The Oxford ESL Dictionary

Lori A. Dunn is an ESL teacher and an event coordinator, with a
background in linguistics and education in Okanagan, B.C.

Portability is a main feature of this updated edition of The Oxford ESL
Dictionary, aimed at the North American market. The 32 colour inset
pages are a random assortment of tidbits, including topical items (the
environment and computers), a study guide (note-taking, report writing,
and resumé building), basic vocabulary topics (food, clothing, and
health), and the all-important cultural information, which is limited to
an explanation of the political and educational systems of Canada and
the United States.

The team at Oxford did not forget the basics that are found in most ESL
dictionaries: a clear vowel and diphthong pronunciation guide at the
foot of every two-page spread, grammatical notes, and some questions and
exercises to engage the student in active use of the dictionary. The
drawings within the text itself are especially well done: for example,
“kitchen” includes clear line sketches of various kitchen utensils.
The editors have also included some useful vocabulary building, adding
clarification notes and information on word families; the entry for
“kill,” for example, includes a note explaining murder, assassinate,
slaughter, and massacre.

All in all, The Oxford ESL Dictionary is a worthy resource for
intermediate students.