An Evaluation of Fundamentals of English Grammar as a Textbook for ESLEFL

【Abstract】Textbooks can play a very important role in ESL/EFL ‘s success of learning.They provide the objectives of language learning.This essay evaluates a textbook named “Fundamentals of English Grammar” by Betty Schrampfer Azar and points out its strengths and shortcomings.This paper is intended to emphasize that teaching grammar is the art of helping students make sense，rather than lecturing on grammatical patterns and terminologies.

【Key Words】ESL/EFL； grammar； evaluate； textbook； objectives

ESL/EFL textbooks can play an important role in the success of language programs.According to a researcher，textbooks represent the visible heart of any ELT program.They provide the objectives of language learning； they function as a lesson plan and working agenda for teachers and learners.An educator suggests that we should ensure that careful selection is made，and that the materials selected closely reflect the needs of the learners and the aims，methods，and values of the teaching program. This article evaluates a textbook named “Fundamentals of English Grammar”.This textbook is written by Betty Schrampfer Azar.It is a developmental skills text for lower-intermediate and intermediate students of English as a second or foreign language.Although it is designed for use as a grammar course book，any part of the book could be used in isolation.It combines clear and understandable grammar information with a variety of exercises and activities.The principal aims of Fundamentals of English Grammar are to present clear，cogent information about English grammar and usage，to provide extensive and varied practices that encourage growth in all areas of language use，and to be interesting，useful，and fun for student and teacher alike.The approach is eclectic，with the texts seeking to balance form-focused language learning activities with abundant opportunities for engaged and purposeful communicative interaction.

Teaching grammar does not mean lecturing on grammatical patterns and terminologies.Teaching grammar is the art of helping students make sense，little by little，of a huge，puzzling construct，and engaging them in various activities that enhance all abilities in all skill areas，and promote easy，confident communication.Using grammar as a base to promote overall English usage ability，the teacher and the text can engage students in interesting activities，challenge their minds and skills，and interest them with power of the language as well as the need of accuracy to create understanding among people. While retaining its characteristic clarity and simplicity in grammar instruction，this textbook is enriched by a wide variety of language learning activities for classroom.It has some features： numerous interactive exercises and communicative tasks； error analysis exercises in every chapter to check comprehension； open-ended topics for discussion or writing； concise and clear grammar charts； two appendices，one with phrasal verbs and one with preposition combinations. There are 14 chapters and two appendices.Each chapter includes a number of exercises that encourage and support the use of the grammar structure studied.

Each chapter also has an error analysis section.While the focus of these errors is certainly on the grammar point presented in the chapter，it also combines other areas such as word order and capitalization. The two appendices include well selected useful phrasal verbs and. preposition combinations.By offering these in appendices，rather than scattering. them throughout the book，the teacher and learner can break up the presentation of. these two troublesome areas of the English language.This works well and provides opportunity for revision throughout the learning.

The practice exercises are well designed and presented.The quantity of exercise is sufficient.There are also communication exercises which students are asked to work in pairs or groups.The topics for writing consolidate well the content studied. Grammar points are presented in chart formats.In many charts，the left side provides sentence examples of the grammar point while the right side offers a clear explanation.This format makes it very easy and clear to understand.I think this is one of the good features in this textbook. Although this is a very useful book，there are still some shortcomings.Chapter 6 and Chapter 11 should be combined because both of the two chapters are about nouns.Conditionals are very important，but they are not included in Fundamentals of English Grammar.

Fundamentals of English Grammar is a very useful book for the classroom.It is the kind of book that can cover students’ grammar questions and concerns most of the time and greatly assist those who study English by themselves.This textbook is very good and useful for ESL learners.

References：

[1]Betty Schrampfer Azar，“Fundamentals of English Grammar”，Pearson Education ESL，2007.

作者简介：张远艳，女，（1982-），汉族，云南文山人，文山学院外国语学院讲师，研究方向：英语教学法和英美文化研究。邬篮，（1981.10-），汉族，云南丘北人，文山学院外国语学院讲师，研究方向：英语语言文学及英语教学法。