Together with "Intermediate Matters", "Upper Intermediate Matters" forms a fully integrated two-part revision and extension course which takes learners up to a level equivalent to Cambridge First Certificate. The books are aimed at learners who have studied two or three years of English and the course provides approximately 120 hours of classroom material in 20 units. Topics and texts have been selected for the affective content, in order to stimulate a personal response. Topics address light-hearted and more serious subjects. Most of the reading and listening input is authentic, in order to expose learners to real English. The extracts have been carefully selected in terms of length and difficulty, ensuring that related tasks are stretching but achievable. There are also speaking activities which include problem-solving, roleplay and discussions; writing activities which range from producing letters and compositions to creative poems and stories. In addition grammar and functions are covered and vocabulary is extended by authentic texts and word-building skills. Pronunciation work is integrated throughout and focuses on intonation in connected speech, word and sentence stress.