Reviews

Comments by Teachers and Writers

As an English Language teacher I think there are a number of features in the Macmillan School Dictionary that are very useful to our students.

The definitions of words are very comprehensible for learners - often in dictionaries definitions are too complicated for learners to understand. What is also nice about the Macmillan School Dictionary is that these definitions are supported by additional language features to help learners develop their lexis, for example, inclusion of synonyms or antonyms and clearly presented boxes with the word families showing the different forms of the word.

The dictionary also clearly distinguishes between British and American English spelling, pronunciation and meaning of words. This is useful for a school like ours which employs with English teachers from both countries, and uses both British and American English materials.

I particularly like the diagrams throughout the book which clearly illustrate lexical sets of words. We teach ESP English courses for Maths and Science Thai teachers who have to teach bilingual courses at our school. The diagrams and illustrations of scientific processes, equipment and experiments are really useful for these Thai teachers. It provides them with the language they need to teach their subjects in English.

There are also lots of other features hidden away in the dictionary that are great for exploitation in the classroom, such as the section on capital letters and punctuation, nationalities and useful, up-to-date language on computers. In fact, whenever I open the dictionary I get distracted and end up learning something new myself.

Simon Macartney
Head of Centre ACT-Bell Language Centre, Bangkok, Thailand http://bell.act.ac.th/

It is user-friendly and has clear definitions that can help students pass their exams.

E. A. Allotey, English Teacher, Presbyterian Junior Secondary School, Dansoman, Accra, Ghana

The examples used are up-to-date. The inclusion of the Study Skills section and pictures make it an ideal guide for students of today.

O. O. Okine, Bookshop Manager, Mount Olivet Methodist Bookshop, Accra, Ghana

The scope is wide and the diagrams are vivid, attractive and suitable for teaching and learning in schools.

Afari Kwateng, JSS Supervisor, Achimota Basic School, Accra, Ghana

It is easy to look for what you want at a glance because of the red labelling and the heading pages. The Study Skills and illustrations are attractive and very suitable for pupils, students and teachers.

Mrs E.C. Mensah, Headmistress, Mothercare Schools, Accra, Ghana

The strength of every student is in his or her vocabulary. This dictionary is an asset to the student. Words are explained very simply.

Mrs Harris Agyepong, Headmistress, Alpha Beta School, Accra, Ghana

It’s suitable for my students in terms of level, and the size also makes it easy for them to bring to school every day.

English teacher, Penang, Malaysia

This dictionary is very learner-friendly. I especially like the ‘Word Family’ boxes – very useful and easy to locate.

English teacher, Penang, Malaysia

The mini grammar ‘lessons’ contained in the grammar boxes are very useful for my students; useful reminders for me as well.

English teacher, Penang, Malaysia

I gave the dictionary to my son and see him using it often and bringing it to school – a good sign.

Parent, Malaysia

The Macmillan School Dictionary will help students to do well in exams not only in English but in all their other subjects. Any teacher would definitely recommend it for his or her students.

Phoebe Ng'ang'a, English language teacher, Murang'a High School, Kenya 

Very easy to access the information you need; the illustrations and language level are appropriate for learners, and the layout very appealing to the eye. I would highly recommend it for any student.

Ann Mburu, Head of Languages Department, Kahuhia Girls High School, Kenya

Attractive pictures for student interest, well-explained vocabulary suitable for school level and colour headwords set it apart from other dictionaries.

Lydia Banin, English Teacher, Achimota School, Accra, Ghana