Unlike traditional methods that isolate skills, Alexander’s "Integrated Course" synthesizes multiple linguistic disciplines simultaneously:
: It has seen massive success internationally, particularly in China, where millions of copies of the collaborative editions have been sold. Book Information
The dialogues feature realistic, colloquial British English, introducing idioms and expressions that native speakers actually use. 2. The Multi-Inflow Integration
First Things First , published in 1967 by , is the foundational first volume of the legendary New Concept English series. Designed specifically for absolute beginners , it revolutionized English language teaching by moving away from rote memorization toward a more integrated, systematic approach that focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing—in that specific order. Key Features of the Course The Multi-Inflow Integration First Things First , published
If you're using "First Things First" as a coursebook, you may find the following resources helpful:
For freelance ESL tutors, the structured layout offers a ready-made curriculum that requires very little lesson-planning preparation. Tips for Maximizing the Textbook
It offers instant access to a classic text that might be hard to find in local bookstores. Tips for Maximizing the Textbook It offers instant
Because the book is cumulative, reviewing earlier lessons ensures you have the foundation to tackle later, more complex ones. Conclusion
Reviewers from platforms like Goodreads and Amazon frequently highlight the following:
First Things First is the entry point to a four-part journey toward fluency: 1 First Things First - Student's Book (New Concept English) this course follows a linear
The course consists of 20 units, each covering a specific topic, such as:
The vocabulary and structures in First Things First are not academic or abstract; they are the essential building blocks of daily conversation. It focuses on functional English that beginners need to survive and thrive. Key Components of the Course
Unlike modern textbooks that often jump between unrelated topics, this course follows a linear, building-block strategy. It operates on the principle that "nothing should be spoken before it has been heard, nothing should be read before it has been spoken, and nothing should be written before it has been read." Key Features of the Integrated Course