I have known M Ahsan Ullah Khan, a suave banker, teacher, and an author for decades now. We have interacted closely on a number of occasions on various subjects. When he came to know that I also teach Business Communication at a renowned private university, he presented me with his book, Communication that Works. I was immensely benefited by the book and recommended it to my MBA students. Later, Ahsan Ullah Khan presented me with two more books authored by him. One is Brush up Your English and Step Towards English. I have gone through all the books and planned to write reviews for this daily. Ahsan Ullah Khan gave valuable input to my review by highlighting the major areas where he intended to throw more light for the benefit of the readers.
Why books on English learning?
In a time when English has become essential for education and employment, the three books – Step Towards English, Brush Up Your English, and Communication That Works – are transforming how learners approach the language. Once feared as a difficult subject, English is now being embraced as a skill of empowerment.
The first book, Step Towards English, builds a solid foundation for beginners. With clear grammar lessons, easy vocabulary, and plenty of situational talks, it helps readers start from zero with confidence.
The second, Brush Up Your English, is for those who already know the basics but want to polish their skills. It explains complex grammar and advanced sentence structures in a reader-friendly style – perfect for students preparing for competitive exams or professionals seeking fluency.
The third, Communication That Works, takes English learning to the next level focusing on how to communicate effectively at work and in life. From writing emails and delivering presentations to conducting meetings and building relationships, this book shows how English can open doors to success in the corporate world.
Together, these three books form a complete journey from learning the basics to mastering real-world communication. As Khan himself says, “There is no end to learning. In the age of AI, one must retain knowledge to present ideas more effectively.”
Practical, inspiring, and easy to follow, Khan’s trilogy is a valuable companion for students, teachers, and professionals alike – a true guide for those who wish to think, write, and communicate in English with confidence.
In an era of globalisation and digital communication, proficiency in English has become a prerequisite for academic success and professional advancement. M Ahsan Ullah Khan’s trilogy addresses this growing demand by presenting an integrated system of language learning. The three books are sequenced in a manner that enables learners to progress systematically from basic grammatical competence to effective communicative performance.
Step Towards English
This introductory volume is designed for beginners who seek to understand the structural foundations of the English language including speaking and listening. It covers essential grammatical rules, vocabulary, various expressions used in conversations, differences between American & British English, sentence formation techniques and extensive situational talk and their usage. Bangla meaning is also included for better understanding. The inclusion of practice exercises encourages independent learning and enhances retention.
Brush Up Your English
This book caters to intermediate learners who already possess some knowledge of English but wish to refine their proficiency. It delves deeper into complex grammatical structures, sentences, gerund, infinitives, prepositions, modifiers and stylistic nuances. It also covers extensive situational talk and their usage, vocabularies, idiomatic expressions, pronunciation rules, various expressions used in conversations, differences between American & British English, sentence formation techniques and extensive situational talk and their usage.
Communication That Works
The final volume focuses on the applied dimension of English – communication in professional and personal settings. It covers workplace correspondence, presentation skills, meeting management, and interpersonal communication.
Khan’s trilogy contributes significantly to English language education, particularly in contexts where English functions as a second language. The books serve not only as instructional materials but also as motivational guides for learners aspiring to achieve linguistic confidence and professional excellence.
