Cambridge Learner's Dictionary with CD-ROM

Rating:
Summary: Cambridge Learner's Dictionary and CD Rom
Review: Bundled together in a slip case come this new EFL learner's Dictionary and CD rom version. Learner's dictionaries have been around now for a few years and have made a huge impact on the EFL [English as a foreign language] classroom. They are a big step up on the 'compiled for native speaker' dictionaries we are all used to having on our bookshelves because the contents have been selected from extensive research of the language actually used and chosen as being especially useful for learner's. I say especially because I find my learner's dictionary is my first port of call when I want to look up a word or expression for my own purposes. The items are arranged in order of frequency. That is, a meaning that is more common comes before the less common uses, and uncommon or marginally useful items left out altogether. This saves a surprising amount of time.

The Cambridge Learner's Dictionary is very up-to-date with the features of the latest generation. Thumb index, colour pages of themed word fields that are really best illustrated in this way, study pages on grammar, sections on letter writing, a good guide to what's what in the dictionary, phonetic symbols exemplified at the bottom of each and every page, even exercises with an answer key. All in all a worthy effort. The content is, at first inspection, eminently suitable for the intermediate students at whom the book is aimed.

The CD rom installed fast and simply on my PC, and searches are fast and straightforward. Adjacent entries are shown in addition to the searched for word. A related word 'link' functions like a thesaurus. A very useful tool indeed in helping our students extend vocabulary.

The key feature is the sound recordings, both in British and US versions, of every word featured. This is admirably done and not stilted at all. It provides a reliable model for the student to imitate.

I hope Cambridge University Press find sufficient success with this product to extend the range into advanced and elementary versions. Advanced students struggle with pronunciation too, and would appreciate the sound recordings. As would non-native speaker teachers.

In the final analysis, it's a challenging competitor to the Oxford versions, and fills a niche in the market. I will be recommending this package to my students and colleagues.

Failure to garner a 5 star rating is due to the books format..it won't open flat on the desk and heavy use may break the spine quickly. But at least the price is affordable. Anyway, a newer, better version will be along sooner rather than later, so...