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  • Communication progressive du français: perfectionnement C1–C2 by Romain Racine et Jean-Claude Schenker
  • Joseph Edward Price
Racine, Romain, et Jean-Claude Schenker. Communication progressive du français: perfectionnement C1–C2. CLE International, 2018. ISBN 978-209-038070-5. Pp. 272.

This book targets advanced interpretative reading skills using authentic texts. It consists of 8 major sections (Blocs thématiques), all divided (except the last one) into 5 subsections (Scénarios), focusing on a multitude of topics such as "cohabiter avec d'autres cultures," "gérer les réseaux sociaux," or "faire de l'humour." Each of 39 scénarios consists of 3 short (2-page) sections following the same presentation. The first page begins with a reading passage supporting the main themes, drawn from a variety of Francophone sources, including blogs, literature, comedy sketches, interviews, news reports, etc. The reading is supported with a series of short sections directly under the reading passage. The vocabulaire sections explain and highlight targeted lexical items, the pour communiquer sections provide or explain useful expressions, and the occasional (and very short) grammaire, prononciation, and stylistique sections provide a concise reminder of potential pitfalls to avoid. The second page is devoted to a series of short activities, typically five or six in number, beginning with a comprehension activity, followed by a series of activities designed to practice and reinforce vocabulary, grammar and communication skills. Each chapter concludes with a communicative activity (À vous!), frequently focused on writing in a variety of styles, but also includes role-plays, debates, and other oral activities. Student learning is assessed via the Bilan sections that follow each of the eight blocs thématiques, which largely follow the structure and sequence of the activities following each reading and stress vocabulary and grammar. The récréation culturelle sections that follow every two blocs thématiques offer opportunities to assess students' learning of the cultural and thematic content. The book concludes with a short test d'évaluation (which includes an answer key). An [End Page 242] accompanying CD includes recorded version of about half of the reading texts, and the entire book is available online via an access code provided with the book. Overall, the book provides good opportunities for students to read and, to a lesser extent, write in various genres while reinforcing their developing language skills. While the book's content is rich and diverse, some instructors may find the quality and quantity of practice insufficient or too focused on controlled activities rather than creative expression. In the end, the book may be too long to be used in a single semester or too focused on reading to be used as the sole text in an advanced French course, but given the richness of its contents, instructors may find this title to be a useful supplement for courses focused on conversation or grammar.

Joseph Edward Price
University of Arizona
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