En directo! : a beginning course

This introductory Spanish textbook pays particular attention to listening and reading, skills which are especially important to the beginner. Students can explore the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, using authentic materials - realia and texts - which also serve as the starting point for many of the activities and exercises included. The skill of listening comprehension is emphasized with both targeted activities, where students listen for specific information, as well as global activities, where students listen for general content. A guided reading activity appears in every chapter and offers students reading strategies which are followed up with a post-reading activity. Communicative practice is emphasized throughout the text and a section of each chapter focuses specifically on partner/pair and group work.