First editions

English File was originally commissioned just as a two-level course: an Elementary level, which became English File 1, and a Pre-intermediate level, which became English File 2. They were designed to be ‘file’-like, (hence the name), with lots of dip-in sections for skills, survival language, revision etc. that teachers could use to suit class variations. The two books were published in 1996 and 1997 respectively, and they were very different from the other courses on the market at the time. Some of the innovative features in that first edition were a resounding success, like having the Vocabulary Bank and the Grammar Bank at the back of the book, and the inclusion of integrated pronunciation and the famous English Sounds pronunciation pictures – these features have been maintained through all the new editions. Another innovative feature was the use of authentic pop songs, rather than the more typical specially written songs for learners of English. The songs were immensely popular, but were also the area where Clive and I argued the most, each wanting to include a favourite song!

After English File 2 was published, Clive and I were really keen to continue the series straightaway, as we felt that many of the ideas and features were really doing something different and successful, and also we knew that a new coursebook series wouldn’t really take off without at least four levels. However, it wasn’t a priority for OUP at that time, and nothing happened immediately. But after some persuasion, and most importantly, consistently enthusiastic word-of-mouth feedback from teachers using English File 1 and 2, OUP changed their mind. Some changes to the organization and features of the book were agreed, and English File Intermediate came out in 1999. Although even then, OUP were not completely convinced that the series would be a success, they did agree to an English File Upper-intermediate, which came out in 2001