Book review: Speaking Naturally "Communication Skills in American English" by Bruce Tillitt, Mary Newton Bruder

Speaking Naturally

Communication Skills in American English

cambridge.org

   Tittle:  Speaking Naturally "Communication Skills in American English"
   Authors: Bruce Tillitt, Mary Newton Bruder

   English Type: American English

   Format: Paperback | 128 pages

   ISBN: 9780521271301

   Date Published: January 1985

   Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Contents:

Acknowledgments

To the teacher

To the student

Openings and Closings

Introductions and address systems

Invitations

Thanking people and replying to thanks

Apologizing

Expressing anger and resolving conflict

Giving compliments and replying compliments

Getting people’s attention and interrupting

Agreeing and disagreeing

Controlling conversation

Getting Information

Introduction:

Speaking Naturally, written by Bruce Tillitt and Mary Newton Bruder, is designed to teach students how to perform certain language functions in English by presenting the social rules for language use. It is appropriate with ESL/EFL curriculum design and pedagogy that stress the importance of teaching communicative strategies and the use of language.

Analysis:

It provides the differences between informal and formal speech:

In English we tend to use formal speech with strangers and people of higher status, and informal speech with family, friends and colleagues. The level of formality speakers choose depends upon their relationship, setting, the topic being discussed etc.

Analysis:

This book performs step-by-step materials and exercises.

• Material:

Dialogues and Discussion

Reading

Phrases

• Exercise by small group practice:

Using what you’ve learned

Cued Dialogues

Mini Roleplays

Evaluation:

• Easy to follow

This book is easy to follow because it uses well-known words that very common by the reader. The conversations are well constructed.

• Complete

Speaking Naturally contains many kinds of phrases that is used in daily conversations especially in American English and also the level of formality.

• Useful

This book is very proper to intermediate and high intermediate ESL/EFL who are interested in using English in social interaction.

Summary:

Speaking Naturally helps students learn to make appropriate linguistic choices in a variety of real- life situations. Each unit focuses on a language function such as requesting information, thanking, complimenting, and inviting, while readings explain the cultural rules students need to know to communicate naturally and effectively.

Baca Juga:

1. Noun Phrases A set of comprehensive facts and some theoretical tendencies by Dr. Jumanto
2. How to Teach Speaking by Scott Thornburry
3. Mastering American English by Grant Taylor
4. LET’S COMMUNICATE IN ENGLISH (A Speaking Course for Intermediate Level) Written by: Prof. Dra. Kasihani K.E. Suyanto, M.A.,Ph.D and Dra. Sri Rachmajanti, Di. TESL, M.Pd
5. “TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES IN LANGUAGE TEACHING (SECOND EDITION)” By DIANE LARSEN-FREEMAN