Inglese B1

This amusing story recounts a two-week holiday spent on the River Thames by three young men and a dog.

While it describes their adventures, much of the fun is contained in stories which the young men tell.

All the humourous incidents or situations are simple and realistic; they might happen to any of us as part of our daily life. The author also gives us historical and geographical information about the places they visit. Each chapter includes activities testing the four skills and some Pet-style exercises. The volume is further enriched by lexical notes, grammar points, internet projects, dossiers and ends with a final text with Pet-style level B1 activities.

The volume is accompanied by a full recording of the text and online keys to the activities.

Othello is one of William Shakespeare’s best known and most frequently performed tragedies. Set in sixteenth century Venice and Cyprus, it tells the story of Othello, a brave but socially insecure Moorish general. After his secret marriage to Desdemona, Othello is betrayed by Iago, one of his officers, who uses cunning manipulation and deception to make Othello suspicious of his wife.

He takes advantage of Othello’s weakness and drives him to hot-tempered jealousy that leads to murderous madness.

Written in simplified and modern English, the story does not lose its magnetic powers. Each section of Othello includes activities which test the four skills and some PET-style exercises. The volume is also enriched by lexical notes, grammar points, internet projects, in-depth dossiers, easy-to-play drama activities and a preparation to the task and format of the Pet examination writing section. The volume is accompanied by an Audio-CD with the complete recording of the text.

The narrative falls into two halves: the first part takes place in Denmark where, coming to the help of King Hrothgar, Beowulf fights the monsters Grendel and Grendel’s mother.

The second part is set in southern Sweden, where Beowulf has ruled in peace and prosperity for fifty years before being called upon to combat a firebreathing dragon that is terrorizing the country after having its treasure hoard looted.

The story is based on Beowulf, one of the oldest existing poems, considered the finest heroic poem in Old English.

The volume includes a wide variety of activities, several PET style activities and dossiers that explore and expand the cultural aspects associated with epic poems.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays, is widely performed around the world. A young woman, Hermia, flees ancient Athens with her lover, only to be pursued by her wouldbe husband and her best friend. All four find themselves in an enchanted forest where magic creatures take an interest in human affairs, dispensing magical love potions and mischievous spells. Throughout the play, love is transformed, misplaced and ultimately restored.

Written in simplified and modern English, the story does not lose its enchanting atmosphere. Each section of A Midsummer Night’s Dream includes activities which test the four skills and some PET-style exercises.

The volume is also enriched by lexical notes, grammar points, internet projects, in-depth dossiers, easy-to-play drama activities and a preparation to the task and format of the Pet examination writing section. The volume is accompanied by an Audio-CD with the complete recording of the text.

The Beatles are the most famous group of all time. Even today their music is heard throughout the world and continues to inspire thousands of people across the globe. But where did it all begin? How did four young men rise up from the rough working-class streets of Liverpool to become the most famous musicians on the planet? This is the story of their lives, which were touched by death, tragedy, mysticism and mystery but, most importantly, it is the story of some of the greatest music ever created and how, in the words of John Lennon, there is nothing you can do that can’t be done.

Written in simplified and contemporary language, this captivating story of a modern music phenomenon is an excellent way to learn English. The volume has comprehensive teaching material, enhanced by lexical notes, in-depth dossiers (CLIL) and an Audio-CD with the complete recording of the text.

Victor Frankenstein has always been fascinated by medicine and the natural sciences. After years of secretly cultivating the desire to create a human being of greater intelligence, able to live a long life in perfect health, he finally gives life to a creature. But it is not what he has dreamed, it is deformed and possesses extraordinary physical strength: it is a “monster”, who will leave a trail of death and suffering, until finally repenting for the immense pain it has caused to others.

The story is told using simple and direct language. The notes and exercises, which accompany the text, also aid comprehension. The teaching material at the end of each chapter reinforces the knowledge of vocabulary and grammar and provides practice for improving communication skills, while the dossiers explore the evolution of Frankenstein’s “monster” both in literature and cinema.

Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous and frequently performed tragedies. Set in sixteenth century Verona, it is the tale of the contested love between the children of two noble families who hate each other profoundly. Romeo, the son and heir of the Montague family, and Juliet Capulet, who have fallen hopelessly in love at a party, are immediately aware that their love is impossible. Only the death of the two young lovers, united forever in eternity, will reconcile the two rival families.

