Focus on vocabulary examines the teaching and learning of vocabulary for learners of English as a second or foreign language where English is the language of instruction. It explores vocabulary from a theoretical and historical perspective and, offers practical suggestions f or teaching as well as a range of vocabulary tests and an academic word list. The eight chapters in the book cover:

• different levels of vocabulary and the roles vocabulary
  can play in understanding text in a curriculum


• how computer programs and electronic collections of text can be used to gain information about vocabulary


• what to focus on when planning a vocabulary program


• how students can best learn vocabulary through listening and reading


• how students can best learn vocabulary through speaking and writing


• vocabulary learning strategies and their role in vocabulary learning


• assessment of vocabulary learning with particular reference to English courses taught through the curriculum


• questions commonly asked about the teaching of vocabulary

Focus on vocabulary invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and practices in teaching grammar through pre‑reading questions, reflective tasks and chapter summaries.

The authors have many years of experience as teachers and teacher educators. Paul Nation is a professor of Applied Linguistics in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Peter Yongqi Gu is a senior lecturer at the same School and University in New Zealand.