Explore 1 is a theme-based, all-in-one integrated skills and grammar textbook that features high-interest Canadian and international content. In total, there are 6 units and it is expected that most teachers will complete 4 or 5 units during the 45-hour program. This built-in flexibility allows teachers to focus on the units they and their students find the most stimulating, and provides more variety for teachers who teach the same course successively. Unstudied units can also become extra testing material.

Explore 1 is aimed at high-beginner to low-intermediate students who want to improve their English for career purposes. The textbook contains two readings per unit, writing activities, listening activities, speaking activities, a pronunciation activity, an interpreting data activity, a revising and editing activity, and a watching activity, all of which are designed to meet the specific objectives outlined by the Quebec Ministry of Education. All themes and content in Explore have transferable connections to both technical and pre-university B Block programs. These connections are further reinforced by field-specific activities and projects in each unit that ensure students transfer what they have learned into practical application within their field of study, using both input and output skills.

This innovative textbook addresses the reality that there is rarely a common B Block demographic in CEGEPs or in individual classes. As a result, the book is designed to meet a wide variety of student needs. The goal: help teachers find common denominators that are meaningful to and manageable for the entire group, no matter students' level or field of study.

The Explore 1 Annotated Teacher's Edition includes teaching notes and answers for use with the text.

Vanessa Beal's profile page

Sherry Kent's profile page

Vanessa Beal has a BA in Art History and a BEd TESL. She also has an MA in Applied Linguistics from Concordia University. She has taught university-level ESL and yoga in Sydney and currently teaches at Cégep Edouard Montpetit.

Sherry Kent received her TESL degree, with distinction, from Concordia University. She also holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from Concordia University. She has taught Inuit learners in Northern Quebec and has also taught in Chile. She currently teaches ESL at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

"Great example of how interesting topics can easily be dealt with in a more technical or academic manner." --Maria Pia Smargiasso, Collège Montmorency

"The field-specific activities are particularly successful. The students have so many opportunities to learn more about their field of study, fulfilling the ministry guidelines and motivating the students at the same time. Learning more about their programs also helps them in their other classes." --Jerry Kowtalo, Cégep de Saint-Jérôme

"The projects are very useful because they offer opportunities for students to go beyond what they have been working on within each unit and connect with their fields of study and future careers." --Suzie Dufresne, Cégep régional de Lanaudière à Joliette

"I love the reading structure and interpreting data sections. I've noticed more and more that I need to teach my students how to dissect a text so it's good practice." --Sara Langevin, Cégep de Granby