Reviews 221

Methods and Materials

edited by Frédérique Grim
Akyüz, Anne, Bernadette Bazelle-Shahmaei, Joëlle Bonenfant, et Marie-
Françoise Orne-Gliemann. Focus: grammaire du français A1-B1. Paris: Hachette,
2015. ISBN 978-2-01-155964-7. Pp. 288. 21 a.

Focus can be described as a clear, efficient, thorough, and flexible companion for
courses on French grammar. Each concept is thoroughly reviewed with clear examples
that serve as structural models. This modeling is particularly important because the
text is entirely in French, which sets Focus apart from others in its genre. The textbook
is logically and progressionally organized by grammatical structure. It begins with
smaller linguistic units such as verbs in the present, followed by nouns, qualifying
adjectives, and determinants. The text then moves on to larger linguistic units such as
sentence structure. Focus, advertised as une collection “tout-en-un”, could be charac-
terized as a textbook-workbook hybrid with the way structures are briefly reviewed
and followed by numerous activities. With 800 activities, 200 audio activities, and 250
interactive auto-correcting activities in the parcours digital, there is no need for
students to purchase a separate activities manual. Instructors will find there to be an
ample amount of material for both in-class and individual work at home. Though the
in-text information is concise, more details can be found in its rich set of annexes;
they treat spelling and grammar and include numerous self-testing exercises complete
with correction keys for students. Also included are pronunciation exercises with audio
files and some IPA transcriptions. Instructors will appreciate the transcripts, audio
CD, and correction keys that are provided for all activities. While remaining very
reasonably priced, the textbook is visually-pleasing, with a variety of color drawings
and photo illustrations. Examples do include individuals of a variety of ages and
individuals of color. Like many textbooks in its genre, Focus does engage to a certain
degree with culture, presenting French television stations, Paris love locks, and the
Paris metro system for example. Although the exercises model real communicative
tasks, they could be enhanced by greater cultural contextualization. Instructors wishing
to treat the interconnectedness of linguistic forms and culture will need to supplement
this text with additional material. Similarly, like many French textbooks, France and
Europe more generally are most thoroughly represented. Individuals of African origins
are presented, however the text does not appear to fully engage with the diversity of
the Francophone world. Overall, Focus, is an excellent textbook and workbook in one
for exclusively grammar-focused courses. Its greatest strengths are its organization,
multitude of exercises, and the fact that it is exclusively written in French. Supple-
mentary materials would be required for instructors wishing to more deeply engage
with the language-culture nexus or with diversity in the Francophone world.
222 FRENCH REVIEW 90.3

University of South Dakota Kris Aric Knisely