Legal English Tuition

Self-study Guide

If you do not live in an English speaking country, you should opt for audio programs to get accustomed to spoken language. The more words you know, the better your English will be (an educated native speaker knows about 50,000 words and phrases). To raise your language awareness, study my free Grammar Guides.

Absolute Beginner (A1)

English Made Easy - Learning English through Pictures 1+2 - If you don't know any English, try those books. Picture stories and text work together to create understanding (no audio CD). You will learn about 1,000 basic words and all important structures up to B1. ISBN: 978-080483-(7361) + -(7453) - $13 each (ibook - €10,99)

(A1/A2/B1) - To listen to the words of English Made Easy, get the Oxford Essential Dictionary with CD-ROM. 9,000 words are explained in easy language. The example sentences are spoken in both British and American English. ISBN: 978-0-19-431722-1; $17

Elementary/Pre-Intermediate (A2)

Targeting Listening and Speaking (AmE) published by Michigan University Press is the best option for elementary level students and assists in developing better speaking and comprehension skills. The activities are really imaginative. An answer key can be downloaded online. You need to order the 4 CDs separately. ISBN: 047208898X (book) - $22,95 + ISBN: 0472003119 (audio) - $34,20

Intermediate/Advanced (B1/B2/C1)

Drive Time English - Deluxe Package (AmE) by Living Language contains 8 CDs designed for intermediate and advanced level students. Learn on the go or while you commute. Words and phrases are defined and example sentences given. The course also covers idioms, accent reduction, and dialogues. A booklet is included; a full transcript of the dialogues can be downloaded online. This program will improve your colloquial and idiomatic use of English tremendously. ISBN: 1400006570 - $26,39 (audiobook available on itunes - €16,99)

Proficiency (C2)

Verbal Advantage (AmE) is by far the best vocabulary builder available. Language maven Dr. Elster presents 500 key words on 24 CDs, as well as synonyms and antonyms totaling to 3,500 words. He offers mnemonics, word etymology, and collocations. He also gives advice on usage, pronunciation, and style. The program features 50 audio review quizzes. ISBN: 1131987233 (24 CDs) - $299,95 + ISBN: 0375709320 (book, 460 pages) - $10,85 (2 audiobooks on itunes: level 1-5 and level 6-10 for €24,99 each)

Grammar (B2/C1/C2)

Practical English Usage by Michael Swan and Oxford University Press is an easy to use reference book for teachers and students alike. Over 600 entries, listed alphabetically, cover all the important problems. The explanations are clear and simple. ISBN: 0194420981 (paperback) - $30 (app available on itunes - €23,99)