Book Review on Oxford Word Skills (Advanced)

Abstract

Vocabulary is an integral part of almost all aspects involved in a language learning process. Proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a second language requires a certain level of vocabulary knowledge and enhancing word skills is a non-stop process at each level learners attain. Wilkins (1972) puts the significance of vocabulary quite well stating that “. . . while without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed” (pp. 111–112). Likewise, Wallace (1982) states that "not being able to find the words you need to express yourself is the most frustrating experience in speaking another language" (p. 9). Furthermore, Schmitt (2000) highlights that “lexical knowledge is central to communicative competence and to the acquisition of a second language” (p. 55). Aiming to serve teaching and learning English vocabulary Oxford Word Skills (Advanced) is uppermost among the three-book vocabulary series by Oxford University Press and addresses C1 and C2 levels under The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Although the book is not a fresh publication on vocabulary, with its distinguishing features it possesses an evergreen quality in helping learners learn and practice English vocabulary, thus maintaining its potential to be a strong option for vocabulary classes in many countries.     

Keywords

• VOCABULARY

References

1. Schmitt, N. (2000). Vocabulary in language teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Wallace, M. (1982). Teaching vocabulary. London: Heinemann.Wilkins, D. (1972). Linguistics in language teaching. London: Arnold.