Description
In Other Words: Comprehensive grammar practice for B2–C1 English language learners is an easy to use communicative grammar practice book. Together with accompanying online listening materials, the book can be used both for self-study and as supplementary material for the classroom (whether face-to-face or online). It puts grammar in familiar contexts, provides guidance on its use, and then gives multiple opportunities for free and communicative use, mainly through speaking.
The book targets grammar known to be problematic at B2 and C1 level. It ranges from working on standard essential grammar such as tenses or modals to areas such as register, the features of spoken language and academic writing. The book aims to make working on grammar an enjoyable learning experience. It also aims to help learners to convert knowledge of grammar into use and the development of flexibility of expression.
Divided into 70 double-page spread lessons, each with a single grammar focus, In Other Words allows both the teacher and the learner to take a dip in approach. This allows all users to orient themselves quickly in the materials. The short but effective format of each lesson means they can fit in well within the time constraints of lessons, and work alongside any learners’ course of study. It provides communicative and exam practice in key areas of grammar if needed, whilst also providing both the teacher and the learner with ample opportunity to tailor their grammatical focus according to their needs.
By using In Other Words, learners will become more:
- Confident in the use of common grammatical areas, building on consolidated practice in both closed-ended and communicative activities,
- Able to use language more flexibly – a key distinguishing feature of learners at this level
- Motivated to focus on typical B2–C1 grammar through relevant and interactive activities,
- Familiar with common exam tasks, and the role grammar plays in the performance of them.
Anastasiia Zakharova (verified owner) –
I’ve recently been using In Other Words by Mary Spratt and Felicity O’Dell, and overall I’ve found it to be a very practical and teacher-friendly grammar resource for upper-intermediate and advanced learners.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its clear and consistent lesson structure. Each unit introduces the target language in context before moving on to controlled and freer practice. This makes the material easy to use straight from the page with very little preparation. At the same time, the lessons are flexible enough to be expanded, adapted, or supplemented depending on the needs of a particular group. I can easily see myself using complete lessons, individual activities, or selected exercises as supplementary material alongside a coursebook.
Another feature I particularly appreciate is the integration of listening tasks. Each unit includes an audio-based activity that helps learners encounter the target language in authentic contexts rather than simply manipulating forms in isolated sentences. In my view, this is one of the book’s most valuable and distinctive features.
However, this is also where I encountered my biggest frustration. The audio files can only be accessed online through a personal account on the publisher’s website and cannot be downloaded. This creates practical limitations. If you teach in a classroom with unreliable internet access, the listening activities may become unusable. Similarly, assigning these tasks for homework can be difficult if students do not have access to the audio through their own accounts. To make matters more challenging, transcripts are not provided.
Because listening activities are included in every unit, restricted access to the audio significantly affects how fully the book can be used. Prospective buyers should be aware of this before purchasing, as it may influence whether the materials fit their teaching context.
If downloadable audio files (or at least transcripts) were available, the book would become considerably more versatile and user-friendly. Given that the audio is designed to support the book rather than function as a standalone product, such an option would greatly enhance the overall teaching experience.
Despite this limitation, In Other Words remains a well-designed and engaging grammar practice book that successfully combines grammatical accuracy with meaningful communication. For teachers looking for grammar materials that move beyond isolated exercises and encourage real language use, it is certainly worth considering.