Zwier, L. (2009). Four point: Reading and writing 2. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

As contemporary teaching methods in the traditional communication arts classroom for native speakers have shied away from isolated lessons focusing solely on one skill area such as vocabulary development or reading comprehension based on small samples, the application of a holistic approach for English language learners is the fundamental idea presented by Zwier. This is supported by the integration of all four skill areas within each book in the series. Many academic settings rely solely on a minimum TOEFL score as the admissions criterion, only to find students still struggling with reading comprehension and writing university-level papers. The language barrier creates frustration for both instructors and students. Zwier offers a practical, comprehensive method for increasing English language learners’ reading and writing skills; however, the text is not solely focused upon these two areas. Specific tasks focus on developing reading and writing skills but also integrate listening and speaking components. Instructors can use the text to help students improve their overall communication skills and become more successful in their field as well as in English.

Most English language learners seek out opportunities on their own to help develop their skills and Four Point is accompanied by an interactive Web site that provides English language learners that offers them this opportunity. The Web site offers two interactive vocabulary exercises (called quizzes) to accompany each chapter. The exercises, though vocabulary based, reinforce other skill areas as well. For example, one exercise may focus on word families and identifying the parts of speech for each word within the family while another exercise may require reading and using context clues in order to correctly complete a sentence using the vocabulary. Upon completing each section, the learner receives immediate feedback. Percentages are provided as well as a breakdown of which questions were missed and their correct answers. Students may repeat the quizzes within a section if desired.

Four Point: Reading and Writing 2 is divided into six chapters of two parts each. The parts are on related topics in a field and are designed for each book in the series to easily be taught in less than 12 weeks. However, the material and exercises are flexible and can be modified to allow for a faster rate.

The exercises in the book are designed specifically to increase student skill level in the areas of reading and writing. Specifically, exercises are designed to increase English language learner reading speed and comprehension. Students are encouraged to find their reading rate and regularly time themselves on a specific passage to track their progress. Other exercises focus on these reading skills through emphasis on understanding details and developing vocabulary. In addition, prereading strategies are a recurring theme throughout the text. Writing skills taught include paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing information. The last strategy is focused on through “Writing Projects.” These exercises provide short tasks that can be completed in class as well as longer assignments that are intended to be completed outside of class, often as an empirical study or research-based paper. These activities, which allow for the teacher to maximize the integration of all skill areas as extensions of these lessons, include presenting papers orally to the class (speaking) and allowing other students to respond (listening and speaking). In addition, citation of both print and online sources is taught to help minimize the risk of plagiarism, a concept sometimes difficult for English language learners to understand given their own cultural frame of reference.

Though the focus of the book is to teach reading strategies and provide activities to strengthen writing skills, all the activities encourage listening and provide opportunities for speaking. For example, “Pre-Reading Discussion” exercises require students to read questions and discuss their thoughts with each other prior to formulating a written response. Teachers can then ask students to orally answer the questions and facilitate further discussion. These activities are done prior to the actual reading of the passage that accompanies it. Teachers have the flexibility to also read the passages to the students and use the accompanying Comprehension Activities as a listening activity. Students can be partnered for oral reading of the passages to practice fluency in both reading and speaking. The exercises can be expanded to promote further integration of all skills or used to hone a particular skill such as skimming an article or writing a summary of a short passage. The flexibility and integration of all four skills allows for teachers to successfully increase their students’ reading and writing skills.

Four Point: Reading and Writing 2 is a must-have textbook for teachers and learners of English at the collegiate level. The holistic approach provides a definite advantage to students and teachers. Though many integrated skills texts are available, this series offers an easy-to-use, practical approach to teaching English language learners. Zwier’s approach to intertwining the four skills allowsfor students to move from basic comprehension such as rote memorization of words or sentence structure into higher level thinking activities in which they demonstrate mastery of the language. Demonstration of deeper understanding and command of the language is encouraged through use of the “Writing Project” activities provided in each chapter. The overall format is also user friendly for both teacher and student.

Melinda McEwen is the English Language Support instructor in the Graduate College of William Woods University in Fulton, MO. She teaches several ESL classes in both the MBA and Education Specialist programs and is in charge of a writing lab specifically for English language learners. Melinda has been working with ESL students for over two decades and has also taught Communication Arts in elementary and middle school settings.