A Background to English

English is more than just a language. It is the expression of a culture, of mentalities, of values and a way of life that have evolved over centuries

This B1 - B2 intermediate English reader explores some of the key events, traditions, places and people that have helped to shape life and culture in the English-speaking world today..

Designed for use in school or for private reading, these carefully written articles provide valuable insight into the English-speaking world for speakers of other languages with other cultural backgrounds. Together they make up a very accessible introduction to the British and American way of life, for students or teachers who understand the importance of the cultural background of the English language.

Each of the twenty-seven units is made up of a reading text - average length 500 to 600 words - accompanied by a vocabulary guide and up to three exercises covering comprehension and expression, grammar and / or vocabulary., Most of the twenty-seven units present significant events, places or characters that form part of the cultural background to contemporary life in Britain or the USA. A couple of units, more anecdotal, reflect mentalities and attitudes in the English speaking world - attitudes that may seem normal to Britons or Americans, but rather surprising to some students from different cultural backgrounds.

Audio recordings of over half the texts can be accessed online, the recordings using male or female voices and British and American accents as appropriate.