This well written textbook by Virginia Evans and Jenny Dooley called “Upstream” is a great book for intermediate a learners of the English language. It comes with an additional CD with audio records of selected exercises.

The book is divided into 10 chapters which are always separated to 6 different sections like vocabulary, reading, grammar, listening, speaking and writing. Chapters cover the most common areas of human life. They are preparing pupils in areas such as life events, travelling, daily activities, health, shopping, sports and entertainment. The book is full of texts and exercises such as: read and answer, fill in the gaps, match or sort in correct order.

What I like about the textbook is that it contains text sources from real books and paper magazines. It is also equipped with very useful tapescripts and word lists of each chapter, which helps you prepare for exam and improve the learning process. On the other hand, the book is a little bit badly designed. Some headings are just too big. Various elements are also placed in weird places leaving too much empty space on the page.

On the whole, I would recommend this textbook in view of the fact that it is a really decent tool for students and teachers as well. “Upstream” textbook will surely help you improve your English skills just as it did with my abilities.