Evaluation of two general english textbooks: New interchange 2 vs. four corners 3

Abstract

Textbooks play a crucial role in language classrooms and educational programs all over the world. Choosing appropriate general English textbooks has always been a mind-boggling issue in Iranian English language institutes. This study aimed at evaluating two popular English textbooks including New Interchange 2 and Four Corners 3 in order to show their similarities and differences in terms of subject matters, vocabulary, structure, exercise, illustration, and physical make up. These English textbooks were compared and contrasted and their weaknesses and strengths were explained in terms of the mentioned criteria based on Daoud and Celce-Murcia’s (1979) checklist. This evaluation was done by four English language teachers. The findings of the research revealed that there was no significant difference between the two mentioned textbooks; however, in some cases Four Corners 3 was found to be better than New Interchange 2.