The zero tolerance approach to punctuation

At the top of the bestseller lists is a book on punctuation called ‘Eats, shoots and leaves’. Lynn Truss, the author, is a great fan of punctuation - she calls it ‘a writer’s good manners towards the reader’. Her book takes a refreshingly humorous look at such misuses as “Its Summer!”, “ANTIQUE,S” and “Pansy’s ready” (Is she?”). £9.99 ISBN 1-86197-612-7

How the ‘Net’ can help us teach business English

Need help in finding the right kinds of materials to use when teaching business English? ‘The Onestop Magazine’, part of www.onestopenglish.com, offers numerous tips on how we can best make use of the internet to help us with our business clients. A list of useful links to other business English/teaching sites is also included.

How did we ever get those new or nu words?

Paul Kaye from British Council Syria takes a closer look at the background and development of new words in the English language. Nice downloadable lesson plans encourage learners, among other things, to analyse words. Visit www.teachingenglish.org.uk for details.

Do your students want the ‘REAL THING’?

British Council’s Nik Peachey looks at using authentic listening activities in ‘Making listening an authentic experience’. Sources, difficulty, examples and the question of level are addressed.
Visit www.teachingenglish.org.uk.

Is it Peters (1993) or (Peters, 1993)?

This question, just one of many, about the complex world of academic English, is answered on ‘References: writing a list of references’ at www.uefap.com/writing. Andy Gillett of the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Combined Studies has neatly and tidily organised topics on using English for academic purposes for international students.

‘New writing 12’ – what’s in it for you?

‘New writing’ is an annual anthology of just that – new writing in the UK.  As well as the book there is now a web-site which includes lesson plans intended for both teachers of literature and teachers of English. The book is edited by Diran Adebayo, Blake Morrison and Jane Rogers and published by Picador, 2004. £8.99 ISBN 0-330-48598-9. Visit http://searchenglish.britishcouncil.org for details.