[Review] Korean Made Easy Intermediate

This is why you shouldn’t judge a book by the cover.

I’ve actually seen this book in stores many times but nothing about the cover and its title appealed to me, so I didn’t picked it up.

But I’m glad to be proven wrong cos I love its contents!! 😀

Review in one sentence:

A very cute and fun textbook for self-studying and it makes you feel like you are accomplishing a lot! 😀

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I know the one-liner review sounds a little strange, but it’s true!!

The first impression I got of this book is that everything is so neat, structured and fun. In addition, there seems to be a lot of additional notes here and there and it makes it feel like there’s loads to learn (but not overwhelming) and you will feel very accomplished if you work through the book.

Thumbs up for the whole format!

Goals and grammar points are clearly spelt out in each chapter and it makes you feel motivated, knowing exactly what you will learn.

Grammar + Quiz

Grammar points are introduced, with really clear and detailed explanations (in English), followed by a series of useful exercises such as fill in the blanks / choose between options etc to test your understanding (answers provided).

Conversation + Additional Vocabulary

This is followed by a substantial dialogue, followed by explanation of vocabulary used. I love how they do not just give a glossary but rather there is a theme to the words introduced, so it’s actually useful. It helps to consolidate what you have learnt and perhaps even introduce related words / expressions.

Each chapter consists of a few of these Grammar + Quiz and Conversation + Vocab sections.

Let’s talk

There is a section introducing conversational Korean and perhaps can be used to practice speaking? Not too sure about this chapter and the usefulness, but it’s not bad!

Word Web

I find this concept interesting and useful for those who loves word webs or mind maps. It links related words together, well in the sense that 한국 is related to 국어 which is related to 어학당 for example. I loved playing this game as a kid (in Chinese).

Cultural Notes

Each chapter ends with a cultural note and I enjoyed reading each of them! Like they always say, you can’t tear language from culture! So I always believe that a good language textbook will have loads of reference to cultural stuff! (:

Appendix

What I love most about this book is actually the appendix, which makes this book very very suitable for self learners. Whatever that’s taught in front, there will be an appendix where there is even more detailed explanations! So essentially, it functions like a guidebook and a teacher to guide you through.

My only grip is that it’s annoying to be flipping back and forth, I’ll rather them make a booklet that can be detached from the book or something.

The book comes with a CD too!

All in all, I love this and would highly recommend you to get it! 😀 😀

What I love:

• the graphics!
• very structured, easy for self learners to grasp the concepts
• the appendix is very helpful

To be improved:

• Wish the appendix comes in a separate booklet!

Get it at TwoChois