If you are looking for reading material that is thematic, interesting and adult- oriented with a variety of activities, the series For Your Information would be a good choice. Although there are three books in this series, numbers one and two are the most appropriate for the fundamental level.

All three books are arranged in a similar manner. Each book is divided into eight theme units that have three or four different readings. These selections provide a varied perspective on the particular topic. Pre-reading activities introduce each reading selection. They support the reading process, encouraging readers to become actively engaged in their reading through dialogue. All readings are followed by a wide range of activities including root/prefix work, crossword puzzles, vocabulary development exercises and discussion questions. Each unit also provides numerous opportunities for writing. Finally, an answer key is supplied at the end of each book.

My class enjoyed “Attitudes About Animals,” Unit 2 in the first book. Although they found some of the reading material challenging, they wanted to work with the material because they found the content of the articles topical and informative. These articles ranged in length from 1 to 1 1/2 pages with adequate white space. While “Can Animals Think?” led to a lively class discussion, “Crazy About Cats or Just Crazy?” provided an opportunity for students to write stories about their animals.

All the instructors who reviewed the material liked many of the readings and the range of activities. However, there were some concerns. Because the books were written for the adult ESL learner, some of the questions and activities would have to be adapted or ignored in the non-ESL classroom. It was also noted that many of the questions were American oriented.

This series provides a wide assortment of articles and encourages active involvement of the reader. The activities promote reading, discussing, listening and thinking. This combination of readings and activities would be an asset to any fundamental classroom.