The Editor

I write graded reading and listening materials for English language learners. These include original stories like Love by Design and simplified versions of classics including Washington Square by Henry James & Oscar Wilde's The Picture Of Dorian Gray.

My books have been published most of the major publishers in the field including Oxford University Press (OUP), OUP (Hong Kong), Longman, Macmillan and Penguin. You can see a partial list here.

Three of my titles were singled out for their ‘particular excellence’ in Bamford & Day’s Extensive Reading in the Second Language Classroom (CUP) where I was described as being ‘amongst the best writers of language learner materials in English’.

I also have a strong interest in history and have MA in Literary & Historical studies from Bath Spa, where I studied under the celebrated novelist and short writer, Tessa Hadley. My specialist area is late Victorian/early 20th century cultural history

About these materials

My aim is to explore the story of the Titanic disaster through five presentations and accompanying summaries, worksheets and (Google) quizzes. The resources are suitable for all levels and ages (though given sombre subject matter 11/12 might be the younger age limit).

I try to deal fairly with some of the enduring myths - particularly surrounding social class and safety. I also pay close attention to the timeline - as many have pointed the sinking itself unfolds in a real-time equivalent of a Shakespearian play.

Above all, I have concentrated on the story as a drama - with fascinating central characters and heart-rending human interest.

For younger learners and second language students there is page dedicated to key vocabulary. This introduces basic terms like cabin, bridge, deck etc.

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Texts graded by vocabulary, grammar and readability.
Audio by  vocabulary, grammar, speed & clarity of delivery, contextual noise etc
Common European Framework * Cambridge Online Assessment * Graded Reading Scale
Beginners (IELTS score:  1-2)  (CEF) A1 ERF Graded Reader Scale Beginner Elementary  (IELTS score:3/TOEFL IBT Score: 32-42)    (CEF) A1/2 ERF Graded Reader Scale Elementary (Early/Mid) Pre-Intermediate (IELTS score:3.5/TOEFL IBT Score: 43-51) (CEF) A2/B1 ERF Graded Reader Scale Elementary (High) Inter (Early) Intermediate  (IELTS score:4.5/TOEFL IBT Score: 51-61) (CEF) B1/2 ERF Graded Reader Scale Intermediate (Mid/High) Upper Intermediate  (IELTS score:5-6.5/TOEFL IBT Score: 62-91) (CEF) B2 ERF Graded Reader Scale Upper Intermediate Advanced (IELTS score:6.5-8.5/TOEFL IBT Score: 92-115) (CEF) C1/C2 ERF Graded Reader Scale Advanced