The Bottom Line
"The Twisted Doors: The Scariest Way in the World to Learn English!" by Dr. Kathie Dior takes an intriguing approach to delivering an affordable all-inclusive ESL / EFL book + audio CD course package. The course targets high school and adult English-Language learners. It teaches by using the story "The Twisted Doors" to provide a wide variety of material. Each chapter opens with an installment of the story which can be listened to on the CD. Vocabulary, grammar reference and a multitude of examples and quizzes follow all linked to the mystery "The Twisted Doors".
Pros
- Contextual language learning tool
- Grammar and vocabulary learning through text exploration
- Clear, concise explanations with a wide range of activities
- Extremely well-rounded and reasonable learning package
Cons
- Some might prefer a more interactive package
- Topic of the story seems to have little to do with 'daily reality' of most English learners
- This course is more suited to a classroom than self-study
Description
- Mystery adventure designed to motivate English learners
- Grammar descriptions and exercises provided to learn while you explore the story
- Progressive learning approach taking learners from the basics to more advanced topics
- Quizzes and exercises are all tied to the story
- Learners take the double-role of learner / detective to find clues which also teach
- Target learning level is low-intermediate to intermediate level English learners
Guide Review - Course - The Twisted Doors: The Scariest Way in the World to Learn English!
"The Twisted Doors" takes a short story as the departure point for English language learning through the exploration of the text. Each chapter introduces new text which can also be listened to on the accompanying audio CD. Learners then become 'detectives' as they explore both the mystery and the English language. Grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading and speaking explanations and exercises accompany the text and progress in a well planned manner from easier to more difficult concepts. The story is engaging and the language used for explanations and exercises is easy enough for intermediate level learners. In an age in which students are often bombarded with multiple learning 'tools', "The Twisted Doors" provides a one-stop, affordable learning resource. The whole concept helps motivate students to improve their English by working through the materials in order to discover what happens next. Dr. Kathie Dior takes an original approach to language learning, and provides a very reasonably priced learning package that will surely appeal to a wide range of beginning to intermediate level English learners.
