| Book Review
Nance, Kimberly A., and Isidro J. Rivera. Aprendizaje: Técnicas de composición. Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath, 1996. ISBN 0-669-33173-2. 233 pp. Reviewd in Hispania, 81, 115 (1988). Aprendizaje is really two books in one. The first part (130 pages) is a third-year composition text which can also be beneficial in conversation classes. The second part (80 pages) is a concise grammar review that mirrors the themes and vocabulary presented in the composition section. As a third-year text it admirably makes the transition for students coming from language and grammar courses helping them to use the language creatively and in expressive ways. In contrast to the traditional genre based approach to composition, each of the eight chapters in the composition section of the text presents a theme upon which students may base their writing. These themes include family, the university, film and television, sports, labor, and advertising. Each chapter contains a pre-writing section that includes a moderate sized reading, vocabulary, discussion topics and exercises. However, emphasis is placed on creation, editing, rewriting and analyzing, rather than on genre and imitation. After the composition is complete, the student is guided through two possible revisions and an analysis. The grammar review section is more traditional. The chapters parallel the topics presented in the first part of the book, with competent (though not extensive) presentation of grammatical principles and a limited number of practice exercises. As a review this is adequate, however the grammatical index (all of it on one single page) is rather limited, restricting the grammar sections usefulness for some students. The strength of Aprendizaje lies in its use of interesting readings, up-to-date photos and timely realia in order to present a variety of perspectives on the chapter topics. Each chapter contains a dozen or more specific topics that students might use as a basis for their writing. The exercises included in both parts of the book are well conceived and meaningful. The physical presentation of the text is neat and easily followed. Nevertheless, it is doubtful that most third-year programs would want to use Aprendizaje as the only text in a course. Even if used in a class dedicated solely to composition, unless the course assigns a reduced credit-hour load, Aprendizaje may not provide enough material to keep the students busy. Moreover, as many colleges and universities offer courses that include both composition and grammar, the grammar component in Aprendizaje might be considered weak. Thomas J. Mathews Weber State University |