What You Need to Know About New English File Intermediate Audio CD Before You Buy It
New English File Intermediate Audio CD: A Comprehensive Review
If you are looking for a way to improve your listening skills and pronunciation in English, you might have come across the New English File Intermediate Audio CD. This is a popular audio course that accompanies the New English File Intermediate coursebook, which is designed for learners who have reached the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). But what exactly is this audio CD, and how can it help you achieve your language goals? In this article, we will give you a comprehensive review of the New English File Intermediate Audio CD, covering its features, benefits, drawbacks, and comparison with other similar products. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether this audio CD is suitable for you and how to use it effectively.
new english file intermediate audio cd
What is New English File Intermediate Audio CD?
New English File Intermediate Audio CD is a set of four CDs that contain all the listening material for the New English File Intermediate coursebook. The coursebook consists of 12 units that cover various topics such as travel, work, culture, health, and entertainment. Each unit has four lessons that focus on different skills: A for vocabulary and grammar, B for listening and speaking, C for reading and writing, and D for revision and extension. The audio CD corresponds to the B lessons, which aim to develop your listening comprehension and oral expression.
The audio CD is designed to be used together with the coursebook and the workbook, which provide additional exercises and activities to reinforce what you have learned. However, you can also use the audio CD independently as a self-study resource, as it comes with a booklet that contains the transcripts of the recordings and the answers to the listening tasks. The audio CD is suitable for learners who want to improve their listening skills in a variety of contexts and situations, such as conversations, interviews, lectures, announcements, radio programs, and podcasts.
Features and benefits of New English File Intermediate Audio CD
One of the main advantages of using the New English File Intermediate Audio CD is that it offers a range of features and benefits that can enhance your learning experience and outcomes. Here are some of them:
Interactive listening exercises
The audio CD provides you with many opportunities to practice your listening skills through interactive exercises that test your understanding of specific details, main ideas, opinions, attitudes, and inferences. The exercises are based on realistic texts that reflect the language used in everyday situations. You will also find tasks that require you to complete sentences, fill in gaps, match speakers with statements, or choose the correct option from multiple choices. These exercises help you to check your comprehension and improve your accuracy.
Authentic dialogues and interviews
The audio CD exposes you to authentic dialogues and interviews that feature native and non-native speakers of English from different countries and backgrounds. You will hear different accents, dialects, and varieties of English, as well as different registers, tones, and styles of speech. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the diversity and richness of the English language, as well as to develop your intercultural awareness and sensitivity. You will also learn how to use appropriate language and strategies for different purposes and situations, such as making requests, giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing, expressing emotions, and so on.
Pronunciation practice and feedback
The audio CD also helps you to improve your pronunciation and intonation in English through various activities that focus on the sounds, stress, and rhythm of the language. You will learn how to pronounce individual sounds, such as vowels and consonants, as well as how to combine them into words and sentences. You will also learn how to use stress and intonation to convey meaning and emotion, as well as to make your speech more natural and fluent. The audio CD provides you with feedback on your pronunciation by allowing you to compare your voice with the model recordings and correct any errors or difficulties.
Grammar and vocabulary reviews
Another benefit of using the New English File Intermediate Audio CD is that it helps you to review and consolidate the grammar and vocabulary that you have learned in the coursebook. The audio CD contains sections that summarize the main grammar points and vocabulary items for each unit, as well as exercises that test your knowledge and application of them. You will also find tips and reminders that explain the rules and exceptions of the language, as well as common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. These sections help you to reinforce your understanding and memory of the language structures and expressions that you need to communicate effectively in English.
How to use New English File Intermediate Audio CD effectively
Now that you know what the New English File Intermediate Audio CD offers, you might be wondering how to use it effectively to maximize your learning potential. Here are some tips and suggestions that can help you make the most of this audio resource:
Follow the coursebook structure
If you are using the audio CD together with the coursebook and the workbook, it is recommended that you follow the structure and sequence of the units and lessons. This will help you to build a solid foundation of the language skills and knowledge that you need for each level. You can start by reading the introduction and objectives of each unit in the coursebook, then listen to the audio CD for the B lessons, then do the exercises in the coursebook and the workbook, then review the grammar and vocabulary sections in the audio CD, then move on to the next unit.
Listen actively and repeat aloud
If you are using the audio CD independently or as a supplement to your learning, it is important that you listen actively and attentively to the recordings. This means that you should not just listen passively or casually, but try to engage with the texts and speakers as much as possible. You can do this by making predictions, asking questions, taking notes, summarizing, or paraphrasing what you hear. You can also repeat aloud what you hear or try to imitate the speakers' pronunciation, intonation, and expression. This will help you to improve your listening comprehension and oral production skills.
Do the self-check tests and quizzes
The audio CD also provides you with self-check tests and quizzes that allow you to assess your progress and performance. You can find these tests at the end of each unit or at regular intervals throughout the course. The tests cover all the skills and topics that you have learned in each unit or section, such as listening, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. The quizzes are shorter and more focused on specific aspects of the language, such as idioms, phrasal verbs, collocations, etc. You can do these tests and quizzes by yourself or with a partner or a teacher. They will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as to review what you have learned.
