ESL Instant Immersion English 2 CD-ROM Set (Jewel Case)

I was looking for something in Polish and English to send to a friend to assist with her English studies. Looks like I made a great choice as my friend is really having fun using the CD's. She advises that you do need a bit of basic English, and it is very helpful to her. She enjoys doing the quizzes, and says it is really assisting her with grammar, and mostly pronunciation. She is having fun recording her pronunciation and comparing it to the instructors.

I have used Topics Instant Immersion French for several years, and have bought four of these to use with English speaking kids learning to speak French. The French version has modules on colors, numbers, foods, and first phrases, followed by more advance lessons to put them together. In other words, the French version starts with building blocks and is appropriate for children and adults beginning to learn. They also feature interesting, bright graphics and complex interactions.
The English version is nothing like the French. There are no building block modules, and the graphics are static. The exercises are uninspired. In the first module, we are shown a drawing with ten clocks, told what time it is, and must click on the correct clock. Later modules show line drawings of scenes, and we are expected to answer true or false to statements such as, "The family watch television in another room." This software resembles nothing so much as an intermediate software design project, and deserves no higher grade than a C. Given that it's packaging mimics the packaging of Topics' other, more advanced products (and sells for the same price), I consider this lackluster program a rip-off, and intent to take up my complaint with the company.

This CD set is quiet user friendly for foreigners who already know some English, but need to hear the native accent more and to get some interactive simulation. I bought this for a friend in China who worked for a American firm, and she love it.

After reading the other review, I can say I was pretty shocked when I got the product and reviewed it. The program is definitely not for people who are trying to learn English. Perhaps it is better suited for people who are trying to improve pronunication or learn appropriate phrases.

Example: There is a module where the user is to identify parts of the car. The English voice-over says: "These are made of rubber and are filled with air". The user is to select the blue dot pointing to a tire. My cousin sat there not knowing what "rubber" or "air" meant, let alone know to select the picture of the tire.

Another "real life" example has the user observe a conversation in a restaurant. The conversation goes back and forth without any visuals other than the static picture of the waiter and customer. They go back and forth with, "Hello, how are you?" "I am fine." "What can I get for you?" "I would like a glass of water with ice, please."

Again, my cousin sat there looking at the screen, impressed with the voice-over but not learning anything about speaking English.

Very disappointing. The graphics are quite [disappointing], too.

I am a college student who came from a different country to study english here in US. This program has been very helpfull to me, specially with my pronunciation and vocabulary. It is a fun way to learn. I hope that others who have simular problems like myself, with the English language, discover this program.
I told many of my friends and family about it, and everyone who try love it.

Thank you.