About the Author

My career in ELT began in Oxford in 1987, first as a teacher, then DoS, then Vice principal of Godmer House School of English. In 1996, I set up my own school teaching English to professionals which I ran for 10 years, giving it up in 2006 to concentrate on writing full-time. My interests have always centred around needs-based learning: from task-based learning for general English students through business English teaching to specialised ESP courses. As a teacher and a writer, my aim is to develop materials that are meaningful and thought-provoking - that offer more than just language learning. I seek out projects that offer this possibility. This was what led me to work with National Geographic on the adult series, LIFE. My publications include: Success with BEC (Summertown 2008), Energy English (Cengage 2010) and LIFE (National Geographic Learning (2012). I live in Oxford with my wife (and children when they come home). I love exercise (tennis, yoga, swimming, cycling and walking), reading and travel and I like to combine all three as often as I can. Russell Whitehead studied English Language and Literature at Oxford University and Applied Linguistics at London University. He was a teacher and self-access co-ordinator for 12 years and has been a freelance author and consultant since 1997. He has been closely involoved in many Cambridge Esol tests, including FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC, BULATS and IELTS. He has done consultancy work for universities including Cambridge, London and Kent and the British Council. He has written several practice test books for BEC as well as on-line materials, workbooks, a teacher's book, and contributions to coursebooks.