21st Century Communication (Second Edition) – The Ultimate Series for Listening, Speaking & Critical Thinking Skills

Book Title: 21st Century Communication, Second Edition: Listening, Speaking and Critical Thinking
Publisher: National Geographic Learning
Skills Focus: Listening, Speaking, Communication, Presentation, Critical Thinking
Levels: A2, B1, B2, C1 (Elementary → Advanced)
Language: American English
Publication Year: 2023

Overview

21st Century Communication (Second Edition) is a 4-level academic communicative series designed to build strong listening, speaking, presentation, and critical thinking skills for English learners in the modern world.
Through real-world content from TED Talks and National Geographic Explorers, learners not only improve their English proficiency but also develop essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, academic communication, and analytical thinking.

This series is ideal for students, working professionals, and English programs looking to upgrade their curriculum with high-impact, multimedia-supported teaching materials.

Key Features

1. Authentic, inspiring content from TED Talks

The series brings learners into real-world communication through TED Talks, National Geographic stories, and global topics.
This approach improves comprehension, motivation, and real-life listening skills—making it one of the best resources for academic speaking and advanced listening practice.

2. “Big Ideas” for deeper understanding

Every unit is built around a central concept—called a Big Idea—presented from multiple perspectives.
Learners build strong critical thinking skills, including:

• analyzing viewpoints

• evaluating evidence

• forming personal opinions

• presenting ideas logically and persuasively

3. Development of essential 21st-century skills

The series trains students in key competencies required for academic and professional success:

• critical thinking

• decision-making

• active listening

• public speaking

• note-taking

• teamwork and collaboration

This makes it ideal for learners preparing for global study or work environments.

4. Effective communication models

Each unit includes high-quality model conversations, sample presentations, and speaking frameworks to help learners express ideas naturally and confidently in English.

5. Comprehensive teaching and learning support

The series includes:

• Student’s Book

• Teacher’s Book

• Presentation tools

• Assessment materials

• Online learning platform Spark
  This allows both teachers and students to engage with the course anytime, anywhere.

Who Should Use 21st Century Communication?

Learners of all levels (A2–C1)

Perfect for students, university learners, and working adults who want to strengthen:

• listening comprehension

• speaking fluency

• presentation skills

• academic communication

• real-world English

Learners preparing for international study or work

The series trains academic English skills such as:

• academic note-taking

• summarizing content

• debating and discussion

• delivering presentations

• evaluating arguments

These are vital for university preparation, study abroad, and professional communication.

Students who want to develop critical thinking

Great for learners who want to go beyond grammar and vocabulary and develop skills like:

• evaluating information

• comparing perspectives

• making informed decisions

Teachers and language centers

A top choice for English programs needing:

• modern, high-quality teaching materials

• flexible course lengths (up to 52 hours per level)

• multimedia teaching support

• engaging global topics that keep students motivated

Benefits of Learning with 21st Century Communication

1. Strong Listening & Speaking development

Learners practice understanding real academic English and develop confidence in:

• conversation

• presentation

• academic discussion

• expressing opinions clearly

2. Enhanced critical thinking skills

Through Big Ideas, learners improve their ability to:

• analyze arguments

• evaluate information

• express viewpoints logically

3. Improved academic skills

Students train essential academic behaviors:

• note-taking

• summarizing

• synthesizing information

• organizing ideas
  This is ideal for university or workplace preparation.

4. Core 21st-century competencies

The series builds skills like:

• responsible decision-making

• teamwork

• creative thinking

• effective communication

5. Motivating, high-impact content

TED Talks and National Geographic stories make lessons engaging and memorable, turning English learning into an inspiring, meaningful experience.

6. Flexible digital learning

With National Geographic Learning’s Spark platform, students can:

• watch videos

• complete online practice

• check their progress

• learn anytime, anywhere

Teaching and Learning Recommendations

For teachers:

• Use the authentic content to spark discussion and real communication.

• Encourage debates and open-ended questions to build critical thinking.

• Teach active listening and academic note-taking strategies.

• Integrate Spark and video-based activities for deeper engagement.

For students:

• Participate actively in discussions and group tasks.

• Practice note-taking during TED Talks and review notes afterward.

• Compare viewpoints and form personal opinions to strengthen reasoning.

• Use multimedia tools (videos, audio, Spark) to boost comprehension and fluency.

When teachers and students work together with a clear communicative goal, 21st Century Communication (Second Edition) becomes a powerful, motivating pathway to advanced real-world English.

When teachers and students work together with a clear communicative goal, 21st Century Communication (Second Edition) becomes a powerful, motivating pathway to advanced real-world English.

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