This course in Spanish is designed for anyone who wants to progress quickly from the basics to understanding, speaking and writing Spanish with confidence. Aimed at those with no previous knowledge, it can also be used by anyone wanting to brush up existing knowledge or refresh rusty language skills for a holiday or business trip. Key structures and vocabulary are introduced in 25 thematic units, progressing from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations to making travel arrangements and renting a flat. The course covers all structures required for GCSE and beyond. The emphasis is on communication throughout, with important language structures introduced through dialogues on the accompanying recording. There are plenty of exercises to practise the language as it is introduced and tips throughout to help with pronunciation and grammar. Cultural information boxes give advice and information for anyone planning a trip to Spain or Latin America. There are five tests at the back of the book for learners to check their progress and review any areas of difficulty. The language taught in the book is standard Spanish which will allow you to communicate with speakers anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world. Differences between peninsular and Latin American Spanish are explained in the units where necessary. This edition has been updated to reflect changes such as the introduction of the euro. There is also an English-Spanish vocabulary to go alongside the existing Spanish-English vocabulary and a "taking it further" section directing the reader to further sources of real Spanish - websites, books and more. The page design has been improved and section headings given in English to make the course easier to use for the self-access learner. The accompanying recording has been increased to two CDs with approximately 150 minutes of listening material. The recordings have been made mostly by native speakers from Spain, but a few sections have been recorded by Latin American people to familiarize learners with different accents.

Table of Contents

Before you start; I speak Spanish; how are you?; I want a room, please; where is it?; what are you going to have?; what time does it arrive?; how much do they cost?; I'd like to change some money; how old are you?; what do you do?; I start at nine; I like it; what are you going to do?; hello?; it was a great journey; where were you born?; it was very small; what were you doing there?; it has been a mistake; we will go to the beach; I'd love to; shall I give you some more?; go straight on; I have a headache; what kind of person are you looking for?; taking it further; testing yourself; glossary of grammatical terms; grammar summary; irregular verbs; listening comprehension transcripts; key to the activities; key to "testing yourself"; Spanish-English vocabulary; English-Spanish vocabulary; index to grammar.

Author Biography

Juan Kattan-Ibarra was born in Chile and lived in Spain for a number of years. He has degrees in foreign language teaching from the University of Chile, Michigan State University, Manchester University and the Institute of Education, London University. He taught Spanish at Ealing College and Shell International, and was an examiner in Spanish for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of London School Examinations Board. He is now a full-time author.