best starter kit ever!
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In my opinion this is the best introduction to spanish i could have hoped for. I have never studied spanish before so I was daunted. I read through some online info about it and it seemed liked it was going to be quite hard. This kit really put my worries to rest.
A tip, the coursebook in this pack is intended to be listened to almost always when you are studying, so that you can talk aloud with the dialogues in the book by hearing how the words are pronounced. There's always encouragement from the 'tutor' on the cd. Also, unlike nearly every textbook i have come across for self tuition, it takes a different approach to teaching. The lessons are set out into days. 7 days in a week, 7 weeks in the course. Typically you learn 5 new words a day, saying them aloud with the recordings is best. You learn new, easy sentences and everything is explained by the 'tutor' on the recording again. If you are after something more writing based, this book may not be totally suitable. however going by the typical exercises, your writing skills form anyway and they could easily be turned around into written exercises then you can listen to the recording to check the answers.
The flashcards are really helpful, i was able to recognise all the words in the 1st pack (spanish to english then english to spanish) within a day. The little travel book you get with it is pretty helpful too, it has some phrases and info the coursebook doesnt. it's very neat, easy to use, easy to follow and so long as you listen to the tutor you will be picking up spanish quickly and effectively.
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Does exactly what it says it does on the cover
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I bought the Spanish Starter Kit with 2CDs as a pack 4 weeks before travelling to Spain. I spoke NO Spanish at all although I have studied Italian formally at college. This pack was excellent. The CDs are very clear, and the "personal tutor" (I was sceptical about that!) does seem to uncannily second guess every time you think about skipping an exercise. I got through the first Week 1 in a day (but I think the Italian and rusty French helped there). Thereafter it was slower....but so worthwhile. I especially liked the emphasis on spoken language, as at this stage this was all I wanted. You do learn the written langauge as you go along though, without realising, helped by the flash cards. Highly recommended and good value for money.
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Excellent
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This is a true dream for anyone new to Spanish. This kit guides you through the absolute basics of the language, yet also gives you a workable knowledge of the language - enough to put into use on holiday even!
The CDs guide you through the book without leaving a doubt in your mind. The small 'travellers companion' book also provides a quick and usable reference for use within the course, as well as when putting the language into practice.
If you've tried before and floundered, or are having any doubts about your ability to learn Spanish, be sure that this course grabs you by the hand and doesn't let you go the whole time. At very few points, if at all, did I feel as if things could have been explained better.
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