Vocabulary Mastery 1 introduces lower-level ESL/EFL students to the most frequently used words in American academic environments, based on the Academic Word List developed by Coxhead (1998).

Books in the Vocabulary Mastery series provide students with the vocabulary they will encounter most frequently in their academic endeavors and help to enrich their understanding of a culture. Theme-based units familiarize students with some history and high-interest aspects about American culture and famous Americans: professional cycling, talking to the animals, living in hiding, saving our water, exploring space, and the Great Depression.

Each unit contains three readings and activities that check comprehension, teach and reinforce word forms, and practice other strategies for learning the 15 target words per unit. Writing and critical thinking exercises are included.