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Rating: 7/10
Publisher: Berlitz
Pros
Easy to get into.
Range of native French speakers help with listening and pronunciation skills.
Can use without the textbook if necessary.
Good use of repeated phrases to hone practice.
Cons
Very simple grammar, a little too easy for Intermediate level
English is used fairly extensively.
Conclusion
This series is a quick way to progress through the material, listening and repeating phrases, memorising short lists of vocabulary for each section. I found the range of native speakers interesting to listen to, and they pronounce the language very clearly, albeit a little slower than normal conversation.
Like a number of other high profile brands, this series seems to overestimate it's level. The reader progresses rapidly through a simplified program in order to reach the end, thinking they've succeeded to Intermediate stage, when really it's more like an advanced beginner course. As long as this expectation is recognised, this course is a competent one, making the user feel confident in their progress, with very clear progression stages.
Have you tried Intermediate French from Berlitz?
What did you think?
You can purchase Berlitz Intermediate French on Amazon.
Further comments
At this level, I would prefer some more challenge, by using mostly French for the instructions for instance. Intermediate users may wish for more intensive grammar instruction, and will have to look further afield for this.
Publisher: Berlitz
Pros
Easy to get into.
Range of native French speakers help with listening and pronunciation skills.
Can use without the textbook if necessary.
Good use of repeated phrases to hone practice.
Cons
Very simple grammar, a little too easy for Intermediate level
English is used fairly extensively.
Conclusion
This series is a quick way to progress through the material, listening and repeating phrases, memorising short lists of vocabulary for each section. I found the range of native speakers interesting to listen to, and they pronounce the language very clearly, albeit a little slower than normal conversation.
Like a number of other high profile brands, this series seems to overestimate it's level. The reader progresses rapidly through a simplified program in order to reach the end, thinking they've succeeded to Intermediate stage, when really it's more like an advanced beginner course. As long as this expectation is recognised, this course is a competent one, making the user feel confident in their progress, with very clear progression stages.
Have you tried Intermediate French from Berlitz?
What did you think?
You can purchase Berlitz Intermediate French on Amazon.
Further comments
At this level, I would prefer some more challenge, by using mostly French for the instructions for instance. Intermediate users may wish for more intensive grammar instruction, and will have to look further afield for this.
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