Book

Teaching English Grammar

by Jim Scrivener

📖 Overview

Teaching English Grammar presents a practical approach for language teachers to understand and explain English grammar concepts. The book functions as both a reference guide and a teaching manual, with explanations of grammatical structures paired with classroom activities. The text is organized by grammar topics rather than chronologically, allowing teachers to locate specific areas of focus. Each section contains example sentences, common student errors, and suggested teaching techniques. Grammar points are linked to real teaching contexts and methodology, bridging the gap between theory and classroom practice. The book includes ready-to-use lesson ideas and photocopiable resources. This work serves as a bridge between academic grammar study and the practical needs of English language teachers, emphasizing clear explanations and usable techniques over theoretical linguistics.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this as a practical reference guide for both new and experienced English teachers. Reviews highlight the clear organization, accessible explanations, and useful teaching activities. Likes: - Visual diagrams and charts make complex grammar points clear - Includes common student errors and how to address them - Activity suggestions for different learning levels - Functions as both a quick reference and in-depth resource Dislikes: - Some find the layout cluttered and hard to navigate - Several note the explanations could be more concise - A few mention outdated teaching approaches - Limited coverage of academic/formal grammar Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (42 ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (28 ratings) Common review comment: "Good for teachers who need to brush up on grammar rules before explaining them to students" - appears in various forms across multiple platforms.

📚 Similar books

Grammar for English Language Teachers by Martin Parrott This reference guide presents grammatical structures through real classroom examples and teaching solutions.

How to Teach Grammar by Scott Thornbury The text combines grammar teaching theory with practical classroom applications and lesson frameworks.

Teaching English Grammar: What to Teach and How to Teach It by Michael Swan and Catherine Walter The book breaks down complex grammar points into teachable components with ready-to-use lesson structures.

The Teacher's Grammar of English by Ron Cowan This resource connects linguistic theory to classroom practice through problem-solving activities and teaching techniques.

Practical English Usage by Michael Swan The reference work explains grammar points through comparison of common errors and authentic language usage examples.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔷 Jim Scrivener has won the prestigious English Speaking Union Duke of Edinburgh Award for his contributions to English language teaching - not once, but twice. 🔷 The book breaks down complex grammatical concepts using visual "timelines," making abstract language rules more concrete and easier to understand. 🔷 Rather than just explaining rules, the book includes over 200 practical classroom activities that teachers can immediately use with their students. 🔷 Scrivener developed many of the teaching techniques in the book while working as Head of Teacher Training for International House in London, one of the world's most respected language teaching organizations. 🔷 The book addresses a unique challenge in English teaching: how to explain grammar concepts that native speakers use instinctively but often struggle to explain to others.