Recommendation from a French teacher
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The Living Language Ultimate series is my personal number 1 choice when it comes to learning foreign languages, and this French version is no exception.
The whole course is based around realistic dialogues, so you are learning spoken French all the way through the book. Of course you will learn to read it too, but the focus on the spoken language to the extent to which it is presented here helps you build up speech patterns.
Each dialogue features certain language points that are covered in detail in the explanations that follow. These explanations are easy to follow, but extensive enough to give you everything you really need to know, rather than obscure facts and features of the language you are never going to need. In addition, cultural notes support each unit.
The audio component is unique to Living Language, a far as I know. Of the 8 cassettes or CDs, 4 are for use in class, and contain only French. The other 4 are for use at those times when you are travelling, exercising etc. i.e. when you are unable to use the book but you are able to listen and repeat. The `On The Go' recordings feature explanations in English, which support and reinforce the learning you do with the textbook. Far from being a gimmick, these recordings offer a unique element to the course, which allows you to extend your knowledge, even when you cannot learn in a traditional study environment.
A further feature of the course is the advanced volume, which is based upon the same conversational approach as the beginner/intermediate course, and which offers the student the option to take the language further in a format he or she is used to, and therefore, comfortable with.
Admittedly, Living Language Ultimate seems to cost slightly more than other self-study courses on the market, but they are well worth it, and with the Amazon special price you really are getting a bargain on a solid and well integrated language course, that will undoubtedly stand you in good stead whether you are a self-learner or a student of French.
If you're serious about learning French, and you are only intent on purchasing one course, then I recommend this one.
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My opinion about Ultimate French : Basic - Intermediate
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I like this book very much. It contains a complete French course for beginner. Native speaker-spoken dialogues, pronunciation guide, vocabulary, grammar usages, and excercises + key. You can rely on this book for studying French. Unfortunately there is not enuogh excercise. There's only 5 questions each section. That's why I put 4 stars for it. Otherwise, I would have put 5. To the author: if you want to publish a new edition of this book in the future, add some more excercise, 15-20 questions each section will do.
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