This dictionary is ideal and helped get me through my GCSE and A-Level French classes and exams with top marks. The fact that it uses colour is an advantage as it makes it much faster to consult and therefore much more accessible to the user. It is very much up-to-date, including translations for word such as cybercafe, digital camera, DVD, search engine, etc, which can definitely come in handy. Also coming in handy are the extra explanations included for the more essential vocabulary, for example key words that appear frequently or have several meanings in both languages.
This edition is also reasonably unique in that it includes 23 different word games in the centre, included to encourage the user to practice exploring the dictionary's content and retrieving information for a variety of purposes. This enables the user to use it more efficiently and effectively.
The only down-side I could possibly see would be for people wanting a "pocket" dictionary - this it isn't unless you have rather larger than normal pockets! It measure 15.5cm (6.2") x 11.2cm (4.35") and is slightly smaller than A5 size. Personally I find this ideal as it means it's a lot clearer and therefore a lot easier to read - ideal for students to have on their desk or for a traveller to have in their bag. This edition also comes with a semi-hardback plastic cover that protects it from damage, especially when thrown into the bottom of a bag, until retrieved for the next lesson!!!
In all it's an excellent buy, which I've still got and still refer to several years on.
