly but practical start to learning English

This excellent first book in the Streamline series gives Adult beginners and false beginners the motivation to keep studying. Most of the 40 units are in full colour supporting an interesting text and, frequently, practice on the part of grammar being introduced. As the book progresses, an element of humour is introduced, which students appreciate. Although the book has been republished on several occasions, one or two of the texts and pictures reflect the original 1978 edition. In one text for example, the landlord in the pub in response to the customer's request for "a pint of bitter, please", answers' "That's 30P, please.' This always gives rise to much discussion to the increase in prices since 1978 in the UK and the student's home country. From this the conversation will often turn towards the pub in the UK compared to bars abroad, or whether a student has tasted beer and likes it or not. As far as the pictures, there is, in my opinion, a delightful Unit on describing people and clothes. The full colour picture shows a male model in a fashion show wearing flared trousers, while at the bottom of the page is a young woman wearing a bright pink trouser suit and huge ear-rings! The discussion arising from these two images is far ranging, and it's one of the Units students never forget and still talk about years later! There are two things which I particularly like: 1. The structure is practical, particularly for foreign students learning English in England. Every 5 Units, there is a Unit devoted to using the vocabulary and grammar learnt in an everyday situation. 2. The grammar structures are exceptionally cleverly done. The students are not fully aware of how much essential grammar they are learning. It is up to the tutor in her experience of the student's abilities, as to how much depth of explanation is given. Although I would not like to say that Departures is a preferred preparation for Cambridge EFL PET, it does go a long way towards it, and students change over to specific exam preparation with very little problem. It's definitely fine for Cambridge KET level, and gives a good basis and support for First Certificate candidates. I first start using this book, with accompanying cassette, in 1979, whilst tutoring all ages and levels on a construction camp in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Despite this, I always find some little grammar structure or underlying psychological point which I had previously missed, every time I use it. I would never be without Streamline on the book shelf or in my luggage!