A critical review and evaluation of the textbook: English for the Students of Science (Biology & Geology)

One of the most important issues that must be considered regarding textbook development is the critical evaluation of their materials. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating a textbook entitled English for the Students of Science (Biology & Geology) written by Mahmoud-Reza Attai, Omid-Reza Rajabi, Mavaddat Saeidi, Malihe-Sadat Mousavi, and Mohsen Nili Ahmadabadi, and published by SAMT in 2016. In order to achieve this goal, the model  developed by Mahmoodi and Ahmadisafa (2015)‎ for critical evaluation of English for Specific Purposes books was used. Based on the analysis of the book, the textbook’s weak points included insufficient application of relevant tables and figures, and the lack of features that activate and reinforce students’ critical thinking, such as graphic features, appropriate activities for each lesson, appropriate content, coherence, and attention to language skills. Since developing critical thinking is considered as one of the most important and vital skills for students today, it is of utmost importance that authors of the book consider this aspect of learning in their future works.