Review regularly and track your progress
Finally, it is essential that you review regularly what you have learned from the audio CD. This will help you to consolidate your learning and prevent forgetting. You can review by listening again to the recordings or by doing the exercises again. You can also use other resources or materials that complement or expand on what you have learned from the audio CD, such as online videos, podcasts, articles, etc. You can also track your progress by keeping a record of your scores on the tests and quizzes or by setting goals for yourself. This will help you to stay motivated and focused on your learning journey.
Pros and cons of New English File Intermediate Audio CD
As with any learning resource, there are some pros and cons of using the New English File Intermediate Audio CD. Here are some of them:
Pros: engaging, flexible, comprehensive, affordable
One of the main pros of using the New English File Intermediate Audio CD is that it is very engaging and enjoyable to listen to. The recordings are lively and interesting, with a variety of speakers, topics, and formats. You will never get bored or lose interest while listening to the audio CD. Another pro is that the audio CD is very flexible and adaptable to your needs and preferences. You can use it with or without the coursebook and the workbook, as well as at your own pace and level. You can also choose the sections and exercises that suit your learning goals and style. A third pro is that the audio CD is very comprehensive and thorough in covering all the aspects of the intermediate level of English. You will learn not only listening skills, but also grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture. You will also get a lot of practice and feedback on your learning. A fourth pro is that the audio CD is very affordable and accessible. You can buy it online or in bookstores for a reasonable price, and you can use it on any device that has a CD player.
Cons: requires a CD player, not compatible with some devices, may not suit all learning styles
One of the main cons of using the New English File Intermediate Audio CD is that it requires a CD player to use it. This means that you need to have access to a device that can play CDs, such as a computer, a laptop, a stereo system, or a portable CD player. This may not be convenient or available for some learners, especially in this digital age where most people use smartphones or tablets for learning. Another con is that the audio CD is not compatible with some devices or platforms, such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Chromebooks. This means that you cannot transfer the audio files to these devices or play them on these platforms. This may limit your options and flexibility for using the audio CD. A third con is that the audio CD may not suit all learning styles or preferences. Some learners may prefer to learn from visual or written materials rather than from audio materials. Some learners may also find the audio CD too fast or too slow, too easy or too hard, too formal or too informal, etc. These learners may not benefit from using the audio CD as much as others.
Comparison with other intermediate audio CDs
If you are interested in using an intermediate audio CD for learning English, you might want to compare the New English File Intermediate Audio CD with other similar products on the market. Here are some of them:
New Headway Intermediate Audio CD
New Headway Intermediate Audio CD is another popular audio course that accompanies the New Headway Intermediate coursebook. It has a similar structure and content as the New English File Intermediate Audio CD, but it focuses more on grammar and vocabulary than on listening skills. It also has fewer dialogues and interviews than the New English File Intermediate Audio CD, and more monologues and narratives. The recordings are clear and easy to understand, but they may sound less natural and authentic than the New English File Intermediate Audio CD.
Speakout Intermediate Audio CD
Speakout Intermediate Audio CD is another well-known audio course that accompanies the Speakout Intermediate coursebook. It has a different structure and content than the New English File Intermediate Audio CD, as it follows a topic-based approach rather than a skill-based approach. It also has more video material than audio material, as it uses clips from BBC programs to introduce each unit. The recordings are engaging and realistic, but they may be too challenging or complex for some learners.
English File Intermediate Plus Audio CD
English File Intermediate Plus Audio CD is another version of the New English File Intermediate Audio CD that is designed for learners who are between B1 and B2 levels of the CEFR. It has a similar structure and content as the New English File Intermediate Audio CD, but it covers more advanced topics and language points than the original version. It also has more exercises and activities than the New English File Intermediate Audio CD, as well as more online resources and support. The recordings are stimulating and varied, but they may be too difficult or demanding for some learners.
Conclusion and FAQs
In conclusion, the New English File Intermediate Audio CD is a great resource for learners who want to improve their listening skills and pronunciation in English at the intermediate level. It offers many features and benefits that can enhance your learning experience and outcomes, such as interactive listening exercises, authentic dialogues and interviews, pronunciation practice and feedback, and grammar and vocabulary reviews. It also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of, such as requiring a CD player, not being compatible with some devices, and not suiting all learning styles. You should also compare it with other intermediate audio CDs to see which one best fits your needs and preferences. Here are some FAQs that you might have about the New English File Intermediate Audio CD:
Q: How long is the New English File Intermediate Audio CD?
A: The New English File Intermediate Audio CD is about 5 hours long in total. Each unit is about 25 minutes long, and each lesson is about 6 minutes long.
Q: How much does the New English File Intermediate Audio CD cost?
A: The New English File Intermediate Audio CD costs about $30 USD. You can buy it online or in bookstores.
Q: Can I download the New English File Intermediate Audio CD?
A: No, you cannot download the New English File Intermediate Audio CD. You can only use it on a device that has a CD player.
Q: Can I use the New English File Intermediate Audio CD without the coursebook and the workbook?
A: Yes, you can use the New English File Intermediate Audio CD without the coursebook and the workbook, as it comes with a booklet that contains the transcripts and the answers. However, it is recommended that you use it with the coursebook and the workbook for a more complete and effective learning experience.
Q: What level is the New English File Intermediate Audio CD?
A: The New English File Intermediate Audio CD is for learners who have reached the B1 level of the CEFR. It is equivalent to the PET exam or the TOEFL iBT 57-86 score. 71b2f0854b