Evaluating the lexical component of EFL coursebooks

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the vocabulary exercises of two EFL coursebook serials. One of them is an integrated serial New English File while the other one is a lexical focused serial English Vocabulary in Use. Data were collected from all of the proficiency levels of the serial systematically to obtain a balanced and representative sample of the vocabulary exercises in the coursebook. Data were analysed from three main perspectives: lexical focus (aspects), strategy training and cognitive demand (depth). A template was prepared including the categories and their subcategories to make an analysis. The results revealed that the most significant difference between these serials involved their lexical focus in that, that English Vocabulary in Use was more varied in this category. Secondly, the lexically focused coursebook serial English Vocabulary in Use included strategy training albeit in a limited amount, but New English File did not include any. Lastly, vii the study results show that English Vocabulary in Use is slightly more demanding than New English File. In addition to these basic conclusions, a more detailed difference is available in the study. Keywords: foreign language vocabulary learning, vocabulary exercises in coursebooks, lexical focus, depth, strategy training