"... extremely well presented, with engaging diagrams and graphs"

"I wish that I had had access to something like this when I did my banking training!"

"English for Banking in Higher Education Studies is designed for college level students who plan to take banking courses entirely or partially in English. The course book provides graded progression in the key academic skills that students need such as listening to lectures and speaking in seminars. It equips students with specialist banking language, bank operations and banking management concepts they need to participate successfully.

As a reformed banker (now a teacher), I was skeptical when asked to review this resource. Pleasantly surprised, I found it a motivating introduction. The layout of the text and supporting graphs were effectively and clearly organised. For example, in Unit 10, Banking and ethics, there are good case studies using writer's voice (stance). The target vocabulary is well-sustained and has enough reinforcement to solidify its use. However, I noted that aspects of banking customer service, product sales and quality assurance were missing.

The book is divided into 12 units, each based on a different aspect of banking. Odd-numbered units focus on listening/speaking and even-numbered units focus on reading/writing. Each unit is divided into four lessons: vocabulary; reading or listening skill development; reading or writing extension; and, a parallel reading or listening text where students have to use new skills. The final two pages serve as a summary of the unit content.

Each unit provides from 4 to 6 hours of classroom activity with a further 2 to 4 of added activities available. So, this course would be suitable as a foundation course of 50-80 hours. For successful completion, the minimal expectation would certainly be IELTS at level 5. I wish that I had had access to something like this when I did my banking training!

This book is part of the English for Specific Academic Purposes series from Garnet that covers a range of academic subjects, all with the same core skills and vocabulary points. Teachers at the tertiary level will find English for Banking a welcome addition to their foundation programme."

"The subtitle of this book gives an insight into its approach: 'in Higher Education Studies'. This is essentially a skills-based course for banking students who are about to enter tertiary education. Hence, it focuses on academic skills such as listening to lectures and speaking seminars.

The twelve chapters cover a number of aspects of banking including the origins of banks, central banks, international banks and e-banking. So, specialist banking terms are practised through material with a focus on academic skills. The book, therefore, has quite a narrow user group. Nevertheless, much of the content is extremely well presented, with engaging diagrams and graphs. The teacher's book is comprehensive, and includes photocopiable worksheets."