Vocabulary Mastery 1 introduces lower-level ESL/EFL students to the most frequently used words in American academic environments, based on the Academic Word List.The three books in the Vocabulary Mastery series (Books 2 and 3 coming 2008-09) provide students with the vocabulary they will encounter most frequently in their academic endeavors and will help to enrich their understanding of a culture. Theme-based units familiarize students with some history and high-interest aspects about American culture and famous events and people: professional cycling, talking to the animals, Anne Frank, the environment, exploring space, and Seabiscuit and the Great Depression.Each unit contains three readings and activities that check comprehension, teach and reinforce word forms, and practice other strategies for learning the 15 target words per unit. Writing and critical-thinking exercises are included.It provides academic vocabulary for lower level learners.