Step It Up recognizes the unique opportunities that mixed-level classes provide for students to challenge themselves, to learn to communicate with a wide variety of speakers, and to fill in the gaps in their learning, regardless of their individual proficiencies. Step It Up is a time-saver for teachers of multilevel classes.

Each chapter focuses on a different academic discipline (education, art, history, business, geology, ecology, nutrition, language and culture, and literature). Chapters include three readings at three fluency levels-called the First Step (intermediate), Second Step (high-intermediate to low-advanced), and Third Step (advanced). Corresponding vocabulary development exercises, comprehension questions, group discussion questions, and wrap-up activities encourage students to work at their own learning levels even as they are asked to interact with the group and share the expertise that they have gained from the material.

Step It Up can also address the needs of learners who don't fall into the traditional categories and who will benefit from activities at different levels to help fill in gaps of their knowledge of English.