Written in simplified and modern language, the plot does not lose its allure. The reader can learn English thanks to comprehensive teaching material, while at the same time becoming acquainted with a literary classic.

The volume is further enhanced by lexical notes, indepth dossiers (CLIL) and an Audio-CD with the complete recording of the text.

After spending his early childhood in a workhouse, Oliver Twist, ill-treated and under-fed, escapes to London where he unwittingly joins a gang of young pickpockets. Soon afterward he meets Mr Browlow, who gives him a home and love. But his happiness doesn’t last long because he is found and kidnapped by the band of thieves and this time... The story continues full of twists and turns till the happy ending.

One of the most outstanding works by Dickens is retold in a comics format using simplified language.

At the back of each book: a short glossary, understanding, grammar and communication exercises and activities for the PET exam. The volume concludes with the Dossier “Dickens and His Time” (CLIL).

Animal Farm, with its combination of political allegory and children’s fairy tale, still fascinates readers all over the world. When the animals on Manor Farm overthrow their human master, they attempt to create a utopian state which will give them freedom and equality and be an example to the rest of the world. However, they soon discover that some animals are more equal than others. Orwell explores the dark side of human nature showing how greed and selfishness can lead to tyranny if people are not aware of what is happening around them.

This apparently simple novella gives a clear picture of how power corrupts and how easy it is to manipulate the truth, themes which are just as relevant today as they were in 1945.

The spirited young orphan, Jane Eyre, begins her journey in the home of her uncle and heartless aunt. She is soon sent off to a charity school where she finds cruelty once again.

When she decides to work as a governess for the rich but moody Rochester, she enters a world of locked doors and strange happenings. Here in this house of hidden secrets she finds unexpected happiness, but only for a short time. Tragedy returns, forcing her to leave Rochester’s home and face a hostile world. Will she ever find the true love and independence she is looking for?

The text includes a variety of activities for the four skills and dossiers to explore and expand the cultural and historical aspects associated with the story. The volume also provides a recording of some parts of the text.

Who is this handsome young man with a generous heart and adventurous spirit? The country gentleman who found the baby boy in his large bed gave him the name Tom Jones and asked his sister to bring him up on their wealthy estate, Paradise Hall. Tom’s charm, vigour and trusting nature often get him into trouble and eventually he is forced to leave home and the woman he loves. He sets off on a journey that takes him along the dusty roads of the English countryside and into the vast city of London where he hopes to find his true identity. Along the way, he meets a number of unforgettable characters who all contribute to his destiny.

The text includes a variety of activities for the four skills, extra-readings to discover more about cultural and historical aspects and Mp3 files.

Seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland is the story’s unlikely heroine. Gothic novels help her to escape from her ordinary life in the countryside. During a short holiday in Bath with some family’s friends she falls in love with Henry Tilney.

Invited to visit Northanger Abbey, Henry’s estate, her obsession for Gothic novels and her tendency to confuse fiction and reality cause her several problems which will make her progress to maturity and self-knowledge. With this novel, Jane Austen parodies the improbabilities of Gothic fiction and criticizes its influence on women readers.

The text includes a variety of activities for the four skills and dossiers to discover more about cultural and historical aspects and Mp3 files.

A classic Shakespearean comedy, where the true nature of love and friendship is questioned. In a fast turn of events, both serious and funny, a smart woman’s plan will make a big difference in the battle between good and evil, saving an innocent from a cruel moneylender.

Shakespeare’s original work is enriched with a subplot, where a group of students studies the comedy to pass an important audition.

The text includes a variety of activities for the four skills and dossiers to discover more about cultural and historical aspects. The volume also comes with a set of recordings.

A Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy that follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge for his father’s murder. With twists, turns, and ghostly encounters, Hamlet navigates a world of lies, love, and madness.

Join him in unravelling the mysteries of power and morality in this thrilling tale of tragedy and revenge.

The text includes a variety of activities for the four skills and extra reading, to explore and expand cultural and historical aspects associated with the story from the perspective of a group of teenagers, acting in the play.