Review #1

Name: Guide to Grammar and Writing
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

Level and Skill: This website would be most useful for Advanced Level learners where EAP is required for Post Secondary studies in College or University. Particular attention is paid to grammar structures in the skill of writing.

Interactive: Yes, there is a vast range of interactive quizzes and exercises to choose from in the index.

ESL/Non-ESL: It is not exclusive to ESL learners but this site is listed as one of the resources in the ESL programme at Capital College. Educators, grammar enthusiasts and learners from a variety of backgrounds could benefit from this site.

What makes it good? As the dedication to this site indicates, the professor who developed the Guide to Grammar and Writing did so with the intention of helping his students to write essays and research reports. The organization and layout of the site is clear and simple, with a central index organized into 6 easily navigated areas of exploration into grammar mechanics and usage. The information is categorized into levels, beginning with ‘Word and Sentence Level’ moving sideways to ‘Paragraph Level’, ‘Essay and Paper Level’, ‘Peripherals and Power Points’ for the more visual user, interactive Quizzes and Grammar Exercises ending with ‘Grammar Poll Guestbook and Awards’, which gives the learner an opportunity to give critical feedback about the site or, to ask questions in the subtopic area, ‘Ask Grammar’. The online lessons are creative, culturally appropriate, current and often have a colourful lexicon embedded in the content. The coloured font is easy to read once the selection is made. Fun cartoons, some of which are animated, are interspersed amongst the text making the information more attractive and enticing to the learner. The scroll bar at each level, gives one endless possibilities for a selection of grammar points from comma use to vocabulary builders, to tips on argumentative essays. The website also offers access to other useful websites through a variety of hyperlinks. Overall, this site is a fabulous resource that makes learning grammar totally ‘user friendly’!