I have never attended a traditional English course, that is, with a teacher to help me along or even classmates to practice conversation. I used to listen to tapes and repeat along with them (yes, tapes... there weren't any CD-ROMs at that time).
But what I am trying to say is that despite all my efforts to learn English, every time I tried to put something into words (not single phrases, of course, but long texts) I went through some kind of disappointment. I felt like the words didn't come and if they did it looked like they weren't the suitable ones. So, the first time I heard about books like Longman Essential Activator and his more advanced version Longman Language Activator, I glimpsed what could be the kind of learning tool I was hoping for.
I have both copies of Longman Essential Activator and Longman Language Activator and as I search through its contents, I become more aware of how much I missed something like that through my studies. The Essential Activator is very suitable for intermediate students who want to enrich and activate their vocabulary. I also have to mention the accompanying CD-ROM which besides the contents of the book provides exercises and pronunciation both in American and British accents. The book gives maximum help with language production through a series of tips. For example, if you ask somebody "What is your job?" or "What is your work?" would you think you are using the right question to know what someone does to earn money? However, the Essential Activator warns us that we must say "What do you do?" or "What do you do for a living?" instead. "What is your job?" was always my phrase for this situation, but now it won't be anymore.
I am not regretted of my buying this book and I am sure you won't be either.